To prefabricate something means to build parts of it in a factory before assembling them at the final location. Instead of constructing everything from scratch on site, workers manufacture sections in advance, then transport and connect them where they're needed.

Prefabricated homes, called prefabs, arrive as wall panels, roof sections, and floor units that fit together like enormous building blocks. This approach saves time and money because factory workers can build components efficiently indoors, protected from weather delays. After World War II, America needed housing quickly for returning soldiers and their families, so construction companies prefabricated thousands of homes that could be assembled in days rather than months.

The method works for more than houses. Bridges, school classrooms, and office buildings can all be prefabricated. Even some restaurants arrive as prefab units, complete with kitchens already installed.

While prefabricated buildings were once considered cheap or temporary, modern prefabs can be high quality and permanent. The key advantage remains the same: build the complicated parts where you have all your tools and materials, then assemble them quickly where they're needed.