Prefab homes are reshaping how we build — and how quickly we can turn a dream into a finished home. They're faster, more cost-effective, and come in a wide range of styles to suit different needs. But the world of prefab isn’t one-size-fits-all.
From full-size luxury modules to DIY kits and even converted shipping containers, each prefab home type offers something unique — in cost, build speed, flexibility, and finish. Below, we walk you through the most common prefab construction types, highlighting what makes each one work and who they’re best suited for.
Modular Homes: Where Speed Meets Premium Living
If you're after a high-end finish without the drawn-out build timeline, modular homes are a top choice. These homes are constructed as large, nearly complete modules in a factory — often entire rooms or sections of a house — and then transported to your site and assembled like a puzzle.
This method cuts down build time dramatically and ensures consistent quality. The best part? It’s easy to expand in the future by adding more modules.
Great for: Main residences, luxury homes, boutique Airbnb properties Why you'll love it: Fast build, flawless finishes, future flexibility Things to consider: You’ll need a solid foundation and detailed delivery logistics — plus a slightly higher upfront investment.
Flatpack Homes: Affordable, Simple, and DIY-Ready
Flatpack homes are exactly what they sound like — home kits delivered in parts (think walls, floors, and roof panels) and assembled in a factory. It's one of the most budget-friendly prefab solutions, making it especially popular for rural buildings or anyone comfortable with a hands-on approach.
Great for: Budget-conscious builds, rural housing, or self-builders Why you'll love it: Low material and transport costs, highly accessible Things to consider: Installation takes time and effort — and quality depends on proper assembly.
Panelized Homes: Faster Builds, Smarter Performance
Panelized homes use large factory-built structural panels — such as walls, roofs, and floors — delivered and assembled on-site. Often made with SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels), this method offers excellent energy efficiency while maintaining a degree of design flexibility.
Great for: Suburban builds, compact family homes, eco-conscious projects Why you'll love it: Better insulation, quicker builds than traditional methods Things to consider: Requires skilled installation, and transporting large panels can be challenging on tricky sites.
Manufactured Homes: Mobile, Fast, and Fully Built
Manufactured homes are built 100% in a factory and placed on a steel chassis with wheels. They’re quick to deploy and don’t require a foundation, which makes them ideal for mobile home communities or temporary housing needs.
Great for: Social housing, mobile villages, temporary accommodation Why you'll love it: Fully built off-site, ready to use, highly cost-effective Things to consider: Limited customisation, lower long-term durability, and not always classed as real estate.
Hybrid Modular: Designed for Complex Builds
Hybrid modular homes combine the speed of off-site construction with the flexibility of on-site work. This method is often used in larger-scale or more complex projects, like resorts, schools, or public housing — especially where terrain or layout requires more adaptability.
Great for: Resorts, schools, public infrastructure, remote builds Why you'll love it: Custom design options, faster than traditional builds Things to consider: Requires strong coordination between teams and can be more expensive due to the complexity.
So, Which Prefab Home Type Is Right for You?
When you're building a home, it's not just about how fast you can move in — it's about how well that home supports your life over time.
Modular homes offer the best of both worlds: the speed and efficiency of prefab, with the comfort, structure, and liveability of a traditional build. That’s why Bonsai is built on a modular foundation.
Living in a Bonsai home feels like having exactly what you need — no more, no less. There’s space to cook without stepping over anything, room to rest without hearing what’s happening in the next zone, and clever storage that makes life feel tidy without the effort.
It’s big enough to breathe, host a friend, or work from home — but never so big it feels overwhelming to clean, heat, or maintain. You spend less time on upkeep and more time enjoying the space that’s truly yours.
At Bonsai, we’re not just building homes—we’re creating freedom, possibility, and a new way to live.
