Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

The idea of prefabricated buildings refers simply to building structures that are prepared offsite, within factory environment, and then transported to desired destination. The great demand to build new homes in short time was the main reason behind thinking of new ways of construction. However despite its wide spread in some countries and being accepted as an alternative way of construction in America and Britain since early 1840’s, still it is considered new in the Middle East and African countries. The urgent need of rapid, affordable and reliable method of construction, and the adoption of this system by many developed countries, is making the modular construction more and more acceptable by people and governments around the world. Nowadays modular construction is widely recognized in many sectors and you can find prefabricated structures starting from small kiosks and cabins up to large scale pre-engineered industrial hangars and high rise buildings. Prefabex was among the first companies to spot the need to modular construction in the MENA region and succeeded in introducing the system to many countries. Below are some of the most asked questions about modular construction with their answers:


GENERAL QUESTIONS


What is a Prefab home, prefab building and why we use prefab construction?

Prefabricated home, also referred to as modular house or prefab home is a production completely produced in factory including all its parts such as doors, windows, electric network, plumbing, insulation, cladding, paint…etc, under strict quality control. The prefab product is then packed and loaded inside truck or shipping container and transported to the site.

What are the different types of modular construction?

Prefabex has a wide range of products that are produced following different systems. The main two systems to produce a prefabricated building are:

  • Panelized homes or buildings: walls are produced as press panels consisting of cement board from both sides and EPS insulation in between (called also as sandwich panel). The panels are then joined together using light steel H profiles. Doors and windows panels are also prepared at the factory as customized panels according to desired doors and windows dimensions. With this system single and two storey houses and buildings can be constructed.
  • Light steel or light gauge steel structures: The house, villa or building is designed using special programs. The design is then transferred to cold roll form machines that cut, punch and form light steel sheets into ready profiles. The profiles are then assembled to form wall panels, ceiling panels, roof panels, joists and trusses. External and internal walls cladding is prepared, in addition to insulation, doors, windows and all other parts. The product is then packed loaded and transported to site.
What are the main advantages of prefabricated construction?
  • Quick production
  • Pre-produced inside factory environment under strict quality control
  • Quick assembling
  • Comes with all parts included such ass windows, doors, electricity network and fittings, sanitary network and fittings.
  • Economic prices compared with conventional way of building
  • Standard and customized products according to customer’s requirements
  • Earthquake resistant with its light weight yet strong structure
  • Fire resistant as all materials are fire rated
  • Environmentally-friendly
  • Excellent heat and sound insulation
  • Durable and long lasting structures
  • Company guarantee and after sales service
What are the differences between Steel frame homes and conventional homes?

In terms of appearance, steel frame homes look exactly like conventional homes. The appearance is also enhanced through using aesthetic cladding materials that are not used normally in conventional construction. Steel homes are different in that they are environment-friendly, economic and fast to be constructed.

What are the main costs that I should consider if building a modular home or modular villa?
  • Factory price which is quoted by Prefabex
  • Transportation which is quoted by Prefabex
  • Customs clearance and taxes at country of destination
  • Cost of foundation
  • Cost of local permits
  • Cost of assembling including assembling tools and equipment
  • Cost of extra finishes that customer prefers to do it locally
Do Prefabex Prefabricated houses and buildings comply with local codes of wind resistance, seismic values, and take into consideration local weather conditions?

When designing our prefabricated houses or buildings we take into consideration the codes and insulation requirements in each country. However it is the responsibility of the customer to make available all this information and any other special design requirements when asking for price offer.

Once my home or building arrive at site, what is the process of building it?

Prefabex offers assembling services in any country. If assembling is required by our customer, depending on the size of the Project we discuss how many technicians are required, their specialities and if a site manager is required from Prefabex.

Prefabex teams are ready to help you assembling your house or building. You will need to prepare the site prior to containers or trucks carrying your product arrive. Then the product should be unloaded following the instructions provided by Prefabex. Our technicians with help of local workers can then start assembling the structure, apply external cladding, insulation, electric and plumbing first fix, internal cladding, ceiling insulation and cladding, floor tiling, painting, doors, Windows, electric and plumbing second fix.

Can you ship your products anywhere?

If shipping containers or trucks can arrive to your site, then we can ship our products to you.

Do you produce customized projects?

Our Professional team of engineers are ready to work with you to build up your customozed house, villa or building. You can choose from our standard plans available on Prefabex website. Alternatively you can send us the plan you like and we will quote based on it.

What kind of foundation is required?

Foundation design depends on the plan, number of floors and soil test report.

Our professional team can help you achieve the optimal foundation solution provided that you give all required information related to soil test report and local building authority requirements.

Once installed can prefabricated houses be unassembled or relocated to a new location?

Being modular in nature, prefabricated houses can be unassembled and relocated to a new location. However once assembled again they will require repainting, sealing. If any damage happened to some parts, they can be replaced easily thanks to the modular nature of the structure.