Design Process Behind Pre-Fab Homes

The design process for a pre-fabricated home is similar to that of a regular sticks and bricks home, only it is used over and over again at different job sites. Pre-fab homes were introduced by Sears and Roebuck, available for catalog order and delivery. Today, pre-fab homes come in many different shapes and sizes. You can purchase a pre-fab home that is either one story or two story living. Many pre-fab homes look just the same as regular houses at first glance.

Panel Construction

Modular or pre-fabricated homes are designed in a way that creates a panel construction. Whereas many residential 'sticks and bricks' type homes are built based on framing, this type of construction relies heavily on panels. The panels must be designed and constructed in such a way that they can be shipped independently of one another. They can be setup and placed or locked into one another on the foundation that is poured

Designing

Pre-fab homes are laid out and designed as either a one story or two story home. The architect on the design phase sit down and layout a simple design and floor plan for the home. Working with engineers and a head of construction, the team will develop a set of plans that can be used to put together the pieces of the home, on site. Remember, pre-fab homes are made with panels that will fit together and lock in place. It is the job of the designers to figure out how to make the building blocks work together.

Stamps of Approvals

During the construction phase, the architect and project team will seek approvals for the designs of the homes. The approvals will have to first meet national standards and then local standards. The designs of modular homes are usually simple so that the plans are portable from one state to another and one township or municipality to another.

Knowing Design Constraints

During a pre-fab home design phase, the team will be aware of several different design constraints. These types of homes usually are limited in their height and width or length characteristics. They are designed in such a way to maximize their strength and minimize their damage in transportation. During the design phase, the team will lay out the constraints that the particular pre-fab home faces. Many pre-fab homes have the ability to be customized, however, it must be noted on the plans what can and cannot be accomplished through the customizations and plan changes, once the home or sections of the home are on site.

Exteriors

The exterior finish material of a modular home is usually left up to the managing contractor when the pre-fab home is delivered to the plot of land or work site. Suggestions are often made within the documentation that was put together during the design phase.