Prefabricated Homes in Quebec: Types, Benefits and Cost
Prefabricated homes are becoming an increasingly popular way to build your house. In both the United States and Canada, they’re viewed as an alternative construction method.
In this article, we will discuss the advantages of prefabricated homes, the materials used to build them and the many reasons why you should invest in one.
Types of prefab homes
Although there are several different ways to build a prefabricated home, there are two main types!
The prefabricated house
Building a prefabricated house can be compared to putting together a puzzle. All the different house sections are built in separate factories and workshops and are later assembled on the construction site.
The modular house
The modular house is a relatively new way to build a home. Instead of building your house in one piece, customized modules are created in a workshop and later joined together.
The modules generally correspond to the different rooms of the house (bathroom, bedrooms, kitchen, etc.).
What materials are used to make a prefab home?
One of the main advantages of prefabricated homes is the wide variety of materials available to build them. Here is a list of the most commonly used materials:
Wood
Wood is a popular choice for prefabricated homes because it’s lightweight. Wood is also strong and easy to cut, making it easy to process in a workshop.
Wooden prefabricated homes are built and assembled using a floor joist system, prefabricated wooden walls, roof trusses and additional finishing materials.
Concrete
Concrete is the building material of choice for those looking for a strong and durable home, particularly sought after in Quebec. The different parts are transported in a truck and assembled on the construction site.
The main advantage of concrete is that it requires little maintenance. However, it is less environmentally friendly than other materials because of its high carbon footprint.
Steel
Steel structures are very strong and durable and can also be used to create a prefabricated home. In fact, using steel for your home requires little maintenance. Even so, care must still be taken to protect it from the erratic fluctuations in temperature in Quebec.
Although a steel prefabricated home is easy to assemble, special skills are needed to fix together the different parts so a qualified professional would be required.
PVC
PVC is the perfect material for building prefabricated homes. It is strong, light and easy to work with! For prefabricated homes, various panels are created with PVC and later assembled.
The main advantage of PVC is that it offers high thermal insulation that protects the interior of the house from both high and low temperatures.
The benefits of prefab homes
Now you should have a better idea about the different types of prefabricated homes and the various materials that can be used to build them. Let’s look into the benefits of buying a prefab home and why you should invest in one.
1. High-quality finish
Contrary to popular belief, prefabricated homes are high in quality. This is because they are partly built in a factory. This ensures the following:
- Labour quality control
- Production quality control
- Protection against bad weather conditions
If you decide to go for a prefab home, you’ll see their premium finish with your own eyes! You can even go and see your house being built in the factory.
2. Production deadlines met
Unfortunately, the construction industry doesn’t always have a good reputation when it comes to meeting deadlines. However, buying a prefabricated home doesn’t fit that label.
The proposed time schedule is easily respected, since most of the construction takes place inside a factory in optimized conditions. You are given a delivery date ahead of time for all the different parts (wood frame, wood beams), modules, and house panels etc. They are all sent to your construction site to be assembled and it’s extremely rare for the work to be delayed.
3. Lots of choice
Prefabricated homes can be built with a variety of different materials in a range of different styles. Once you’ve decided on a construction company to go through, they’ll present you with a selection of styles to choose from, such as classic or contemporary.
You’ll also be able to choose your house’s materials and colours. If you end up unsatisfied with the interior design of your home, you can always request certain changes.
4. A cost-effective solution
Prefab homes cost less than a conventional home. Since prefabricated homes are often built in large quantities, the materials used are bought in bulk, resulting in significant savings.
As mentioned previously, minimizing errors reduces unexpected costs. Prefabricated homes are built in controlled settings unlike traditional houses, which therefore makes them a cheaper option.
5. Energy savings
Prefabricated homes are often made with environmentally friendly materials, making them energy efficient and more eco-friendly than traditional homes.
Prefab homes are also known for their excellent insulation, saving you a lot on heating expenses. In addition, prefab homes have smaller carbon footprints and better air quality than conventional houses.
How much does a prefab home cost?
The price of a prefabricated home varies depending on its specific style and look so it’s very difficult to give a single answer for how much it costs. For more info, we advise you to contact a professional who will be able to assess your needs and give you a personal quote.
UsiHome can help create your prefab home!
For over 50 years, UsiHome has been a leader in the prefabricated structure sector. We are known worldwide for our precise and durable work.
Let us help you create your new home’s wood structures! If you are located in Quebec or northeastern United States, contact us today for more information!