What Are Prefab Homes?

The Affordable Quality Option

Prefab homes are quality-built homes saving consumers lots of money compared to traditional homes. In this post, we explain why prefab homes are generally more affordable while meeting your expectations of owning a quality built home.

How do prefab homes compare to traditional homes?

Prefab homes (prefabricated homes) are built by manufacturers off-site and delivered as finished homes. This method minimizes on-site construction and saves everyone time and money.

Prefab homes are not the same as mobile homes. The mobile home (also called manufactured homes) has to meet the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requirements, whereas prefab homes are required to meet the state and local building codes. This means that prefab homes are required to meet the same building codes as traditional homes.

What is included in a prefab home package?

When considering your home, it is wise to look at what is included. Here at Westwood Cabins, we want our customers to be able to move into a beautiful, finished home. So, we include everything to make that possible.

The Bear Ridge Series is our largest cabin models. It comes complete with two bedrooms, a fully functional kitchen, which includes appliance hook-ups for range, dishwasher, washer/dryer, and refrigerator (appliances are not included). If you are looking for a smaller cabin, consider our Studio series--a smaller footprint but still everything you need for home.

All of our models come with plumbing and heating. They have a fully functional bathroom with a shower. No one wants to take a cold shower in the dead of winter, so we also included a 30-gallon hot water heater. Electrical is also included in our models. This includes a 200-amp breaker box/electrical panel, GFI in the bathroom and the kitchen, and a 220-volt wire for the stove.

We also include options for roofs, siding, windows, countertops, cabinets, and flooring. We want your home to be the home you always wanted.

How much does a prefab home cost?

How much you will pay for a prefab home depends on what company you buy from, and what they are including in your prefab home package. Remember that not all builders are the same, so look at the finished product to better understand what you are investing in.

Another thing to keep in mind is prefab home is a more affordable option without compromising quality. Westwood Cabins currently range from $65,000 to $110,000 (updated 2022). These are entirely finished homes, so once the foundation and hookups are completed, you can move in. We strive for a pleasant and affordable experience.

We offer four series with multiple floor plans in each series.  If you don't find one that's right for you, we will work with you on a custom layout for your cabin. We have a team ready to work with you to design and build the perfect home. If you have something in mind, we would love to hear your ideas.

There are a couple of reasons why prefab homes tend to cost less than traditional homes: First, there is less waste, and second, reduced labor hours. Prefab homes are built in a more controlled environment which reduces material loss. This prevents the weather from ruining supplies. A more systematic approach is used, so inventory can be tracked more accurately. You don't have all the contractors involved in delivering materials on-site causing possible miscommunication resulting in duplicates and costly errors.

Prefab Homes are better built. This is because the structure has to be built sturdy enough to withstand loading on the truck, being transported on a bumpy road, unloading, and assembly.

Another major reason why prefab homes are more affordable than the traditional home is the reduced labor involved. Prefab homes usually follow a blueprint that the laborers are familiar with. This saves time as they know what to do next without frequent trips to review and discuss the plans. Modifications are not an issue; the general plans are still the same. This enables them to move quickly and efficiently.

Traditional builders have multiple subcontractors that go out to the job site. It is not uncommon for jobs to get delayed because another subcontractor can't start his job until the other one finishes their work. Then this has to fit into each subcontractor's schedule and as the weather permits. All of this creates delays and wasted time.

Westwood Cabins Buying Process

Visit our Buying Process page to easily purchase in just three easy steps. First, find the right prefab home for your intended purpose. We have three great models. If you are not sure what is the right one for you, then contact us, and we will answer the questions you might have. Next, Get a Free Quote using our form that will guide you through the process. Lastly, let us help guide you through the process of owning a new cabin.

Regulations

You are going to want a company that builds to regulations, so your cabin is not only a better-built structure but also in compliance with local laws. Please visit our Responsibilities page to understand what you as a consumer are responsible for and what we as the manufacturers are responsible for.

Financing

Great news! Prefab homes often qualify for loans. Of course, the prefab home has to meet state and local building codes. We will do our part to make sure your home meets these requirements, and we also work with loan professionals that can provide financing.

Currently, we work with LightStream, a national online consumer lender. LightStream has a loan experience that is unmatched by its competitors and comes highly recommended. LightStream makes the process of buying a prefab home as easy as possible.

New Century Bank is another trusted bank we work with. New Century Bank is grounded on Christian principles and is faith-based banking. They make a great prefab home mortgage company. Click here to learn more about New Century Bank.

21st Mortgage is another great option. They provide an online payment estimator that can give you an idea of what your payment would look like.

Visit our Cabin Financing page to learn more about these options.