The process of choosing the right prefab manufacturer for your project starts by comparing different companies and evaluating which ones can provide the house you are looking for.
Since prefab homes are built following a highly mechanised process, the house is designed with manufacturing in mind. When you choose a prefab company, you are effectively choosing a complete team of architects, designers and builders, which makes this selection a critical step in the prefab house-building process.
Look at the type of house the manufacturer offers
Given the mechanisation of the prefab construction process, manufacturers tend to be quite specialised. As a result, they generally stick to a specific aesthetic and type of prefab.
The process of choosing a manufacturer begins by understanding what type of house you are looking for and comparing it to what the manufacturer offers:
- The general aesthetics: Most of the houses offered by each manufacturer are built with the same architectural style. Some manufacturers choose to build their houses with a traditional look, some opt for a rustic style, and others prefer to design modern-looking houses. A fast scroll through a company’s profile will give you an idea of the manufacturer’s general aesthetic.
- Prefabs on foundations or wheels: Most manufacturers design their prefabs to be built off-site and assembled on a permanent foundation. In this case, the house is no different from a traditionally built structure and requires building permits. Some manufacturers, however, offer an alternative option placed on wheels. These prefabs resemble a mobile home rather than a traditional construction and can often be purchased without a building permit.
- Pre-designed or bespoke projects: Manufacturers can offer two design options: pre-designed or bespoke. Pre-designed prefabs are displayed in a catalogue-style list for the client to choose from, while bespoke prefabs are designed from scratch by the manufacturer according to the unique specifications of the client. Some manufacturers are equipped to provide both choices, though most focus primarily on one of these approaches.
See what is included in the manufacturer’s package
All manufacturers design and build their houses in a factory-like environment. However, the elements and services included in their package can vary enormously from one manufacturer to another.
While choosing a manufacturer, it is essential to look at the package options offered by each company to understand which one works best for you.
- The house’s package: Prefabs can be delivered fully furnished, just as the Keu model, which is ready to be lived in, or as an empty but functioning house shell, waiting to be decorated by the owner. Analyse which option works best for you and see which manufacturer offers your preferred choice. Most of the elements included in the house package can be customised, though the level of customisation varies from one company to another. It can range from personalising finishes to upgrading to higher quality materials or even designing the whole house from scratch.
- Logistics: Generally, shipping the prefabricated unit to the plot and assembling it on the foundations is managed by the manufacturer—but not always. Verifying that a team provided by the manufacturer will be on-site to assemble the house can make a big difference.
- Land preparation and on-site works: Commonly, manufacturers do not provide these services. As a result, additional professionals, such as a local contractor, are required to prepare the land and complete the on-site construction works. However, some manufacturers, such as VMODUL, choose to expand their package and take care of every step—from acquiring building permits to land preparation and finishing on-site work. Generally, works such as landscaping, gardening and pool building are not included by manufacturers, but we encourage you to get in touch with them, as it is the best way to know what they can do for you.
Make sure the manufacturer can deliver to you
A manufacturer who can deliver the type of house you are looking for, with the specific features that are important to you, is definitely a good choice. Still, some additional aspects can turn a good manufacturer into the best possible choice.
- Possibility to visit an already-built prefab model: Some companies, such as Šuuna, offer the opportunity to visit a completed model to help you get a clear understanding of what the finished space looks and feels like.
- Exceptional warranty policies and maintenance services: All prefab companies offer some sort of product warranty, though their policies vary widely. The duration of this period is different for different parts of the house, with the structural elements typically covered the longest. Look for manufacturers with stronger coverage that provide maintenance and repair services not only during the warranty period but also after its expiration.
- Extensive experience in the industry: While many years of activity are not a guarantee of excellence, the more projects a company has delivered, the lower the probability of encountering unexpected issues during the construction of your new house.
- Excellent reputation: One of the most helpful ways to understand if you are choosing a reputable manufacturer is by reading past clients’ reviews. Additionally, some companies such as Brette Haus and Nomad Container have been rewarded or recognised by different media, which can be a further sign of reliability.
