This is not only the first question that everyone wants asked but one of the top search terms on the Internet for the subject. The answer that most people are looking for is, less. The question is less than what, and why? Modular homes have been around for a while. They have graced the covers of architectural magazines as the vision, and while most of the US public has ignored them, they have grown quietly to become the next big trend in custom home building.

In fact, according to industry statistics modular home construction projects have increased by more that 100 percent in the last ten years. One of the main reasons is modular homes prices but that is not the only factor. Modular homes are built using an engineered approach to the home building process. The modular home itself is built in a factory environment where all the parts of the home are pre-fabricated and then once they are ready, disassembled and shipped to the construction site. While this is going on the site has been prepared and the assembly of the home proceeds very quickly, and time is the other reason that they are becoming so popular.

Time is Money

The total time from design to finish is at least 30 to 40 percent less for modular homes. Prices are also less but its important to have a sense of perspective. The average cost of a mobile or factory built home is $35 to $45 per square foot. The average cost of a traditional “stick built” home is $80 to $100 or more per square foot with custom homes running 50 percent higher. Modular homes prices run about $70 to $80 per square foot, right in the middle. However, it is important to remember that every modular home is a custom home.

You start with a basic floor plan and the final design is then built to order. Customization is far easier and entirely computerized, making the process faster and less costly. Modular homes prices are less than the traditional, non-customized home price while providing the quality and desirability of a custom home. As this trend continues, the technology will advance and Modular homes, prices being the most important element, will come to dominate the market. Imagine designing your dream home and having it ready for move in, in just weeks