Photo courtesy Michelle Kaufmann Designs Inc.

Prefab homes are making a strong comeback because of the recession. Prebuilt  homes were originally popular right after World War II as returning troops needed fast affordable housing to create and house the Baby Boomer generation.  Pre built homes were the forerunner to prefabs (prefabricated.)

Among the biggest seller of prebuilt homes was Sears (originally Sears, Roebuck and Co.) Sears precut all materials, labeled them according to easy to ready blue prints and shipped the home to your site ready to assemble.

Prebuilt homes were replaced soon by cheaply made mobile homes, killing the prebuit home industry and casting a pall over any home that was preconstructed.

Today, prefabs are seeing a strong resurgence as baby boomers downsize and new families can't afford custom built new homes.

In addition, prefab homes manufacturers have embraced the sustainable "green" concept and make affordable homes that are easy to maintain and energy efficient.

...prefab construction has built-in advantages that mean lower risks in terms of time and money over houses built piece by piece on a site. Factory-built homes, including mobile homes, typically go for less than site-built homes: $41 per square foot versus $93 per square foot, based on 2007 statistics. Some of the savings come because building a house in an indoor environment wastes less time and materials than building in the elements, says Robert Robotti of Robotti & Co., a New York-based investment adviser.

Prefab homes of today also have great curb appeal, not just price appeal. Prefab home manufacturers have recognized the need for homes that avoid the cookie-cutter look of suburbia. The makers also realize the mistake mobile home builders made in using cheap materials with little regard for environmental impact or energy efficiency.

Michelle Kaufmann, founder of Michelle Kaufmann Designs in Oakland, Calif., says she was surpised when she started marketing prefab homes based on "eco-principles" of smart design, healthly living, water conservation and energy efficiency. She even created "zero energy" homes by using highly efficient materials and appliances and heating/cooling. But she was pleased that many people in their 50's and 60's have re-evaluated their lifestyle and are choosing a simpler green way to live.

However, the recession also means "buyer beware." Before investing in a prefab house, investigate the strength and stability of the prefab home manufacturer. Visit the factory, and if possible, contact some current owners to explore their experience.

Today's prefab homes maybe the best thing to come out of the recession. Giving trendy living new life in smaller, sustainable, eco-friendly homes.

 For more info: Trucked In Houses - Prefab Architecture Makes a Comeback

If you liked this story, check out Waterlogged Living... or SoCal Sotheby's Architectural Gem