What is the difference between a modular and prefab home?

Prefab is an umbrella term for the building process of creating panels or modules in a factory-like environment, then shipping and assembling on a building site. Modular construction is a type of prefab construction and involves manufacturing and shipping box-like units. Panelized construction is the other type of prefab construction that involves manufacturing and shipping units as flat panels.

What qualifies as a Net Zero home?

Net zero energy means that the home is designed to produce as much energy than what is required for the operation of the house. This includes heating, cooling, ventilating, lighting, appliances, and electronics. The most common form of renewable energy used by Net Zero homes is through solar by way of solar panels.

Does prefabricated construction generate less waste?

Prefab construction generates significantly less waste than on-site construction. The predictability of the manufacturing process means fewer mistakes, not to mention the absence of weather mishaps. A new building project often fills several dumpsters with waste, while some prefab construction projects only produce enough waste to fill a 55-gallon trash can. Prefab home materials are also very recyclable due to their modular nature.

Are prefabricated homes safe?

Prefab homes are just as safe as stick-built homes. They are permanent structures built to the same codes as any other type of home.

Are Passive Houses worth it?

On average, a Passive House costs 5-10% more than a traditional house built to code due to the thicker insulation and high-performance fixtures. Monthly savings have been reported between $120 and $200 per month with additional savings from the long life and durability of the high-performance fixtures. Passive Houses often pay for themselves with their impact on quality of life, providing homeowners with thermal comfort, clean air, quiet, and peace-of-mind.

What qualifies as a Passive House?

A passive house is an energy-efficient house with very low heating and cooling requirements. Passive houses achieve their high-performance, airtight construction by minimizing thermal bridging (heat flow) with a continuous envelope of thick insulation. Doors, windows, and other products are manufactured for Passive House construction, but the real test is in the design and construction of the entire home. A house is a certified Passive House if it reaches rigorous numerical benchmarks associated with heating and cooling demand, energy consumption, and air leakage. Passive House bodies administer these standards in various jurisdictions. Passive house principles are summarized by these 5 principles: Continuous, Super-Insulation Discontinues Thermal Bridges that Affect Energy Efficiency Airtight Construction Will Stop Heat Loss and Moisture Accumulation Energy Efficient and Optimized Windows are designed to let Heat into the Home only when you want it. Balanced Ventilation Offers Healthy, Fresh Air while also Controlling Moisture Issues Minimal Mechanical Heating and Cooling is a Priority

Are prefabricated homes energy efficient?

Prefabricated homes come be built similarly to standard stick built homes. The principles of tight building envelopes, the use of high-performance products and breath-ability via mechanical ventilation can all be incorporated during the manufacturing process. Prefab builders are able to build above code and meet standards required by Energy Star, Net Zero, Carbon Zero and even Passive House.

Does a Passive House need heating?

Many Passive House homeowners enjoy little-to-no heating cost thanks to their home’s tight envelope and passive heating/cooling characteristics such as large south-facing windows, concrete flooring for thermal mass, and strategic shading. A Passive House’s heating/cooling requirements depend on its climate zone, so be sure to consult resources from the Passive House body in your jurisdiction.

What qualifies as a Carbon Zero home?

Carbon Zero homes referring to homes that are built in such a way that they produce as much renewable energy to off-set as much energy as they consume during the course of a year, thereby reducing its net carbon footprint to zero. The first goal is similar to that of a passive house in that they are built almost completely airtight, are extremely well insulated, and windows are deliberately located on the north and south sides of the home to maximize the home’s ability to absorb the sun’s heat in the winter and minimize it the summer.

Does Prefab Construction generate less waste?

Prefab construction generates significantly less waste than on-site construction. The predictability of the manufacturing process means fewer mistakes, not to mention the absence of weather mishaps. A new building project often fills several dumpsters with waste, while some prefab construction projects only produce enough waste to fill a 55-gallon trash can. Prefab home materials are also very recyclable due to their modular nature.

How much do prefab panelized homes cost?

Thanks to shorter build time, prefab panelized homes are generally 10-20% less expensive than traditional custom homes.

Learn about Prefabricated Panelized Home

Prefabricated panelized homes are prefabricated homes manufactured off-site in sections and shipped to the building site for assembly.

A well-built prefab home should last as long, or longer, as its stick-built counterpart. Most claims that prefabs aren’t durable are comparing wood-framed prefabs to concrete or brick homes; this is not a fair comparison. As any manufacturer or builder, there is a spectrum in quality. When seeking a prefab manufacturer, look for experience and ask for references.

Prefab is already considered a “green” building method due to low waste and faster build time. Prefabs built to the Passive House, Net Zero or similar higher standards are of very high quality in terms of durability and energy efficiency, thus reducing your energy footprint.

In a study on the damage done by Hurricane Andrew in 2012, FEMA reported that modular homes fared better than traditional construction.