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Modular Lingo - What Exactly Does Prefab Mean?

A quick and easy-to-read explanation of what the word ‘prefab’ exactly means.

Posted On

  • February 04, 2025

If you’ve heard of modular construction, chances are you’ve probably also heard the word ‘prefab’ as well, somewhere along the way. Chances are also that you’ll be coming across that word more and more, now that modular is becoming increasingly popular, not only in Tasmania, but around the globe. So, before you really start to get lost in all the modular jargon, we’re going to explain one of the most common words used when discussing modular: Prefab. 

What is prefab?

Prefab, the shortened version of prefabrication, is a type of building method where a structure or part of a structure is constructed off-site, and then transported to the site in one or more components or modules. A prefabricated home is a home that has been constructed at an off-site facility, and then taken to site in parts, before being assembled and completed on the site.

Prefab and Modular

So how does modular relate? Modular construction is a type of prefab building, as buildings and structures are constructed in modules off-site, before each module of the building is taken to site, and each module is joined together to create a completed building. Tasbuilt takes pride in being the leading modular builder in Tasmania, supplying quality and high-end modular buildings Tassie-wide. All modules are completed to 80% in Westbury at our facility, before being taken to site on trucks in one or more modules, where it is then completed. 

Benefits of Prefab

Prefab may sound good, but what are it’s benefits, and why should you choose it? 

Speed: as majority of the work happens off-site, it means that while the off-site work is happening, preparation works can also be done on the site at the same time, meaning two jobs can be done at once, resulting in a much quicker build time. Using a controlled off-site facility also means that weather won’t delay build times. 

Sustainability: less wastage occurs and reduced site disturbance are both two massive benefits of prefab. Materials are tightly controlled and recycled for other projects, and disturbance to the site is far less than that of a traditional build. 

Durability: as the structures need to be transported to site, it means that they must be constructed to a very strong and robust standard to ensure they survive the journey to site. This results in a much stronger and durable structure than that of a traditional building.  

And so much more…

 

Want explanations on more modular words and terms? Send them in to sales@tasbuiltgroup.com.au and we’ll do our best to address them for you.

Tasbuilt Homes team guiding the last module of a building into place using a crane.
Completed Tasbuilt Homes prefab building with all modules securely placed on site.

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