A Q&A With Sheri Koones
The buzz about prefabricated custom homes has peaked your interest, but you're not sure how to get started? Sheri Koones, a veteran writer on new home construction and author of 'Prefabulous,' answers the most commonly asked questions about this growing trend.
Q. What is prefab construction?
Prefab is a generic term that describes any type of construction that is partially or mostly done in the factory. Often the term prefab is only associated with manufactured homes or trailers which are built to a HUD code and have a metal cassis. These homes are brought to the house site on their own wheels and are not placed on a foundation. Today there are many prefab houses (sometimes referred to as system built houses) that are built to adhere to residential building codes and are built with a variety of different methods. These include, modular, panelized, timber frame, log, concrete, steel and hybrid techniques. System built houses today are customized, beautiful and rival the most elaborate site built homes.
Q. How does someone start the process of building a prefab home?
It is important to consider the type of system you may want to use. That decision should be made after exploring each system and selecting the one that best fits the location, your budget and your personal needs. 'Prefabulous,' my latest book covers many of these systems.
Q. What is the order of the process?
Its important to have a piece of land picked out before planning to build. In some ways, the land will help define the type of system that can be used. The choice of system will also depend on the size, configuration and accessibility of the land. The next step would be to look for an architect youd like to work with. If youre on a tight budget, you may want to interview prefab companies and see what types of designs they offer; often they have standard plans that you can select from. Many manufacturers provide custom design services.
Q. Can the manufacturer act as the "builder"?
Most manufacturers do not serve as the builder. Often the manufacturer can recommend an architect and a builder that they have worked with in the past, who they feel confident will do a good job.
Q. How does the cost of building prefab homes compare to the cost of building on-site in the traditional process?
It depends on the system used. There can be a savings in modular, panelized and structural insulated panels, depending on the location and complexity of the house. Other methods may be more costly such as timber frame, log, concrete and steel. Some of these methods, such as concrete and steel are particularly durable and will be standing for many years - in the long run these might be considered cost-saving investments. Also, some of these methods cut down on the carrying costs because of the energy savings that can be achieved with the method of construction. SIPs, for example, have shown to substantially reduce the need for heating and cooling.
Q. Green building is very high profile now-a-days. Does prefab have any green advantages?
Yes. Factories control waste far more efficiently than site building. Many factories recycle what little waste they have. Materials are stored under cover and there are less weather-related losses. The National Association of Home Builders' Green Home Building Guidelines gives a bonus of 6 points for building with panels and 7 points for using modular construction.
Q. What is the one piece of advice you would impart to anyone undertaking this process?
Make sure you check out the manufacturer, builder and architect. Call references -- people that have recently used their services. Be an educated consumer!
Author of four books, Sheri Koones is also a columnist for several home magazines focusing on construction and new home owner concerns. Her newest book 'Prefabulous,' from the Taunton Press is in stores now.
Visit her Website
Peak Inside Prefabulous: Fabulous Prefab Homes
Q. How does someone start the process of building a prefab home?
It is important to consider the type of system you may want to use. That decision should be made after exploring each system and selecting the one that best fits the location, your budget and your personal needs. 'Prefabulous,' my latest book covers many of these systems.
Q. What is the order of the process?
Its important to have a piece of land picked out before planning to build. In some ways, the land will help define the type of system that can be used. The choice of system will also depend on the size, configuration and accessibility of the land. The next step would be to look for an architect youd like to work with. If youre on a tight budget, you may want to interview prefab companies and see what types of designs they offer; often they have standard plans that you can select from. Many manufacturers provide custom design services.
Q. Can the manufacturer act as the "builder"?
Most manufacturers do not serve as the builder. Often the manufacturer can recommend an architect and a builder that they have worked with in the past, who they feel confident will do a good job.
Q. How does the cost of building prefab homes compare to the cost of building on-site in the traditional process?
It depends on the system used. There can be a savings in modular, panelized and structural insulated panels, depending on the location and complexity of the house. Other methods may be more costly such as timber frame, log, concrete and steel. Some of these methods, such as concrete and steel are particularly durable and will be standing for many years - in the long run these might be considered cost-saving investments. Also, some of these methods cut down on the carrying costs because of the energy savings that can be achieved with the method of construction. SIPs, for example, have shown to substantially reduce the need for heating and cooling.
Q. Green building is very high profile now-a-days. Does prefab have any green advantages?
Yes. Factories control waste far more efficiently than site building. Many factories recycle what little waste they have. Materials are stored under cover and there are less weather-related losses. The National Association of Home Builders' Green Home Building Guidelines gives a bonus of 6 points for building with panels and 7 points for using modular construction.
Q. What is the one piece of advice you would impart to anyone undertaking this process?
Make sure you check out the manufacturer, builder and architect. Call references -- people that have recently used their services. Be an educated consumer!
Author of four books, Sheri Koones is also a columnist for several home magazines focusing on construction and new home owner concerns. Her newest book 'Prefabulous,' from the Taunton Press is in stores now.
Visit her Website
Peak Inside Prefabulous: Fabulous Prefab Homes
