I first learned about modular homes back in 2010 from a newspaper ad. It was a small ad for a prefab home and it was very easy to miss. I thought it was unique at that time because no one was selling prefab homes then.
I was intrigued and I wanted to see one in person and never really got the chance to do it until almost a decade later.
Despite not seeing one in person, I dreamt of owning one. I didn’t know any particular reason why, I just wanted one for my own.
Maybe it was the idea of having a home built efficiently, with quality materials? Or maybe it was the idea of having a home at a fraction of the cost of traditional construction that fascinated me.
Over the years, that idea turned into my passion for tiny homes. And that passion grew. My work as a copywriter even gave me the opportunity to work with clients who were building tiny homes who also wanted to create books on the subject.
I think I wrote 20 or so books about the subject.
I was so obsessed with having a minimalist house that I eventually built a tiny home on my wife’s farm property. It still isn’t finished though due to budget constraints.
Yeah, tiny homes still cost money.
And now it’s 2025.
I’ve set my eyes on putting a prefab home on my wife’s beach property where it would be perfect.
Now Why Choose a Tiny Prefab Home Over a Conventional House?
As housing costs continue to rise, more and more people in Davao are exploring affordable, practical alternatives to traditional home construction.
Myself included.
Prefabricated (or “prefab”) homes have emerged as a popular solution, because they offer a cost-effective alternative that can quickly be constructed and is sustainable over time.
If you’re considering buying a home in Davao, there are several compelling reasons why a prefab home might be the best choice for you.
- You can buy one for as low as Php 135,000.00 (Note price may change depending on who’s providing it)
- You get a simple livable space that you can basically place anywhere.
- It comes with the basics like lighting and electrical outlets.
- It’s fire-resistant.
Have enough money for a bigger home and you want to use the lot that you placed your prefab on?
Simple, move the prefab home to a different site. No need to break it down. Now you’ll have a conventional home and still use your prefab home for other purposes like an extra home or a large shed.
Here are more reasons why prefab is the way to go for me:
Affordability Without Compromising Quality
Prefab homes are typically more cost-effective than traditional homes because they are built in controlled environments, reducing material waste and labor costs.
Manufacturers can purchase materials in bulk, which further lowers expenses. This affordability allows homeowners or individuals and families on a tight budget to get a well-built house at a fraction of the cost of conventional construction.
Faster Construction Time with Minimal On-Site Disruptions
Building a conventional home in Davao can take months or even years due to unpredictable weather conditions, labor shortages, and supply chain issues.
Traditional home construction can also be disruptive, with prolonged noise, dust, and waste affecting your surroundings.
I can’t have that. We already have neighbors on my wife’s beach property and although they’re family, the thought of causing a racket day in and day out for weeks or months is something I am not looking forward to.
The same can be said for what I have planned on the farm. I’ve already had three structures constructed on the farm and all of them took time to build. Money spent on labor costs can rack up quickly the more days spent constructing those structures.
Prefab homes, however, can be assembled in just a few hours. That means there is significantly less disruption to your neighborhood.
And since most of the construction happens in a factory, delays caused by external factors like rain or material shortages are minimized. Labor time is also cut short and is usually provided as a value-added service by the company you’re getting your prefab from.
All of these things mean that you can move into your new home much sooner than you could if you had a traditional home made. Plus your neighbors will like you better if they can get a few extra minutes in bed because you’re not making a racket too early in the morning.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
Sustainability is a priority for me and prefab homes are designed with sustainability in mind.
That’s why it makes me happy to know and tell you that many manufacturers use energy-efficient materials and incorporate eco-friendly building techniques. Also, construction occurs in a factory setting, therefore waste is minimized, and energy consumption is reduced.
Add the fact that they use optimized construction techniques and you have a home that’s built with precision. There is little to no leftover material when building these prefab homes as compared to traditional construction, making them a greener choice.
Additionally, many prefab homes can be fitted with solar panels and other green technologies.
Customizable and Modern Designs
When I first saw that ad for a modular home, it was basically a box. And that was what was appealing to me.
It was a no-frills approach to a home. And it was really what I needed.
After our home was burned, I began to see things in a different way and that all I really needed was a room that would allow me to rest and store some important stuff in.
I didn’t need extra rooms for extra stuff.
Of course that thinking won’t fly if you have a wife and child.
I also have to think about them.
The house I provide for them has to look good enough to be a home too.
I’m thankful that the days when prefab homes looked generic or uninspiring are gone.
Many prefab manufacturers now offer stylish, modern designs that can be tailored to suit your preferences. Check out Prefab Davao for one. They have so many designs that it’s sometimes hard to choose which one to get.
They’re proof that whether you want an open-concept living space, energy-efficient features, or eco-friendly materials, prefab homes can be customized to match your lifestyle.
Resilient and Durable Enough for the Philippines’s Climate
The Philippines is a tropical country. We have heavy rains and strong winds. Davao used to not feel it. But maybe it’s because of climate change that it now experiences tropical weather, including heavy rains and strong winds.
Prefab homes are engineered to meet stringent building standards, making them resistant to extreme weather conditions. Some modular homes even use reinforced steel frames, ensuring they can withstand typhoons and earthquakes better than conventional homes.
These homes use high-quality materials that make them just as sturdy as, if not more durable than, traditionally built homes.
Ideal for Urban and Rural Settings
Whether you are looking to build in the heart of Davao City or a more rural area, prefab homes are a great choice.
I have two sites in mind where I’d like to have a prefab home. One is on the beach property located near Lanang Beach club and the other is going to be on the farm. That means we have properties in an urban and rural setting. Both properties are owned by my wife.
Their modular design allows them to be constructed on various types of terrain, and their quick assembly makes them a convenient option for areas with limited skilled labor availability.
Most companies will construct it for you and all you really have to do is make sure you prepare the site. Preparation includes the septic tank and the foundation or posts to perch the prefab home on.
Ideal for Small and Large Spaces
Continuing on the idea for urban and rural settings, prefab homes are also ideal for small or large spaces.
Whether you have a small lot in the city or a larger space in the suburbs, prefab homes can be designed to fit any area. Some modular homes are also stackable or expandable, allowing homeowners to start with a small unit and add more sections as their needs grow.
So in our case, we’ll probably get 2 units for the beach property that will be stacked on top of each other because we have limited space and four or more units for the farm since we can spread it out as far as we want due to the larger space we can use.
Lower Maintenance Costs
Since prefab homes are built using precise engineering and high-quality materials, they require less maintenance over time compared to traditional homes. This means fewer unexpected repair costs and long-term savings for homeowners.
It’s a metal box.
Just do an annual or semi-annual weatherproofing and you should be good to go.
Are Flexible Financing Options?
Many financial institutions in the Philippines are now offering loans and financing options. Now, last time I checked, you could take out a loan to buy a prefab home but it will fall under a personal loan and not a housing loan.
This means buyers can own a house without needing a massive upfront investment. Not all banks offer this though and you’ll really have to do your research as to which one will provide you with the best deal.
There are also some developers who provide in-house financing, making homeownership more accessible. Bahay Makabayan is one, Cubo is another but their house designs are far from what you’d expect a prefab home would look like.
The only problem is you’ll have to come up with a sizeable downpayment. Their homes cost more. So, expect to shell out more than what you would for a prefab from Prefab Davao or SmartHouse.
Is it a Good Investment?
Prefab homes are becoming increasingly popular. More and more people are buying them brand new. But does this mean their resale value will match that steady rise?
Truth is, I don’t know.
I also haven’t seen an ad for a second-hand prefab home.
So maybe that means they’re really that good that people choose to keep them for life or they get damaged when you move them from place to place and no one will admit it.
So, if you ever decide to buy a prefab home and eventually sell it, I don’t know if you can expect good returns on your investment.
Despite people knowing about the many benefits these prefab homes offer, the relatively low price to buy one brand-new is more appealing than buying a used one.
A Smart Housing Solution for the Future
With rapid urbanization and rising real estate prices, prefab homes represent the future of affordable, efficient housing. By choosing a prefab home in Davao, you’re making a smart decision that aligns with modern trends in housing, sustainability, and financial practicality.
Wanna talk about prefab homes? Let’s talk and have a great conversation about them.
