How much do modular homes cost?

There is a wide price variance in prefabricated modular homes. On average, a prefab modular home will cost $60 - $150 per square foot while a site-built home will cost roughly $150 - $300 per square foot (assuming similar quality fixtures and total square footage).

Why are modular homes considered more affordable than traditional homes?

Prefab modular homes are typically more affordable than building a custom home. Building in a factory provides a more controlled and predictable environment, saving on waste, avoiding weather complications, and providing a more familiar process between near-identical builds. The more complex your design and specs, the more the home will cost.

Are modular homes cheaper than buying a house?

While it's while known that building a modular home is more affordable than building a custom home, the jury is still out on whether it is more affordable than buying an existing home. Purchasing an existing house could be more affordable if it's an older home, if it's in a large development, or requires repairs. When deciding to buy or build, consider your needs for customization, newness, and budget.

Are there limitations on where you can build modular homes?

Generally, modular homes can be built anywhere that a traditional home can be built. Land considerations are similar for any home you're building: cost of real estate, grading, elevation, lot size, etc. Some jurisdictions have zoning limitations on certain types of prefab homes, so it's a good idea to call City Hall before you order your house.

What is the difference between a sectional home and a modular home?

Sectional homes are also called manufactured homes, double-wide homes, mobile homes, or trailers. Sectional homes have few customized floor plans, while modular homes come in a variety of floor plans, sizes, and styles. Sectional home fixtures are designed for affordability, while modular home fixtures come in a variety of price points, including luxury appliances, finishes, windows, and more. Modular homes cost about 30% more than sectional homes of a similar size.

Do modular homes depreciate in value?

Modular homes do not depreciate any more than their traditionally built counterparts. If your home is manufactured with quality materials and assembled by a skilled contractor, your home should be as resilient as a stick-built modern custom home.

What is the difference between a modular and prefab home?

Prefab is a high-level descriptor for an off-site home building process in a factory-like environment. Walls or modules are shipped and assembled on a building site. Panelized construction is a type of prefab construction that involves shipping and manufacturing sections of a home as flat panels. Modular construction is a type of prefab construction that involves shipping and manufacturing units in box shapes.

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Prefabricated Modular Home

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Prefabricated modular homes are houses that built off-site, typically in a factory, and delivered to the building site for final assembly. The factory built modules are either end-to-end, side-by-side, stacked or any combination based on the design. The modules are then tied together with inter-connections which keep the sections in place.

Prefabricated modular homes are generally more affordable than building a comparable custom home and are an excellent option for homeowners who want to reduce waste, reduce their carbon footprint, and complete the project faster. It's important to note that prefabricated modular homes are not mobile homes and must confirm to local building codes.

When gathering costs for your home, ensure that the quote includes assembly, transportation, landscaping, electrical, plumbing, ductwork, and all desired customization's. If not, be sure to add these to your final budget. Most prefabricated manufactures assemble the final product themselves or have a local building partner that will take over the project during the time of assembly. If not, look for a home builder that uses high-quality materials and takes pride in their building process. Be sure to research zoning limitations in your jurisdiction.

Prefab is already considered a “green” building method due to low waste and faster build time. Prefabs built to the Passive House, Net Zero or similar higher standards are of very high quality in terms of durability and energy efficiency, thus reducing your energy footprint.

In a study on the damage done by Hurricane Andrew in 2012, FEMA reported that modular homes fared better than traditional construction.

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