History of Prefab Homes

A prefab home, also called a prefabricated home, is a house constructed in sections then shipped and assembled on site.  There are several types of prefabricated housing, the most common being a manufactured home, sometimes referred to as a mobile home.  Many homeowners opt for this kind of dwelling because of convenience and affordability.

Prefab housing began to gain popularity when "house kits" began being offered to the public in the early 1900's, housing kits came with thousands of pieces right down to the nails and instruction book.  This was a much more cost effective option than hiring the different tradesmen required to come on site and complete each different stage of construction.  Therefore, more Americans were able to become homeowners. 

These homes not only appealed to first time homebuyers, but also to those looking to purchase vacation homes.  This, of course, tended to appeal to buyers with more economic means.  Prefab housing evolved and mobile homes were introduced around 1920, allowing people to take their vacation homes with them.  

After World War II, many returning veterans needed housing and mobile homes were cheap, and so their demand grew.  In the 1970’s, this type of housing began to be government regulated and manufacturers were then required to start producing these homes according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) building codes.  This set a higher required standard to the production of prefab homes, therefore making them more ideal for a permanent residence. 

Although prefab homes were introduced as a cheap alternative to site built homes, which may not necessarily be true today.  Designs have become more luxurious and well appointed, allowing manufacturers to appeal to more upscale markets.