Market for prefab products witnessed 30 per cent increase
Himalayan News Service
Kathmandu
After the earthquake that hit the country, the demand for
prefabricated homes often referred to as prefab houses is on the rise.
Traders claimed that demand has risen by as much as 30 per cent post
earthquake. Less time consuming for constructing the structure than
traditionally built buildings, light weight, environment friendly,
reliable, easy to assemble and dismantle are some key features that have
attracted customers to these products.
Prefab homes are manufactured off-site in advance using
precise engineering. The components are then easily shipped and
assembled. Prefab homes were introduced here more than a decade ago,
however, they did not appeal to public for residential purpose. After
the devastating earthquake struck, people are now gradually taking
prefab into consideration owing to safety reasons. As the demand for
prefab houses has increased in the market, many new players have also
entered into the market.
“Previously, prefab houses were used only in projects like
hydropower, schools, colleges, organisational buildings et cetera. But
now, people are gradually using it for residential purposes in
earthquake affected districts,” said Narendra Maharjan, Business
Development Manager at Arati & Company. Citing that the price of
prefab houses depends upon design and material, he said, “We have
constructed 50 two-bedroom houses in Sankhu where most of the houses
collapsed during the earthquake at Rs 250,000. The price may differ with
the requirements of customers and design.”
According to him, they face a material and man-power crunch
due to the rise in demand. Citing that the government has decreased
custom duty on prefab imports, Maharjan said, “This is indeed a positive
step towards prefab and will certainly assist in making products more affordable to the general public.” He further said that the earthquake has created a good business opportunity and many companies have put their hands into prefab houses.
“The earthquake has widened the scope for prefabricated
products in the market. The traditional mindset that prefab is only for
temporary structures is gradually changing,” said Sailesh Sthapit, Site
Supervisor at Bira Furniture, which also offers prefab houses.
According to him, the prefab market has witnessed 30 per
cent growth after the earthquake. Citing that there is no competition in
terms of products, he said, “Though many players have entered this
business, they have their own product lines like UPVC, wooden boards,
cement, PU boards et cetera. So the competition is healthy.”
Prefab panels are available in different sizes and types.
Panels can be obtainable in two- and three-inch thickness. EPS sandwich
panel, rock wool sandwich panel, pu sandwich panel, corrugated steel
sheet, fibre cement board, et cetera are materials that are used for
wall, roof, ceiling and floor. Reportedly, customers prefer cement panel
boards which lasts for 30 years.
“We have witnessed maximum inquiries after the quake,
however, we do not have as much business as expected,” said Nilmani
Sapkota, CEO of Himalayan Prefab. He further said, “As the government is
due to introduce a revised National Building Code, people are still in
wait and watch mode to decide for construction.”
Citing that the
exemption of custom duty for prefab is a positive decision, he said,
“Prefab is still expensive when compared to other materials. Owing to
its utility, the government should work to make it more affordable.”
Moreover, he stated that manufacturing prefab panels in Nepal still cost
15 per cent more than imports. According to him, the price of prefab
panels starts at Rs 1,100 per sq ft which can go up depending upon
quality and design.
Traders
mainly import prefab panels and boards from India and China. Prefab
structures are reportedly also being preferred especially by resorts,
schools, colleges, hotels, cafés, showrooms, party palaces and other
project sites including residential buildings.
Published on July 25, The Himalayan Times, THT Property Plus
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