What to Consider When Buying a Prefabricated House?
Prefabricated houses have become very popular today as they offer economical and fast housing solutions. However, these structures are a serious investment tool just like reinforced concrete houses. Especially in a country like Turkey, which has different climatic and ground conditions, many technical and legal details should be considered when purchasing a prefabricated house.
In this article, 2025 with current developmentsWe explain in detail the most critical elements to consider when buying a prefabricated house.
1️⃣ Manufacturer Selection
The first and most critical step to take when buying a prefabricated house, is to choose the right manufacturer.
What Should You Pay Attention To?
✅ TSE, ISO, CE certificates Do you have one?
✅ Company reference projects must be examined
✅ Is the installation team experienced?
✅ Is the production process in the factory? With a subcontractor?
✅ Company warranty period What is it?
⚠️ Companies that offer cheap prices but do not have documents should be avoided. It can cost much higher in the long run.
2️⃣ Quality of Material Used
Quality material determines both the lifespan and comfort of the prefabricated house.
Material Quality Considerations:
🔹 Carrier system: Galvanized steel profiles should be used (stainless, high strength)
🔹 Wall panels: EPS/XPS filling, exterior fibercement or betopan cladding
🔹 Roof covering: Sandwich panel or shingle
🔹 Insulation Quality materials should be preferred for heat, sound and waterproofing
🔹 Joinery PVC or aluminum windows and doors
Information from the manufacturer on these materials samples and technical documentation it is your right to ask.
3️⃣ Soil Investigation and Foundation Preparation
On the plot, before the assembly of the prefabricated house ground survey should be done and the foundation must be properly prepared.
Things to Watch Out For:
✅ Soil bearing capacity should be analyzed
✅ Raft foundation or reinforced concrete platform should be applied
✅ Drainage system should be created
✅ Electricity and water infrastructure must be ready in advance
Poor foundation practices → problems such as cracking, warping and flooding in the house.
4️⃣ License, Zoning and Municipal Compliance
Prefabricated houses cannot be built on every plot. Zoning status must be investigated in advance.
Questions to Ask:
✅ Is your land zoned for housing?
✅ Can you get a building license for a prefabricated house?
✅ Which square meters are allowed to be built?
✅ Is the project proceeding with a municipality-approved architectural plan?
In some regions, prefabricated buildings built without a license may later face demolition orders. For this reason working with an architect and it is critical to seek municipal consultation from the outset.
5️⃣ Pricing Details and Hidden Costs
The price of prefabricated houses is usually quoted on a "m² basis". However, be sure to clarify what is included in this price.
What to Ask:
✅ Price Turnkey?
✅ Is ground concrete included?
✅ Are electricity and plumbing included?
✅ Are shipping and assembly included?
✅ License drawing, static project included?
2025 average m² prices:
Standard prefabricated house: 15.000 - 25.000 TL/m²
Luxury steel construction house: 30.000 - 40.000 TL/m²
6️⃣ Thermal, Sound and Water Insulation Performance
The quality of insulation in a prefabricated house is very important for a comfortable life.
✅ EPS / XPS panels → Thermal insulation
✅ Rock wool or glass wool → Sound insulation
✅ For waterproofing: Roof and under foundation drainage system + waterproofing membrane
Cheap uninsulated models create the need to overheat in winter / overcool in summer → energy bills soar.
7️⃣ Warranty and After Sales Services
Corporate manufacturers usually offer the following guarantees:
Carrier system 10 years
Insulation 5 years
Assembly and labor: 2 years
You should also prefer companies that respond quickly to service, maintenance and repair requests after installation.
8️⃣ Design According to Intended Use
There are different intended uses: residential, cottage, office, security cabin, construction site building. The following aspects of the design should be considered according to your intended use:
✅ Room plan and interior distribution
✅ Infrastructure suitable for energy needs
✅ Sun direction, window placement
✅ Modular growth possibility
9️⃣ Energy Efficiency and Smart System Adaptations (2025)
In many prefabricated houses today:
✅ Solar panel systems
✅ Smart home automation
Heat pump and recovery systems
such as energy efficient solutions can be integrated. The existence of these systems is very important for those who want to save energy costs in the long term.
10️⃣ Insurance, Credit and Legal Assurance Status
Some banks offer prefabricated houses housing loan can give. But pay attention to these details:
✅ The land must have a title deed (detached)
✅ Must have zoning permission
✅ The project must be approved by the municipality
✅ Building supervision should be controlled
In addition, these documents must be complete for the house to be insurable. Make sure that your prefabricated house insure against disasters such as fire, earthquake and flood.
Conclusion: Right Information, Right Investment
Small mistakes when buying a prefabricated house can lead to big losses. Therefore, be sure to follow these 5 steps:
Choose a reliable and certified manufacturer
Clarify the zoning and license process from the municipality
Check material quality and foundation system
Don't neglect insulation and energy efficiency
Don't ignore warranty and after-sales services
When you pay attention to these, you can have both an economical and comfortable living space.
things to consider when buying a prefabricated house, how to choose a prefabricated house, quality prefabricated house, prefabricated house guide 2025, prefabricated house buying process, prefabricated house recommendations, steel prefabricated house selection