One of the major reasons why home buyers prefer prefabs is due to the utmost low maintenance features offered by these homes. Since the prefab and modular homes are manufactured and assembled in specific controlled environmental conditions, they offer little to no tolerance for error. Hence, whether it is a specific type of exterior or interior cladding, or the strategic layout planning, efficient use of fixtures, and fittings, interior finishes, landscaping, and utilities – the prefab homes are comparatively longer-living while requiring the least maintenance.
However, regardless of the low maintenance advantage offered by these homes, you might still need to look after a few features every few years to keep up with the backlogs of your prefab home. Practically, it all boils down to strategic planning and material specification when it comes to discussing the major aspects of low maintenance in a prefab home. So, it is important to discuss these details with the prefab provider at the time of purchase. Let’s now throw some light upon the various aspects that make a prefab home a product of low maintenance.
Exterior Cladding
Carefully investing in the exterior cladding is noteworthy. Since this is the layer that is majorly exposed to the outside weather – it has to be extra durable and strong. Hence, there are a few low-maintenance cladding options and do’s and don’ts that you must use take care of to get rid of regular staining and replacement every few years.
- Color bond metal panels basically have corrosion-resistant steel base that can resist peeling, cracking, and chipping without requiring to paint every few years. Hence, extremely easy to maintain, these cladding panels are also lightweight and durable, while offering immense longevity. Since they are formed under specific conditions, they tend to be weatherproof and termite resistant – leading to long-term benefits. It is recommended to choose this material for the roof, fascia, and gutters of your prefab home.
- Weathertex wall panels and exterior cladding options are next in the line that prove to be a must-use in prefab homes. Since they have a low environmental impact with an extremely strong and durable backdrop, these panels can withstand many years without any maintenance. Alongside, they have aesthetically appealing looks that can easily grab the attention. (https://blog.anchorhomes.com.au/how-to-build-low-maintenance-home)
- Untreated Western Red Cedar could be a great choice as it can withstand up to 60 years. However, it may still need to be oiled, stained, and repainted after a couple of years to preserve its appearance. (https://www.self-build.co.uk/how-build-low-maintenance-home/)
- Natural timber cladding definitely needs to be ignored and negated since they tend to warp, fade, or crack over time that requires constant brushing, oiling, and staining. Hence, it is not an ideal option for a low maintenance prefab home. (https://blog.anchorhomes.com.au/how-to-build-low-maintenance-home)
Long story short, prefab home manufacturers are extremely concerned about the type and quality of exterior cladding used. Hence, as far as the correct materials are used – you need not worry about any further maintenance.
Open Concept Plan
Unless you are aiming for a luxurious, mansion-like floor plan, it is always better to go small. Remember, the smaller the space – the lesser the maintenance required. And since most of the prefab homes are a mere definition of need, they are generally smaller and compact. Secondly, these small prefab homes further have open concept plans that combine the kitchen with living, dining, and other common areas – making an absolutely easy-to-maintain option.
Before purchasing a prefab home, it is important to finalize the layout plan as per your needs. Whether you need an extended workspace, or a large living room with extra bedrooms – all this needs to be pre-finalized so as to avoid any extra maintenance later. Remember, extra unwanted space means extra maintenance required to clean and maintain it – which therefore will cost more money and time in the long run.
Another great advantage that the prefab homes face is the utmost flexibility to choose the desired direction they want. By analyzing the directions of the sun and the size of the doors and windows – you can face them wherever it suits the best to achieve the most ventilation and sunlight.
(https://www.homify.com/ideabooks/2440738/a-low-maintenance-and-practical-home)
Most of the mass-produced prefab homes are generally compact and regular in size and shape. Thus, adding on to the advantages of low maintenance of the structure.
Interior Finishes
Interior finishes are an important aspect of low maintenance in prefab homes. Some standard inclusions in the prefab homes are vinyl flooring which is considered to be an ideal option for families. This flooring is strong, durable, and extremely easy to clean, unlike the other timber floors that require constant care and maintenance. Secondly, interior wall cladding may include plasterboard and finishes that require the least maintenance unlike painting that requires constant care every couple of years. There is plenty of use of glass frames in the interiors of these homes to let in ample natural daylight throughout the day. The glass, at the same time, is easy to maintain.
For the flooring, one of the ideal options to choose are the ceramic or porcelain tiles. They are extremely easy to clean while offering longevity. They are hard and durable and are available in many designs, shapes, and colors so as to create a perfect desired backdrop in your prefab homes. And since these products are manufactured and applied in controlled factory conditions – they tend to be more durable and hardy.
Specifically, in the bathrooms, it is ideal to choose larger walls with bigger-sized tiles and lesser grouts to apparently spend lesser time cleaning them. Secondly, it is also better to choose walk-in showers with lesser screens and a tile base backdrop.
Landscaping
Landscaping further beautifies the appearance of a prefab home. Whether you prefer plantations outdoors or indoors, it is highly recommended to choose native plants over foreign, invasive plants. Hence, it is better to consider mulching for these plants as they require lesser weeding and watering. You can even choose fake artificial plants in some conditions where maintenance is quite a difficulty to cut down on extra costs while still fostering a happy and livable environment in your prefab homes.
Rollout mats for artificial grass, pebbles and stones, and local, native plants best describe the low maintenance features of a prefab home outdoors.
Fixtures
A prefab home includes the pre-existing built-in shelves, fixtures, lightings, and major appliances. They are all tailored as per the budget, needs, and requirements of the homebuyer. Hence, considering these, functionality and efficiency are the two major aspects of the fixtures. Firstly, talking about the built-in shelves, cabinets, and cupboards in the prefab home, it is important to optimize the space and utilize the full length for storage purposes. The cabinet shutters should be free of maintenance while having a smooth, and glossy finish so as to avoid absorbing the stains.
Prefab homes incorporate the LED lighting, which is quite aesthetical and at the same time, can save up ample power, time, and costs to install and run. These lighting solutions are also longer living and don’t usually require constant up-gradation – hence, making a great low maintenance solution.
If you reside in a colder region, it is quite a possibility that you might need heaters and fireplaces. Well, in this case, rather than choosing a wooden heater, it is recommended to choose an electric or a gas heater that is apparently a low maintenance alternative. Furthermore, the appliances used in the kitchen and bathroom mainly emphasize efficiency and functionality.
Last Word
One of the most important points to note is planning a simple and functional design that is very easy to maintain. Hence, strategically planning your next prefab home is primary. Choosing easy to maintain finishes, planning small and compact, and using efficient fixtures is the key. However, you still need to keep an eye on the utilities and backlog running of the prefab while constantly cleaning the space. Considering these advantages – are you looking forward to owning the next prefab home? Do let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
