Prefab Homes

Prefabricated homes (or, prefab homes) are homes that are created offsite, then shipped to the place of dwelling to be assembled.  They are more inexpensive because they are often mass produced, and require less materials and labour because they are manufactured offsite.  Though they are growing in popularity, the prefab home is not a new concept - they were introduced in the early1900's, and gained more popularity mid century across North America and Europe.  The craze has hit again as of late - though not in the form of Sears Catalog Homes anymore.  Ikea has had a line of prefab housing (Boklok) that is offered in Europe for the past 20 years, in which they offer apartment complexes, semis, townhouses, etc...  Go Green initiatives in the prefab world are also growing in popularity, which is optimal because you're able to get an inexpensive, environmentally friendly home delivered to you.  One of the companies who had received a lot of recognition and online buzz as of late is Toronto based Meka, which was the creation a local  designer, a Toronto entrepreneur, and a UofT Professor.  They created a prefab home made of a shipping container, which was 70% recycled material, and is shipped 95% assembled.