T

he first question when learning about modular homes is usually what is the cost of a modular home? The next question is: how are modular homes built? Modular homes are prefabricated houses that are built 80 to 90% in a factory, then transported by truck to the building site, and all final construction tasks are completed.

Many home buyers choose modular homes because they typically cost less than traditionally built houses.

What is the Cost of a Modular Home?

On average, modular homes cost about 15% less than a traditionally built house. The final cost depends on the contractors, the size of the house and its features, and any add-ons or upgrades done after the house has been transported to the building site.

Modular homes are a great option for home buyers who want to dictate exactly how their home will be laid out and built for a little less than a traditional construction project. Some of these choices are limited by the modular home options provided, and costs depend on the floor plan you select.

Modular home companies will show you the cost to build the home and transport it to your lot. Depending on where your lot is and how it’s set up, costs can vary for transportation. After the home is delivered and set into place on your lot, there is still the cost of hooking up the water line and other utilities, which vary depending on whether you’re setting your house on developed or undeveloped land.

Another cost typically not included in a modular home building estimate is building and setting up a foundation on your lot. Most companies won’t deliver a modular home until there is a foundation that it can be set on and anchored to. Utilities such as septic tanks or sewer lines, as well as an HVAC system and electricity, need to be set up and paid for as well. Most modular house companies also have a garage add-on available for an extra cost.

The costs of utilities and add-ons will always be present in the construction of a new house, and even after all the extras and add-ons, purchasing a modular home is still much less expensive than building a house in the traditional way.

Modular Homes True Price Range

What is the cost of a modular home? This is a common ask because modular homes have a lower price range than many other types of houses. But let’s drill down and get a true price range.

The price range for a modular home is between $50 and $100 per square foot or between $60,000 and $200,000 for a basic model with delivery service only. Remember that the final price depends on the floor plan, the number of bedrooms, and any customizations you want to add. For example, a typical 2500-square-foot modular home with light customization will cost around $200,000, but with all the bells and whistles, that cost goes up to around $365,000.

When looking around at existing homes and comparing prices, this looks even more like a great deal for home buyers wondering how much to build a modular home. Most modular home companies will give prospective buyers two price ranges: the base price and the finished price. The base price is the cost of the construction at the factory. The size of the home and any customizations drive the price up. The finished price includes all land preparation, foundation work, full home installation, utility setup, and permits.

How are Modular Homes Built?

As previously said, modular homes are built in a factory, then delivered to a building lot. When you purchase one, you have the option of choosing a style, such as Ranch, Cape Cod, duplex, modern, French countryside, and more. Different companies will have different base and finished prices for each style.

Most of the home is built in a factory, then it’s transported safely to the lot. Usually, the builder will transport the home in pieces to the lot and assemble it while it’s being set on the foundation and getting its utilities hooked up.

Modular homes hold and appreciate value at the same rate as traditional houses. However, they often don’t cost as much to cool and heat, with better energy efficiency. The amount of time to build and set up a modular home is much lower than a traditional house, and they are just as durable. Because all modular homes are custom-ordered and built, builders use the most advanced and updated materials designed to avoid common pitfalls in older houses, such as flood and storm damage.

Modular homes are an increasingly popular way to customize your house for much less than a traditional, brand-new house.

Modular home in Otto Medem Arquitectura

Modular home at an affordable price, with a careful architectural design. They have a shorter delivery time and a guaranteed durability that will save on energy consumption and maintenance.

Modular home in Otto Medem Arquitectura

Casas Modulares - Otto medem Arquitectura
Modular home - Otto Medem Arquitectura