Identifying wider economic benefits of prefabricated houses in australia

Abstract

Prefabricated houses have been at the forefront for the delivery of buildings with less onsite construction time and safer for the workers. Significant savings in terms of cost and reducing waste are some of the primary direct benefits. In addition, other direct positive impacts such as higher quality can be easily achieved due to improvements in terms of processes offsite. However, indirect benefits of prefabricated houses are not still well defined and quantified. The consideration of wider economic benefits (WEBs) would provide the opportunity to quantify the value which is useful for decision-making. Urban renewal and growth, commercial activity influx, and employment opportunities are the examples of WEBs due to the prefabricated houses industry. WEB concept has been applied in the area such as transport and infrastructure during the decision-making. Nevertheless, there is no evidence that this concept has been applied in the prefabrication industry. This paper identifies and categorise the potential WEBs of prefabricated houses through a literature review and communicating with the industry in Australia. The WEBs relevant to prefabricated houses are identified. The potential methods for quantifying these benefits are discussed.