A prefabricated house is a significant purchase, especially when it crosses borders. These ten questions will help you compare suppliers on substance rather than price alone.

The ten questions

1. Is the structure engineered for my site? Ask for wind, snow and seismic design criteria, not a generic catalogue.
2. What exactly is included? Request a line-by-line scope: structure, panels, windows, doors, electrical, plumbing, finishes and installation.
3. Who prepares the foundation drawing? Confirm responsibility and tolerances before shipment.
4. How will it be packed and shipped? Ask for a loading plan, container count and estimated freight cost.
5. Who installs it? Clarify whether the price includes installation, supervision or only remote support.
6. What quality checks are documented? Ask for material certificates, welding inspection and pre-delivery photos.
7. What is the lead time? Get a production schedule with dates, not a single optimistic number.
8. What warranty applies? Check the structure, panels, windows and hardware separately.
9. Can I speak to a past client? Ask for references in a similar climate or project type.
10. What happens if something is missing? Agree a process for replacements and who pays for freight.

Final advice

A good supplier will welcome detailed questions and put answers in writing. If a quote is much cheaper than the others, compare the scope before celebrating — the missing items are often the expensive ones.