Revisiting Pre-Fab (Let's Vote)
I've been toying with the idea of having pre-fab duplexes brought in rather than doing stick built. If you wouldn't mind, can we please hae a virtual show of hands.....Pre-Fab...instant equity or cheap (in a bad way) construction?
P.S. I would be holding the units as rental property for a minimum of 5 years.
Thanks!
I'm not in favor of an entire subdivision of identical properties, but I think that in an urban environment, a few prefab buildings can look good, and be a great investment for the 'builder/owner'.
I like prefab, but I dont know the statistics for long term holding of them. I have seen a development done with them, built in the early 80's, and they are still standing. So based on the one development I would say go with them.
I have heard horror stories regarding them, but with the builders warranty in place I would think that if you went with a reputable company you should be alright.
Kyle
There's a guy in our area who's developed a nice modular prefab system. It's like building blocks that can be completely customized so every home is diferent. He won an award in Dwell magazine not long ago for the system. Looks good, inexpensive to build, and is very well constructed.
First, I haven't built using prefab, but know some builders who have tried it. It all depends on the workmanship and materials used of the manufacturer and the builder; the same as with traditional building, it can be built cheaply, poorly, or it can be built correctly. However, usually building it properly will cost more. An example, you have your prefab house delivered and find out your slab doesn't fit the wall layout. I think you would approach this like with any other property, doing your due dilligence. Check out the manufacturer, question the quality of the materials for your purposes, find a builder you can trust who does work well, etc. In five years time (if not sooner), a poorly constructed home, traditional or prefab, will begin to cost you money. Most warranties are only for one year. Also, consider that in using cheaper materials, like the cabinetry, vinyl siding, etc., they do not take abuse as well and most renters do not try to care for the home the same as some owners.
Depending on your goals prefab is certainly an option. When I buy an existing home as a rental, I do not necessarily look for a home built the way I would build it...it would cost too much. My renter doesn't expect that degree of quality nor is he willing to pay for it. Just be sure the house you build is what you expect and are willing to pay for short term and long term.
Good luck,
Terry
Just came across this link by accident: http://www.technocrete.com/buildings.htm
Prefab concrete houses! They do not have the same characteristics as ICF concrete homes, but they probably fill a niche.
Terry
for quick sell, if the profit is there, yes. fo long term hold and sell or rental ,no...kenmax
In your area of interest there is a young man who is in the midst of building with shipping containers. The advantages are many. You create a really far out modernistic design which is all the fashion right now.
You will be building with a local firm and that is handy. The source of your containers is in the near by port so your transportation cost is way down. Also full solar, radiant heating everything state of the art. Look him up and you might drop by the building department and see if he is in for plancheck.
Good luck, if you are going to play you might as well play with state of the art.
Lucius
Here is the name of the firm:
www.Cargotecture.com reach them on line.
Address 1320 East Pike St. Seattle. WA 98122
Ph: 206 568 6586
And the cost is cheap cheap cheap way below stick built and way below modular.
Lucius
Thanks for all of the help!
Those cargotecture setups look very interesting. I'll let you know what I find out.
Try finding a builder who will use prefab components. We are working on a project to build 144 apartments near a military base quickly by using prefab walls (interior and exterior)
More information about building with shipping containers you can find on this site: http://www.shipping-container-housing.com
A guide on building or procuring a container house, providing information on shipping containers, on building such houses, projects and more.[ Edited by neocris on Date 08/31/2004 ]