Whether it’s residential construction or commercial construction, the same images probably come to mind: holes being dug, workers diligently laying foundations, non-stop pounding and drilling in the early mornings, and a structure that slowly starts to take form. It might take a year or more, but what started out as just an idea and an empty space is eventually bustling with people and activity.
Except in the last ten years. A new construction movement has spread throughout Canada and the United States that doesn’t show signs of stopping anytime soon. The holes are still there, but the foundations are assembled on-site, only a few workers are needed, and there’s a lot less sleep lost. In fact, it might only take a few days or weeks to get the project up!
Prefabricated construction, or prefab as it’s commonly known, is sweeping through the market. Prefab designs extend to residential and commercial projects, with each project capable of customization down to the smallest detail. But the movement is not without its detractors. Some builders and designers see it as an affront to more traditional approaches to construction. Do they have a case? What is it about prefab construction that makes it so appealing? Who are the companies leading the prefab charge? Are there any drawbacks to prefab construction?
Let’s start with the basics.
Prefabricated construction is a form of off-site building. From small fixtures to exterior walls, prefabbing starts at the factory. In fact, anything that is built in a factory for construction purposes can be considered prefab. Residential and commercial designs go from paper to production, with factory workers churning out the construction elements based on the specific designs. What can be produced? Well, that depends on your imagination!
Prefab can be applied to large scale construction as well. This includes residential homes, student housing projects, and high-rise commercial buildings you’d find somewhere downtown. Whatever the style or scale, these units can be completed with all the amenities. Better yet, the delivery time is a fraction of what it would be traditionally, since everything is made off-site and refined on-site.
There are two forms of prefab for residential homes. The first is referred to as modular — probably the most popular of the two varieties. Outside of the on-site foundation, modular homes are boxes that are built in the factory. It comes ready-made, and in a matter of weeks, your home is ready for living.
Panelized is the second form of prefab for residential homes. Probably the simplest analogy for this form is Lego: pieces are made to fit with others, culminating in a home. Like Lego, panelized homes come in pieces that are then assembled on-site. Transportation is easier because shipping smaller pieces is less painful than moving an entire unit.
Whatever form it takes, prefab is clearly a departure from traditional construction. While there is a lot that can be done, certain local companies are expanding what’s possible, creating new benefits and features along the way.
There are many companies that specialize in panelized prefab homes in British Columbia. One example is Viceroy Houses. Based in Richmond, British Columbia, Viceroy offers a range of services: foundation, plumbing, cabinetry, fixtures, roofing, insurances, and more. All projects include services like site management, crew certification, and job site service package; all the nuts and bolts necessary to handle any project, large and small.
For Viceroy, it really comes down to process. Sustainability is a critical element, with Viceroy’s factory being the hub for its environmental consciousness. Their model allows them to re-purpose raw materials and “waste”; instead of sending it to the landfill, like what would happen in traditional construction, Viceroy only uses what it needs, and sells off the rest. Not only are the extras re-purposed for other projects, they are a built-in revenue source for the company. Clearly, Viceroy takes the green component seriously.
A specialized example is Spearhead, based in Nelson, British Columbia. Spearhead is on the cutting-edge of digital manufacturing, employing designers and technologists to mold timber and steel. Their work includes supplying structural timber and steel, panelized walls, roof assemblies, millwork, and finished materials.
Their design-centric approach includes distinctive structural components. Rather than a whole prefab, Spearhead is capable of designing and building a timber frame, and shipping it out to the customer. This type of process makes Spearhead unique; they can be used to source an integral part of a home, making it great for custom construction. For Spearhead, the old adage is true: design isn’t just how something looks; it’s how it works.
Many benefits of prefab have been mentioned, including time saved, lack of hassle, and sustainability, to name just a few. But what are some of the drawbacks that people should be aware of? Here are a few important ones:
Nothing is perfect, and clearly prefab can be double-edged sword. Benefits always have to be balanced against drawbacks to understand the best way forward.
Prefab is here to stay, and for good reason. It occupies an important place in the industry, but so does traditional construction. It’s not about one replacing the other, but instead having each occupy its own niche.
Whether it’s traditional or prefab, customers should plan and survey options well in advance of purchasing decisions. There’s no substitute for preparation! Knowing what you want, and bouncing ideas off multiple construction companies, will make the rest of the process as easy as possible.
