The Pros and Cons of Prefab Homes

With so many parcels of land available in Costa Rica, prefab (or modular) homes are gaining in popularity as buyers seek simple relatively inexpensive ways to build a home on recently purchased lots. There are pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to go with a modular home or to build a custom design home. With a modular home, you are choosing from a limited number of models where portions of the home are built in a factory and then assembled on site. With a custom designed home, you start from scratch working with an architect to design the home and a contractor to build a home on site from the ground up.

Here are some of the pros and cons of prefab homes:

PROS

Eco-friendly

Modular homes use fewer resources, and many companies create green designed homes. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, use fewer resources and create less waste then a prefab home is the preferred option

Fast and easy to build 

You’ll have your own home up and inhabitable much faster than if you custom design a house. If you need to build a home quickly than a modular home is the best choice. It can be completed in a matter of weeks.

CONS

Limited choices

If you are looking to build your dream home than its time to hire an architect to help you construct your ultimate vision. While there is some flexibility, modular homes offer designs with limited customizable options.

Resale price

Also, with a modular home you will save in cost with the initial cash outlay but the resale value will be less than with a custom design home. In the long run, a prefab can cost you money.

It all depends on your intention for purchasing the property and designing the home. If your main purpose is to have an investment property and you have the cash available than a custom design home would be the preferred option. However, if you are planning to live in the home, hold onto the property long term and have limited funds available than a modular home may be the best option. Also, keep in mind that the cost of land can be equal to that of purchasing a property with an existing home. Take the time to think through both your short term and long-term goals when making a decision about whether to go the prefab or custom design route.