Is It Cheaper To Buy A Prefab Home Or Build - OCS Blog

Author: Jesse

Dec. 02, 2024

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Are you in the market for a new home and looking to save big on your purchase? With so many options available to buyers these days, it can be hard to know where exactly you should start when it comes to gaining a great bargain. Many potential homeowners are now weighing up their purchases between buying a pre-fabricated or modular home and building one from scratch. Are either of these methods truly cheaper than the other? In this blog post, we’ll break each option down step-by-step and look at the pros and cons that come with both decisions, so that by the end of it you will have all the information necessary to make an informed decision as a smart buyer!

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The Pros and Cons of Prefab Homes

Prefabricated homes have come a long way in recent years and they offer many intriguing possibilities for those looking to purchase a new home. From fully-built manufactured homes to modular units that can be constructed on-site, prefab homes provide affordability, convenience, and design flexibility. Generally, they are much more affordable than traditional on-site construction; however, they offer fewer customization options. Many homeowners find that these drawbacks are typically outweighed by their low cost and energy efficiency. Additional benefits include quicker construction times and versatility in design with available add-ons like porches, skylights, and extra rooms or closets depending on individual needs. Overall, prefab homes present an appealing option for those seeking an affordable new home with customizable elements without incurring the high expenses associated with custom builds.

The Cost of Building A Custom Home

Building a custom home is an exciting endeavor, but it’s also expensive. Numerous factors influence the total cost, such as the desired material quality, home size, location, labor costs, and more. Ultimately, the price will vary based on different circumstances and should be discussed thoroughly with a qualified builder before starting construction. Understanding budgets and exploring creative options allows for proper planning and ensuring your dream home fits your financial circumstances.

Advantages of Prefab Homes

Prefab homes come with a variety of advantages that make them a compelling option for many today. Their cost is a significant advantage; often, prefab homes are substantially cheaper than traditionally built homes due to the prefabrication of major components off-site. They also can typically be assembled in much less time than standard constructions, saving on costs and timelines. These homes are produced under factory-controlled conditions, providing an extra layer of quality assurance that allows for customization without compromising structural integrity. In summary, prefab homes are increasingly appealing and feasible for homebuyers.

Factors that Make A Prefab Home Cheaper to Build

Prefabricated homes, commonly known as 'prefab' homes, are gaining popularity among builders for their affordability. Savings in prefab homes are realized through several elements including factory construction, streamlined designs, and standardized materials. Efficient factory construction reduces on-site labor costs and enhances precision in assembly. Furthermore, prefab homes often feature simpler designs that require less material than traditional builds. The components used are typically produced from pre-chosen off-the-shelf or recycled materials made for easy assembly, helping to minimize waste. Altogether, these aspects create an affordable housing option that offers high quality and tremendous value.

Where To Find Quality Prefab Home Suppliers

Finding a reliable prefab home supplier may seem daunting, but with the right research, you can select a trustworthy and experienced provider. Start by researching reviews from previous customers or looking into local providers specializing in prefab homes. Obtaining references and contacting them for firsthand feedback on the company’s work ethic and capabilities is beneficial. After narrowing your list of potential suppliers, request detailed quotes and timelines to facilitate accurate comparisons. Additionally, assess each option based on their customer service, reputation, experience with similar projects, and any other factors important to you and your family. This careful evaluation process will help you feel confident in choosing a high-quality prefab home supplier for your project.

Planning For a Future Sale - How To Increase Your Home Value With a Prefab Home

Prefab homes offer numerous advantages for homeowners looking to enhance their property value. With most of the construction done off-site, you can save on installation and labor costs compared to a custom-built home. Additionally, prefab homes generally feature higher-quality materials that are also more cost-effective. Shorter building times provide greater flexibility for planning a future sale, as faster completion allows you to manage upgrade timelines effectively. With these cost advantages and increased adaptability, prefab homes can be an ideal way to enhance your home's market value and attractiveness when selling.

Concluding

After reviewing the pros and cons of prefab homes and the costs associated with constructing a custom home, it’s evident that choosing a prefab home comes with numerous benefits. Prefab homes can often be constructed for a lower price than custom homes while providing a range of customization options that allow you to design your home according to your specific preferences.

There are many suppliers in the market that offer quality prefab homes, making it easier than ever to find your dream home. Finally, with the right strategies in place prior to construction or purchase, you can effectively increase your property value if you decide to sell in the future. Considering all these factors, prefab homes stand as a viable option for anyone seeking a cost-effective solution to building their dream house.

Are prefabs the cheapest way to get property in ?

Entering the housing market is a significant investment, and many factors must be weighed when seeking the most affordable property solution. As house prices continue to rise, with predictions of over a 10% increase in the market, exploring different options is crucial. Should you build a new home or buy an existing one?

Is it better to buy or build?

Your budget, lifestyle, and current circumstances will all play a role in this decision. Buying an existing home is usually a more straightforward process with fewer decisions to make, making it accessible for first-time buyers. The move-in time is often significantly shorter compared to building, which can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months. Furthermore, if you’re targeting desirable locations, the chances of purchasing property in central areas are much higher with existing homes.

However, when it comes to costs, the latest nationwide average price for homes has skyrocketed to $925,000—a staggering 27.2% increase year-on-year. Excluding Auckland, the median house price across the country is $775,000, with significant regional variations.

South Island median house prices*

  • Otago $720,000
  • Canterbury $690,000
  • Southland $435,000
  • West Coast $350,000
  • Marlborough $705,000
  • Nelson $736,000
  • Tasman $890,000

*Median house price data was taken from November according to REINZ.

The skyrocketing costs of buying a house, coupled with steadily increasing building expenses, also pose challenges. The average price for a new build as of November is $381,404, excluding land. For South Island, it stands at $376,168. Here’s a breakdown by region:

Region and Average Price*

  • Otago $461,916
  • Nelson $402,834
  • Tasman $416,237
  • Canterbury $342,635
  • Southland $407,581
  • West Coast $333,297

* Average costs are estimates excluding fees and land prices. Data is derived from the November report by Canstar.

It’s crucial to note that material prices surged towards the end of last year due to COVID-19related supply chain disruptions, which aren’t reflected in current averages. The trend of increasing material prices hints at a simultaneous rise in overall construction costs. Luckily, some building firms, like Genius Homes, continue to offer fixed-price contracts. This allows you to lock in your price early, safeguarding you from future cost escalations.

Determining the cheapest option between building or buying ultimately hinges on personal goals. If you’re willing to renovate or put time into DIY projects, purchasing an existing property might suit your immediate financial situation.

However, if you desire a low-maintenance, high-quality home from day one, building new could prove to be a more economical decision. Whether you’re looking for a customized dwelling or simply wish for the joy of a new home, there are various circumstances that may make building more beneficial financially.

For first-time buyers, it could be valuable to explore government grants for assistance. Typically, a $20,000 first home grant is available when building a new place, double what’s offered when buying an existing home. Just check your eligibility and ensure you’re aware of any threshold changes before relying on this support.

If you’re considering an investment property, building new could also be advantageous. New builds require only a 20% deposit compared to the 40% needed for existing homes. Additionally, newly-built investment properties are evaluated under a lower Bright Line test limit, presenting a favorable scenario if you plan to sell in the next 5 to 10 years. With various government incentives promoting new builds, it is feasible for new constructions to yield instant equity. Researching financing options through banks and mortgage brokers or consulting our team can help clarify your situation.

Are prefabs the cheapest way to build?

Should building prove to be your best course of action, you’ll want to explore your building options. If affordability paired with quality tops your list of priorities, you’re in the right place!

The concept of prefab homes stems from the desire to create a more sustainable, affordable, and efficient building process compared to traditional options. Factory-building minimizes wasted time and materials, thus leading to significantly lower costs for similarly sized builds.

Since materials are typically consolidated and delivered in bulk, paired with the factory assembly process that reduces construction waste, prefabs can be incredibly economical. This method not only ensures resource efficiency but also provides sustainable building solutions, clearly establishing prefabs as one of the most affordable options available.

When is a prefab not the cheapest option?

Despite prefabs generally being a cost-effective choice in the current housing market, several factors could lead to price increases. Location is often a notable expense linked to prefab homes. Delivery costs can vary widely, from approximately $9,902 to $140,588, averaging about $48,530. The closer your site is to the factory, the more affordable the logistics will be. Genius Homes delivers predominantly to the South Island, especially in regions such as Otago, Canterbury, and Southland. Deliveries to the West Coast or Nelson may incur higher costs, reflecting accessibility challenges.

Our delivery experts are skilled, yet not every location suits delivery logistics; for instance, regions requiring traversing narrow paths, like Tasman, may present difficulties.

Investigate where Genius Homes delivers to gather more insights regarding accessibility and costs.

As with any building company, Genius Homes offers various prefab designs ranging from farmhouses to luxury homes. If budget constraints are a focus, lapses in upgrades can help significantly in managing those expenses. Starting with a modest option may address current needs while providing a foundation for future investments.

Every Genius Homes prefab includes standardized features and offers optional upgrades. Customization will involve additional costs, so it’s crucial to define your must-haves early on to control spending effectively. The more clear you can be about your priorities, the simpler it will be to align your spending with your new home goals, ultimately giving you peace of mind with your financial decisions.

Our range of prefab house designs at Genius Homes has already helped numerous buyers secure their first home, upgrade for more space, or downsize successfully. With a diverse collection of designs available, you will surely uncover one that aligns with both your building preferences and budget. Reach out to our friendly prefab specialists to commence discussions about your options. If you have specific requirements and want to sift through our plans quickly, try our dream home finder by following the link below!

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Hongyu Dinghao. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

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