Prefab, short for prefabricated, is a term used to describe a type of building construction. A prefab home in Quebec is built off-site in a factory then transported to the lot where it assembled.
According to the National Modular Housing Council (NMHC), there are several different types of prefab homes. They include modular, homes, kits homes, panel homes and 100% plant built homes.
MODULAR HOMES
Modular homes are built in sections or modules in a factory controlled environment indoors then transported to the building site. Once at the building site the sections are put together almost like Legos.
A modular home will be equal or superior in construction quality and have a price considerably less than a comparable site-built home.
KIT HOMES
Kit homes are much like modular homes but they are delivered to you in pieces. All materials are pre-measured, cut, and delivered to your home site along with the components required to for build the home. The owner or his builder are then responsible for assembling the home themselves.
Kit homes come in all sizes and designs and are cost effective. They are considered to be the cheaper option among prefab homes in Quebec but they require much more work from the homeowner.
PANEL HOMES
Panelized homes are built in panels – a whole wall, for instance – then each panel is transported to the building site and is constructed into a home.
Typically, panelized homes require more finishing work than modular homes, as the interior finishing work, such as painting, installing cabinetry and stairs, and installing flooring, must be completed on-site.
CONTAINER HOMES
A shipping container home is exactly what it sounds like. Container homes are made from steel containers used to import and export products by trains, ships and sometimes a truck.
Shipping container homes are affordable and can withstand fires and floods. The containers come in two standard sizes: 20 by 8 feet and 40 by 8 feet. With a little creativity you can design a unique modern home by stacking or adding the containers side-by-side. The containers themselves are inexpensive but it can be costly depending on design, and interior finishes.
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