The report's authors write that prefab and modular construction are on the rise as the "industry seeks to improve safety, productivity, quality, cost, schedule, and sustainability performance." In particular, they add, "Construction sites are greener due to less waste being generated, and safer due to working with assemblies and modules produced off-site."

We agree and are equally enthused about prefab's potential. So much so that we'd like to share with you our favorite prefab manufacturers and models and why we're fans. Let's get started.

Plant Prefab 

The company, based in Rialto, CA, is the first custom modular and panelized home builder dedicated to sustainable building, materials, processes, and operations to achieve B Corporation certification. "As a socially responsible business, we've always been committed to wedding purpose and profit in our work," said Steve Glenn, founder, and CEO, in a press release.

They went on to say that they used the US Green Building Council's (USGBCs) LEED program for many years to secure third-party verification of their sustainability and performance. They consider B Lab to be an equivalent authority to measure the company's impact. They have an extremely comprehensive process and require that companies undergo verification every three years to maintain compliance.

Dvele 

Yes, modern luxury is possible with Dvele, which has its own factory in southern California for production for West Coast customers. With four customizable "mini" prefab homes (perfect for ADUs), and nine other customizable prefab templates ranging from a cottage-sized version at 888 square feet to multi-level homes at more than 3,000 square feet, all options are sustainable. 

The company sources sustainable materials and works with partners who do the same. These Passive House certified homes are constructed and insulated to be airtight and energy-efficient. Solar is always an option to take the house to net positive. The electric homes also include high-efficiency hot-water heaters and induction stoves. Dvele also, for each dwelling it finishes, plants 10,000 trees. 

Brightbuilt Home 

With its selection of simple, classic house designs — all of which are net-zero — Brightbuilt Home (based in Portland, Maine) seamlessly blends a fresh, contemporary aesthetic with sustainable technologies. The homes are powered by photovoltaic solar cells, all finishes comply with low-VOC requirements, and fixtures are ENERGY STAR rated. The ERV, a heat-pump water heater, and solar inverter are tucked into the basement. Air-source heat pumps provide heating and cooling.