The terms “prefab” and “modular” are often used interchangeably, but they describe distinct construction approaches. Both rely on off-site manufacturing, but the scope, assembly, and degree of completion differ—and those differences can have a big impact on cost, timing, and design flexibility.

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1. What Is Prefabricated Construction?

Prefabrication, or “prefab,” is a broad category that covers any building components made in a factory before final assembly on-site. This can include:

• Panelized construction (walls, floors, or roof sections built off-site)

• Pre-cut kits (materials cut to size and delivered for assembly)

• Modular construction (complete sections of a building, fully finished inside and out)

Prefab speeds up projects and reduces waste, but on-site work is still needed to complete the build.

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2. What Is Modular Construction?

Modular construction is a type of prefab in which entire building sections—called modules—are fully constructed off-site. Each module typically includes:

• Walls, floors, and ceilings

• Installed plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems

• Interior finishes, fixtures, and sometimes even appliances

Once delivered, modules are assembled like building blocks to form the final structure. This method minimizes weather delays, improves quality control, and often cuts construction time in half compared to traditional builds.

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3. Prefab vs Modular: Side-by-Side

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4. Which Is Best for Your Project?

• Choose prefab if you want flexible design options and plan to do more customization on-site.

• Choose modular if you want maximum speed, predictable quality, and minimal on-site labor.

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Pre-Fab vs Modular The Bottom Line

When comparing prefab vs modular, both approaches offer speed, efficiency, and cost savings over conventional construction. The right choice depends on your priorities—whether it’s flexibility, rapid completion, or factory-level quality control.