What's Fab About Prefab
Prefab (short for prefabrication) or modular construction means part, or all, of the build project is fabricated off-site and transported to its final location for installation.
Prefab is not a new concept. The Romans were using it to quickly erect forts when conquering Britain. Here in Australia, we’ve been building homes off-site and transporting them in one form or another since gold sparked a rush. And we’ve dabbled in prefab in various forms a few times since, including the post-war days when the demand for low-priced housing was huge.
In recent times, prefab has been making a come-back, and we happen to think it’s about time.
Clearly, we’re sold on prefab. Here’s why we love it:
Control – Because construction takes place in a controlled environment, there is a level of certainty with prefab building that on-site builds just can’t match. Health and Safety is easier to manage. Higher quality builds thanks to controlled processes. Greater control over the flow of job. All this combines to mean more accuracy on budgets, time allowances and creating Prefabulous outcomes.
Speed – With factory conditions trumping the sometimes unpredictable and challenging conditions of the site and climate, the overall construction period of a prefab can be significantly quicker. We’re talking as little as seven weeks from start to site install in some cases and 12 weeks for the big jobs. That’s fast!
Sustainability – Prefab construction can go a long way to reducing your environmental footprint during the build and beyond. The flow of material and construction waste is tightly managed, pre-planned assembly and disassembly can minimise the site disturbance and the design approach generally leans on lightweight materials that aid in passive design and energy-efficiencies.
Value for money – Prefab homes are an affordable building option. The controlled process allows bulk and accurate material orders with little lost to waste. The off-site building process leaves very little on-site work to be done and minimises weather delays – which translates to dollars saved. And with the shorter build times your space can be ready for occupation and/or income earning in a matter of weeks.
Clever design and technology – Prefab is a design-led approach to construction that harnesses accuracy and makes the most of the new fabrication technologies. From clever space-maximising solutions to energy efficient materials, prefab is all about looking to the future and working smarter not harder.
Interested in how easy the process can be?