Because we are design specialists, we do not manufacture packages or kits. However, we do understand and appreciate the prefab process and have worked successfully with several prefab manufacturers to make sure our designs work for the requirements of prefab.
A "prefabbed" home is one option people are considering these days when they start thinking about building a home. Also known as "panelizing", prefab generally means that the home's components - typically floors, walls and roof, windows and doors and exterior finishes - are cut and pre-assembled to some degree in a factory environment and then shipped to the building site where they are put together.
"Prefabs" can be more, or less, expensive; it depends on many factors. Some of these include:
- The design itself: the more complex, the less cost-effective it is to prefab.
- The level of construction experience of the builder. Prefab can be a good fit with an owner-builder who has some carpentry experience but has never built a whole house from the ground up.
- The remoteness and accessibility of your site: more remote or less accessible might mean savings from prefab in not having to haul crew and equipment in and out for too many days.
- The availability and cost of construction crews in your area; prefab cuts down on the time you need a crew, providing there are crews available who work with prefab. This is particularly helpful in places where the building season is short.
- Depending on where you live, the prefab manufacturer may have crew that can go to your site and erect the structure.
- Your location and what that means for shipping costs. Shipping a package all the way across the continent can seriously reduce the economic benefits of prefab.
- The likelihood of theft from the construction site; there is less material lying around for less time, and the pieces are much larger and harder to steal.
Key Benefits
- The pieces of the home are measured and cut with precision equipment in a plant, partially assembled, and shipped with the major hardware needed to finish the assembly.
- The wall panels, roof and floor components are made with kiln-dried lumber and thus are less prone to shrinkage and movement once the drywall is in place.
- A small structure can be assembled in a few days; a larger home may take only a week or two from foundation to roof sheathing.
- A faster build means potentially faster draws on your building loan and less interest expense.
- It can be easier to book a crew for the shorter period of time needed, or there may be a crew available from the prefab supplier.
Potential Drawbacks
- It may not be possible or cost effective to prefab the design you want.
- The cost of the pre fabricated kit may end up being more expensive than building the project locally with conventional framing.
- The shipping may be prohibitive.
- The prefab companies may be booked up well in advance
- The prefab package is only one small part of the overall project and, since most prefab companies are not in the business of providing complete"turn-key" contracting services, this means that you will likely also need to hire a builder to create the foundation and assemble the prefab package components, co-ordinate subtrades, install cabinets and trim and generally oversee the whole project. Finding a contractor who is willing to work with pre fab and "give up" a sizeable part of the overall contract value to others may require some searching, and a bit of educating as to the value of this building approach.
- In British Columbia, where all new homes must carry a New Home Warranty , finding a builder who will take responsibility and provide the warranty for the whole project when others have done a substantial amount of the construction can be the largest challenge.
Prefab companies we have worked with:
Pacific Building Systems
3730 Trans Canada Hwy
PO BOX 70
Cobble Hill, BC V0R 1L0
(250) 743-5584
Toll Free in North America: 1-800-667-3511
http://www.pacificbuildingsystems.com
Ajia Canadian Building Systems
1367 Crown Street
North Vancouver, BC V7J 1G4
Toll Free: 1-888-990-AJIA (2542)
(604) 990-1133
http://www.mycanadahome.com
Chateau Building Products
Suite 201–33 East 8 th Ave,
Vancouver, BC V5T 1R5
604-639-8032
http://www.chateaubp.com
Fiscus Homes
202- 1515 Pemberton Avenue
North Vancouver, BC V7P 2S3
604-986-7670
http://www.fiscushomes.com
Insulspan Corporation
#1-600 Chester Road
Annacis Island
Delta, BC V3M 5Y3
604-540-0600
http://www.insulspan.com
