What You Need to Prepare Before Buying a Prefabricated House

With the growing demand for diverse housing solutions and increased awareness of sustainability, prefabricated houses (also known as modular or integrated houses) have become an increasingly popular choice. Compared to traditional homes, prefabricated houses offer advantages such as shorter construction time, better cost control, and eco-friendly performance. However, before you make the purchase, there are several important preparations to ensure a smooth process and avoid unnecessary troubles.

1. Define Your Purpose and Needs

Before buying, you need to clearly define how you plan to use the house:

Is it for living, office use, a guest house, or a temporary structure for a construction site?

Is it for long-term or short-term use?

How many rooms do you need? Do you require a kitchen, bathroom, or other living amenities?

Having a clear understanding of your needs will help determine the layout, size, material standards, and supporting facilities of the house.

2. Choose the Right Installation Site

Selecting a suitable location is critical:

Is the land suitable for installation? (Consider load-bearing capacity, drainage, accessibility, etc.)

Are any temporary building permits or construction approvals required?

Will the site have access to water, electricity, and sewage systems?

If you’re installing on rural or company-owned land, the procedures are usually simpler. Urban areas may involve more regulations and approvals.

3. Understand Your Budget and Pricing Structure

Although the pricing of prefabricated houses is relatively transparent, be sure to confirm the following:

Is transportation included in the price?

Are foundation works billed separately?

Does the quote include water/electrical setup or interior furnishings?

It’s advisable to get a detailed quotation list from the supplier to avoid hidden or additional costs later on.

4. Choose a Qualified Supplier

A reliable supplier ensures both quality and service:

Do they have legal business licenses and construction qualifications?

Can they show you past projects or client references?

Do they offer after-sales service and a warranty period?

Compare multiple suppliers if possible, and visit their factory or sample projects for a better understanding.

5. Understand the Production and Installation Timeline

The delivery timeline depends on the complexity of your order:

Standard modules may be delivered within 1–2 weeks;

Customized units may take 3–6 weeks or longer.

Coordinate foundation work, transportation, and crane arrangements to avoid delays.

6. Be Mentally Prepared and Plan Long-Term

While prefabricated housing is fast and efficient, it still requires your involvement at every step:

From design confirmation to final delivery, every detail needs communication and coordination;

For long-term use, opt for materials and structures that are insulated, fire-resistant, and earthquake-safe.

You might also consider future expansion, relocation, or recycling potential to maximize your investment.