In Australia prefab homes currently make up just 5% – but recently, we’re seeing a definite shift towards prefab, as people look for smarter, faster and more sustainable ways to build. So if you’re planning on building a new home, is prefab or traditional construction a better option for you?
Read on to find out.
What are prefab homes?
These days, many more people around the world are choosing to build their new home using prefab construction methods, particularly in Sweden where it’s estimated prefab homes make up over 80% of the market.
Prefabricated buildings are those which are partially or entirely built off-site, while traditionally constructed homes are built on site.
Prefab homes can be modular, where they are built as a module that is delivered to the site complete with internal and external walls, roof, ceiling, plumbing, electrical and most internal fittings. They can also be pre-cut off site and delivered in parts, ready for fast and easy assembly by a builder or the homeowner.
How do prefab and traditional builds compare?
When it comes to building a new home, it’s clear that prefab and traditional building methods have some important differences in their approach. So how do they compare on the key issues of sustainability, speed, flexibility, quality and cost?
Environmental impact: Prefab construction has some key advantages over traditional in the sustainability stakes. The construction industry in Australia generates a huge amount of waste, as excess materials on site are rarely stored for reuse or recycled. The controlled environment of prefab builds on the other hand allows excess materials to be easily stored for future use, or recycled if this is not possible. The off-site building methods also significantly reduce the level of site disturbance, which is particularly important in bushland and coastal environments.
Build time: The overall time it takes to build depends on the complexity of the design, but in general, a conventional build takes between 4–12 months to complete. However, in recent times this has blown out due to the impact of the pandemic, alongside an increase in extreme weather. In contrast, prefab homes built off-site are not slowed down by the weather, and can be installed fast once they are delivered – for small homes it could be as little as a few days, while for larger homes, just a few short weeks.
Design flexibility: Both traditional and prefab homes can be built to a pre-designed plan, or custom built to suit the unique needs of your family, lifestyle or block. The key to success is to spend time with your architects early on to make sure your design plans tick all your boxes.
Quality and longevity: There is a common misconception that prefab homes don’t stack up in the quality stakes, but in fact, the opposite is often true. One of the key benefits of building off site is the ability to quality control every aspect of the build, which results in buildings that are strong, durable and built to last, even in the most extreme conditions.
Cost and resale value: Another viewpoint (in Australia at least) has been that prefab homes are ‘cheap’ – but again, this is an incorrect assumption. Today, prefab and modular homes must be built to the same building codes as conventionally built homes. On top of this, the quality and style is second to none. Like traditionally built homes, prefab homes are available at both ends of the scale, so you can find value, or total luxury, depending on your budget and needs.
So how do they stack up?
It’s clear that prefab homes have immense untapped potential in Australia, and offer a host of benefits that should not be ignored. So if you’re looking for a quality home, want to mimimise the environmental impact of your build, and want to move into your new home faster, a prefab home could be the right choice for you.
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