While the finished product of a prefab home is identical to a site-built home, the actual construction process looks very different behind closed factory doors. Gone are the pervasive outdoor conditions that affected the progress and quality of traditional construction, replaced by optimized indoor assembly line efficiencies on a whole new scale. Take our exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of leading prefab manufacturers, including Lida Group, and learn about the mysterious off-site magic that makes prefab a reality.

Design and Engineering
This begins with a project consultation between the home buyer, in-house architect and engineer, followed by the design of the structure in accordance with all applicable building codes. Floor plans are modeled in 3D and feature engineered structural components optimized for size and transport. The pre-construction process can take 4-6 weeks.

Module production
Once approved, module manufacturing will begin in a climate-controlled facility. Floors, walls and roof panels are precision cut from architectural grade materials on state-of-the-art equipment, minimizing waste. Structural members such as beams and panels are numbered so that the location can be identified later.

modular assembly
Jacketing, piping, wiring and framing are added by experienced crews, all pre-cut components are quickly connected into modular sub-assemblies. Panels may include pre-installed electrical outlets, radiant floors or washrooms for final finishing. Strict quality control is implemented throughout the process.

module test
Before shipping, each finished module undergoes rigorous testing, including air pressure checks for leaks and verification of safe operation of the electrical system. Third-party inspectors further ensure that the finished assembly meets regional building codes for strength and life safety.

internal completion
On longer lead-time projects, factory workers install cabinets, countertops, tile and fixtures to securely package the finished interior for protection. Elsewhere, the enclosures are supplied with connection points and configuration templates for field equipping.

Delivery
Once tested, the modules are packaged and lifted onto specialized transport vehicles for safe delivery. Larger developers may have transfer trailers for single-destination intermodal transportation of entire multi-unit buildings by road and rail.

On-site assembly
On construction sites, it takes hours for a crane or ground jib to precisely place the modules on the foundation. Crews complete the structure by bolting flanges together and populating subassemblies to join the modules.

Completed on site
Subcontractors arrive to finalize details such as roofing, siding installation, landscaping and driveway laying. Interior decorators can complete final electrical/plumbing/HVAC terminations within weeks of homeowner occupancy, compared to months or more for traditional construction.

Compared with traditional construction, this highly simplified industrialized production process has better quality control, efficiency and cost advantages. Companies like Lida Group have paved the way for revolutionary changes in the global construction industry through off-site innovations. As it improves, prefabrication will increasingly dominate future construction.

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