History

• Prefab home building kits were first marketed in the 1600s. The catalog of sears Roebuck sold kit houses in 1900. Timber cut to size and other home building fittings were sent by railroad to the house site and assembled. The popularity of these houses waned in a few years of their introduction because of a lack of variety in design. In places with unfriendly climate like Alaska, prefabricated Quonset metal huts that were used by soldiers during the world wars became popular prefab housing options after the war. With the surge of interest in green housing, prefab housing kits have recently seen a revival in popularity and design.
  
  

Misconceptions

• Prefab housing kits are looked upon with skepticism by many home builders because of some popular myths .There are many who feel that prefab housing does not come with a variety in design. Prefab housing kits conjure the image of large storage containers with windows and doors that are only suitable for barns. It is also believed that the product is unstable and made of inferior quality material.
  
  

Features

• Prefab home building kits come in a variety of designs and there are many companies that specialize in manufacturing kits to specifications and with regard to the lie of the land. All the material is cut to precise sizes in the controlled environment of a factory. The material is brought to the site and assembled. The building is better insulated than an on site brick and mortar construction. The kits are available to suit high end and low end budgets. They are strong and resistant to inclement weather conditions like hurricane zones.
  
  

Benefits

• Using a prefab home building kit is less expensive, less time consuming and eco-friendly. A kit for every budget is available in a variety of designs. They are bug-proof and weatherproof. Manufacturers buy superior material in large lots and reduce the cost for the customer. Recyclable and renewable material is used. The material used is durable and is ideal for locations that are storm and hurricane prone.
  
  

Expert Insight

• The prefab home building kit must conform to the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards. Since kits are priced differently, the most affordable according to a set budget should be purchased. The land layout should be kept in mind before purchasing the kit. Prefab kit manufacturing is a competitive business and customers should choose the best option in design, durability and delivery customized to their individual needs. Most other requirements, such as permits and loans, are the same whether the home is being constructed with a prefab home building kit or a brick and mortar on site construction.