I was going to call this post Fab Prefab, but go ahead and see if there aren't 6000 blog posts out there with that title.

After this post, nobody will ever beleive me when I say that I dislike new construction ever again.
It's true that I really (really!) hate cookie-cutter suburban developments that have granite countertops, engineered hardwood floors, and cherry cabinets. or whatever the trifecta is.

I also really dislike the 'more is more' stance that many people seem to have. I watch HGTV real estate shows where people see a 3000 square foot home and say "I don't know if this is enough space for us, because we might have a baby one day and god knows we don't want to share a universe with it. Plus, where's the dog's bedroom? Where's the fourth full bathroom so that I don't have to pee in the same toilet as my husband, kids, or guests?"
I vow, right here and right now, that I will never, ever buy a home more than 1600 square feet. 2 bathrooms, max. Why? Because somebody has to clean all that extra space. And it ain't gonna be me.
/end tangent.

What I really wanted to say was that I think the idea of prefab living is super cool. Not prefab as in a double-wide, of course. But check some of these out:

(click on photos to link to their sources)

My favourite prefab concepts involve homes made from shipping containers. Keep in mind, the ones in the photos are actually huge, and break my 1600 square foot rule.

The LV series of homes from Rocio Romero is another very cool design. For the LVL (3bedrooms, 2bathrooms, 1453 square feet), prices begin at $42,950 (this is their large model, other smaller homes cost even less). This includes the walls and exterior only; the client builds their own foundation, purchases their own windows, and then installs all interior fixtures and fittings to suit their tastes. Dreamy.

there are so many companies now doing prefab homes. some are assembled on-site, others are delivered whole with everything including the kitchen sink already installed. Prices range hugely, but many are intended to cost less than a standard site-built home. One thing I love about the modern design of many of these is that they are designed to let in LIGHT. Lots of LIGHT. From the SUN. Something my current home lacks sorely.

Now, if someone just wants to give me a peice of land...