Why is Custom Prefab Buildings Better?

10 Mar.,2025

 

Is Prefab Better Than Traditional Building? - Rise

How Do Prefab Homes Work?

Prefab homes are a type of specialist dwelling manufactured off-site. Whereas traditional building focuses on shipping 2x4s, plywood, and dozens of other building materials to the site where the home will be located, prefab builders purchase materials in bulk and build homes in a central warehouse. Once completed, manufacturers ship the finished house to the building site.

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In most cases, the only on-site construction associated with prefab buildings is the home foundation. Once the foundation is completed, the home ships to the site. With the help of a crane, the home is then lifted and secured to the foundation. Depending on the builder, some prefab homes come finished and turnkey. The building shell is completed in a warehouse and shipped to the site in other cases. The interior finishes are then completed on-site.

Prefabricated homes, often referred to as prefab homes or simply prefabs, are specialist dwelling types of prefabricated buildings manufactured off-site in advance, usually in standard sections that can be quickly shipped and assembled. According to a recent article by the Washington Post, "despite having been around for decades, prefab or modular homes made up just 2 percent of new single-family houses in , according to the U.S. Census Bureau."

How Long Do Prefabs Last vs. Old Homes?

The durability of prefab and traditional homes largely depends on the building company. Unfortunately, as the housing market grows increasingly competitive, many builders attempt to cut costs with shoddy building materials and practices, resulting in fewer permanent homes. A traditional home built to passive house standards with a super-tight building envelope and high-performance insulation will most likely last a lifetime. Similarly, a prefab homemade from structural insulated panels could also be highly sturdy and durable.

However, one advantage to prefab homes is that due to the shipping process, most prefab and modular builders add an extra focus on durability. The homes built in factories and warehouses need to be sufficiently structurally sound to withstand the movement associated with shipping and being lifted by a crane onto a standing foundation. Prefab builders want to avoid the extra costs of having to fix on-site a prefab home that fractured or cracked during the shipping and mounting process. Thus, most prefab homes will be exceptionally structurally sound with a motivated focus on rigorously tight building envelopes.

Are Prefabs Made From High-Quality Materials?

Again, it depends. Most prefab builders can save costs on materials through bulk purchasing. Also, the meticulous factory building process helps companies drastically cut down on construction waste and debris, which is an enormous cost. In alone, the construction industry accounted for over 20 million tons of construction and demolition waste. Besides occupying a tremendous amount of landfill space, this waste is an added cost that builders must assume.

Because prefab homes are more efficient in building materials, they can often afford to invest in higher quality resources and supplies. The choice of better building materials depends on the individual contractor. However, homeowners interested in healthy and sustainable homes might find prefab builders who focus on low-VOC building materials, bamboo plywood, and FSC-certified wood without significantly increasing the final price of the house.

How Much Do Prefabs Cost vs. Traditional Homes?

One of the most oft-cited advantages of prefab homes is that they are widely considered less expensive than stick-built homes. The efficiency in resource and material use alongside mass-production models with factory-built homes makes them more affordable. Nonetheless, it is crucial to recognize that there can be hidden costs associated with the final home cost.

Homeowners interested in prefab homes should ensure that the quoted price includes delivery and crane fees. Also, if you are purchasing an unfinished prefab home, getting a detailed quote on the complete turnkey product is necessary. A finalized quote is critical, primarily if you work with different contractors. Of course, prefab homes also don't include the cost of land. In some areas, the value of a property can easily be equal to or even higher than the price of the home itself.

In general, however, homeowners can expect to pay between $180 and $220 per square foot for prefab homes. This amount usually includes all interior fixtures and amenities. Some stick-built homes are comparative in price and might even be cheaper. Home Advisor finds that the average price for stick-built dwellings in was just $150 per square foot. However, customized stick-built homes can be increasingly expensive, costing between $800 and $1,000 per square foot.

Prefab Sheds vs. Custom Sheds: Which Is Best for You?

Thinking about adding storage or another living area to your backyard? Storage sheds provide ideal solutions to your needs, but you&#;ll need to decide whether to opt for a prefab or custom-built model. Before you make your choice, compare these options to make an informed decision that will best meet your specific needs.

When You May Want to Choose a Prefab Storage Shed

Many people who need utility buildings may opt for a prefab shed. These options cut the waiting time because they are already built and only require delivery and installation of a foundation on your lot.

The biggest benefit of choosing a prefab shed is the price. These tend to cost less than custom sheds. However, you must understand that over time, a prefab shed may cost you more, depending on how long you want to keep your utility building. Prefab sheds can last for 20 years. While this sounds great, it is not nearly as long of a life as you&#;ll get from a custom-built storage shed.

Additionally, the biggest concern when ordering a prefab storage building is getting the structure into place on your lot. It must travel from the dealer to your home. On the way, it sits on the back of a truck where highway speeds generate storm-force winds that can buffet the structure and wear it down even before it reaches your home. You will also need to have space to get the shed from the delivery truck to your designated spot. Depending on your lot layout, this may not be very easy.

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While prefab sheds have some drawbacks, they are popular. You may want a prefab shed if you:

  • Need something in place quickly.
  • Have a tight budget.
  • Don&#;t have particular design needs.
  • Require a smaller shed.

A prefab utility building plays a part in the lot plans of many people, but it is not the best option for everyone. If you have more specific needs, you should consider a custom shed.

If you are looking for a shed at a great price point that is already built, check out our selection of lot models.

When a Custom Storage Shed Is a Better Choice

While some people opt for the convenience of prefab storage sheds, you shouldn&#;t discount customized sheds. Because builders construct the shed on your site from the foundation up to the roof, you have complete control over everything used in their design and construction. With a prefab, you have to live with the choices of a company for the appearance of a shed for as long as the structure lasts. However, by designing your own storage shed, you get to pick the color, design, and overall style to fit your preferences and the style of your home and lot.

Since utility buildings can last for decades, you will want to make sure that you can get the most out of your investment. By customizing the shed to your specifics, you never need to compromise on the features you want.

Another perk of custom-designed storage sheds is the high level of construction work used for them. For instance, built-on-site buildings use the same long-lasting materials and building conventions used in home construction and carry similar warranties. High-quality materials such as Owens Corning algae-resistant shingles with a 25-year warranty and premium  LP SmartSide siding with a 5/50 year guarantee ,which is also Residential Grade siding.

Thanks to the high-quality construction materials used in custom-built storage sheds, those buildings can potentially last up to 50 years or more. So, even if the initial cost of a customized option is higher than a prefab unit, you&#;ll spend less per year over the life of the shed.

Custom-built sheds are the better option over prefab if you:

  • Have specific size, design, or application needs.
  • Need a longer-lasting, more durable investment, built by licensed and insured builders.
  • Prefer a built-on-site option over having a prefab shed potentially damaged en route to your home.
  • Want to add a porch or other upgrades not found on prefab shed models?
  • Must meet homeowners&#; association (HOA) design requirements for all structures on your lot.
  • Don&#;t have the space for crews to maneuver a prefab shed into place on your lot.
  • Have the desire to improve your lot&#;s curb appeal with a shed that matches your home.

Customized storage sheds give you more freedom to select every aspect of the building, from the ground to the roof. Choosing this type of storage building gives you total control over your investment, ensuring you&#;ll enjoy it for years to come.

Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing Your Shed

When choosing a shed for your yard, you will need to make multiple decisions that impact whether a prefab or custom shed works best for you. The following questions can help you to get the right shed:

  • What will I use the shed for?
  • How much do I have to spend on a shed, and can I finance my utility building to stretch my budget?
  • Does my HOA have restrictions on buildings on my property? How can I find a shed that meets those?
  • Do I want the shed to have a porch or other custom features?
  • How much space do I have?
  • Do I have room to get a prefab shed onto my lot, or do I need a built-on-site option?
  • Do I need extra storage in a loft area?
  • Should the color and design of the shed match my house?
  • What type of roof do I want for the shed?

Note the answers to these questions because you will need them when you speak to a storage shed provider to get a utility building that meets your needs.

Partner with us at Barnyard Utility Buildings to find a custom or pre built storage shed, or have our experts create your custom storage shed from the ground up. With locations across North Carolina and South Carolina, you live closer to a Barnyard Utility Buildings site than you think. Contact us today to learn more about our various storage shed options and how we can help you get the perfect utility building for your yard.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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