As an expert in the prefab home industry, I have seen the evolution of these homes from their early days as trailers to the modern manufactured homes that we offer at Preferred Homes. While they may have started out as a temporary housing solution, prefab homes have come a long way and are now a popular choice for permanent housing. Prefab homes, also known as mobile homes or trailers, are houses that are completely built in a factory and then transported to a permanent location. They are built on a fixed steel chassis, rather than a traditional foundation. While both prefab homes and mobile homes are factory-built structures, they are not the same thing. At Preferred Homes, we take pride in offering high-quality, custom-built prefab homes that look and function just like traditionally built homes.
However, they come with a variety of benefits that make them more affordable and environmentally friendly. The use of trailers as permanent housing became increasingly popular among working-class Americans in the 1940s and 1950s. In fact, manufacturers even started producing larger “double-width” trailers to meet the high demand from customers. These trailers were made up of two separate units that formed a larger house, and they were officially renamed “mobile homes” in the 1950s. In 1976, the HUD prefab building and safety regulations were published, which greatly improved the standards for these homes and laid the foundation for the modern prefab houses that we see today. These regulations also required that all federal laws and publications refer to these homes as “manufactured” rather than “mobile” if they were built after 1976. One of the main differences between prefab and modular homes is the type of foundation used for each one.
While modular homes are typically built on a permanent foundation, prefab homes can have pillar and beam foundations, making them easier to relocate if needed. Not only are prefab homes more convenient to move, but they also have a much lower environmental impact. In fact, according to the Prefab Housing Institute, they produce up to 90% less waste than traditional site-built homes. This makes them a great choice for those looking for an energy-efficient and eco-friendly housing option. At Preferred Homes, we offer a variety of single- and double-width prefab homes, including both new and renovated options. Our team of experts is well-versed in the design, construction, transportation, and installation of these homes, making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for our customers. Today's prefab homes are built with a much higher quality and style than those created before the 1980s.
They are also designed with wind security and energy efficiency in mind, depending on the geographical region in which they will be sold. If you're interested in purchasing a prefab home, it's important to understand the differences between these homes and other types of structures such as trailers and motorhomes. While they may have started out as temporary housing solutions, modern prefab homes are now a popular choice for permanent housing. So what exactly defines a prefab home? According to federal standards, it is a structure that was built after 1976 and meets all requirements for quality, durability, safety, and affordability. This means that if you're looking to purchase a manufactured home in Michigan or any other state, you can rest assured that it is a high-quality and long-lasting housing option.
