Pre-Fab - Part 2 (now)

Of the current pre-fabricated homes on the market, the LV Series manufactured by Rocio Romero (shown above), with its “Smooth Hardisoffit^® Panels” and primarily steel construction, owes the most to the Lustron homes.

Though among some home buyers they still suffer the stigma of being perceived as gussied-up siblings of the trailer park, many high-quality prefabricated homes available today offer chic modern esthetics, with higher quality construction than their built-on-site suburban brethren. The pre-engineered construction and industrial components offer a fit and finish rarely matched in builder homes.

I’m an urban apartment dweller myself, however, if I were in the market for a freestanding home, and were I unable to afford a custom architect built home (likely), I would opt for a prefabricated home before I’d consider either a used home, or even new construction.

Shown L to R: The Zenkaya, The Swellhouse, Living Homes RK2, The Side Breeze.

As a phenomenal resource, I suggest having a look at Fab PreFab. A perusal through their site will overwhelm you with just how many quality homes are on offer in the prefabricated home market. I suggest going straight to their “Fab List” of homes available now.

Comments

[Sugarcubes Forever]

Being a fan of mid century design, I've always taken an interest in prefabs. What I think is lost in today's conversations, though, is the concept of design for the masses. Most of the new crop of prefab homes are actually expensive by middle class standards and appeal to the tastes of someone with a subscription to Wallpaper and Art News.

Don't get me wrong. I subscribe to Wallpaper. And I live in a sweet little 1962 splitlevel that I spent years searching for. In the USA there is a lot of "manufactured" construction going on. But it's geared toward the tastes and sensibilities of the blue collar working class. My mother, for instance, lives in a 1993 "manufactured home" which is indistinguishable from the low end ranch spec home's in her neighborhood.

What I'd like to see is a prefab in the tradition of (dare I say) IKEA. Something of interesting design AND that is functional and affordable for the masses. Like a $65,000 2 bdrm 1.5bath home that could be dropped on a slab or a basement foundation.

Shit. I can't even aford one of these new prefabs, and I'm a snooty 36 year old college educated business professional.

[Chris]

Sugercubes, thank you for your input.

Note, the LV Home featured above, sells for $33,900. About half the $56k price you're requesting (and has 2 full baths).

http://www.rocioromero.com/LVSeries/LV.htm

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The Zenkaya should easily fit in this budget, and though it is only a one bedroom, they suggest adding an adjacent "studio" unit, to make a two bedroom cluster, which should also fit in that price tag.

http://www.zenkaya.com/

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Have a look at the fab list and you should be able to find others that fit your budget.

http://www.fabprefab.com/fabfiles/fablisthome.htm


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very truly,
Chris