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How do I Choose the Best Prefab Kits?

Harriette Halepis
Harriette Halepis

While many people assume that prefab kits are an inexpensive alternative to traditional homes, this is not always the case. In fact, a prefab home may wind up costing more than a traditional home. This is why it's important to know what you're looking for before purchasing a prefab kit. The first step in this decision making process is to determine your motive for buying a prefab home kit.

Ask yourself why you are interested in prefab kits. If you are simply looking for a cheap home building plan, then you may not want to go the prefab route. While some prefab homes can be inexpensive, most of them will actually cost more than you may have planned for. These home kits should only be purchased if you truly love the kit that you are considering. Otherwise, you may end up with a small home that doesn't include a lot of appealing options. When it comes to your home, you should never settle on something that you won't enjoy.

Man with a drill
Man with a drill

The location that you have selected for your prefab home is also important. These homes will arrive in one large piece, which means that the land you own must be ready to receive the pre-made home. Lots that require leveling must be prepared well in advance of your home's arrival. Also, keep in mind that adding a foundation to a home will add to the overall cost of your home. Thus, prefab home are best placed on a flat lot that doesn't require any extra work.

Many of the companies that sell prefab kits have never built a home. This may be surprising, but a lot of prefab kits are created by architects that simply have a design in mind without any kind of concrete plan. Unless you are willing to take a large risk, make sure that the company you are considering has built a home before. Otherwise, you may be in for a large surprise if the design that you want isn't feasible.

Prefab kits can be extremely intricate, though they can also be quite simple. Contrary to popular belief, you can add a lot of personalized features to any prefabricated home. Many people choose prefab homes for the sheer fact that these houses can literally be built to an owner's precise specifications. From designer prefab kits to simple kits, the price of a prefabricated home will largely depend on the kind of home that you choose.

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    • Man with a drill
      Man with a drill