prefab homes...

I've never heard of this, but it's possible!

How sturdy are they? You can't help but notice the sign on MSI down in Subbase- "built island tough"--- would these buildings hold up in a hurricane?

I feel safe in 8" poured concrete- a bunker life for me!

What are these modular houses made of? Seems like it might be really spendy to ship down??

LR

I had thought about the possibility of prefab housing as an inexpensive way to have a home, but it doesn't seem safe enough for hurricanes. Are there any prefab businesses in the islands?

It's funny I just started to research this. There is a company called Topsider Homes. I found them on the net. They have a range of designs starting as small as 475 SF. They caught my attention because they advertise a package specifically designed for hurricane prone areas (specially treated lumber and high wind load package.) They can ship the whole package to be constructed on island. (The quote was for St Croix) The estimate to construct the small 475 SF house was between $83,000 and $97000 excluding land and site work. I had another estimate for a two bedroom two bath house with 1132 SF which would cost between $162,000 and $191,000.

These prices seemed good to me, especially for a small vacation house. I would love to hear from anyone who has had any experience with them. I would also love to know how these prices compare to regular construction costs on the island. Any info would be appreciated.

I believe that new construction has to meet Dade County requirements. Also, you are going to have to pour a concrete cistern in addition to the building. The other question is: how earthquake resistant are these places? There is a reason for West Indian architecture...