After finding the prefab home very strong, safe and economical, Khadka has decided to build a single-storied prefab home. “Earlier, my parents had doubts that prefab homes won’t look attractive and aren’t durable. But after observing the prefab home in Pepsicola, where the owner has been living for the past few years, my parents agreed to make a three-room prefab home,” Khadka told Republica.
Khadka is not the only one. Many families living in tall houses in Kathmandu have started inquiring about prefab homes in recent days.
Prefab homes are prefabricated homes which are usually made off site and are carried on in the site and assembled. They have various benefits compared to concrete buildings. They are earthquake-resistant, can withstand wind velocity, heavy snow and rainfall and extreme temperature i.e. from -50 degree Celsius to 120 degree Celsius, are easy to install, are of lightweight, and can be made sound-proof. Most importantly, one does not have to go through the hassles of getting permits from government agencies and get the designs endorsed by the municipality.
Various companies like Insulate Wall Panel Manufacturing Company (IWPMC), Kshma Devi Construction, Himalayan Pre-Fab and Bira Furniture, among others, and involved in making of prefab homes. These companies say though inquiries for prefab homes are increasing after the earthquake, people are still hesitant to place order.
Kshma Devi sells 2-inch thick, 2-feet wide and 10-feet high prefab board at Rs 1,200 to Rs 2,500 per square foot depending on the material. Prabin Karki, manager of the company, said a one-storied home with 4 rooms can be constructed at Rs 1.3 million. Customer, however, will have to pay additional amount for wiring and plumbing works.
EC says 1,025 inquiries from call centers addressed
The company provides 25-year warranty on such homes.
“Many people come here and inquire about prefab homes. We ask for their requirement and the amount they want to spend and suggest the design as per their requirement,” Padam Bahadur Shrestha, owner of Bira Furniture, told Republica. “But it seems that people still have doubts on the life of home,” he said, adding that his company hasn’t received any order so far.
Bira Furniture charges Rs 1,800 per square foot for insulated dry walls.
“It will take three months to complete the house as there is shortage of manpower,” said Shrestha.
Similarly, Tashi Lama, proprietor of IWPMC, said insulated prefab house can be constructed very fast i.e. within 2 to 3 days and are economical. “But it will take around three months now as we are facing shortage of materials and manpower,” he added.
“Insulated prefab homes are lightweight, earthquake-resistant, temperature-resistant, and can be relocated to any desired location,” Lama said.
IWPMC manufactures Polyurethane (prefab) panels which have hot and cold insulation suitable for all types of weather conditions, wall panels and roof panels.
The company provides insulated dry wall at around Rs 2,200 per square feet.
The life span of the prefab houses depends on the type of materials used. But companies provide warranties ranging from 10 to 35 years.
