How Long Does it Take to Build a Modular Home? - Next Modular (2024)

How Long Does it Take to Build a Modular Home? - Next Modular (1)

Modular homes are a quick, affordable option for custom homebuyers. However, many people believe that the benefits of modular home building are too good to be true. How long does it actually take to build a modular home, and is it worth the investment?

How Long Does it Take to Build a Modular Home?

It’s important to remember that every building project experiences some delays. There is no “one size fits all” for building times, even on modular homes. That said, the modular home building process typically takes far less time than the traditional home building process.

Generally speaking, a traditional home takes 9-12 months to build from the ground up. In contrast, a modular home usually takes 3-4 months. This faster building time is the result of several factors.

  • The foundation and the home can be built simultaneously.

Because a modular home is built off-site, the foundation of the home can be laid while the home itself is being built. A traditional home requires the foundation to be established before building can occur. Typically, it takes about a month to pour a home’s foundation, which clears quite a bit of time on the overall schedule.

  • Contractors often follow similar floor plans.

The beauty of modular home building is that you have the freedom to choose between a highly-customized floor plan and a pre-designed floor plan. If you decide to go with a pre-designed floor plan, contractors build faster according to familiarity.

  • Everything is built inside, so the weather is no issue.

Weather plays a massive role in traditional building delays, particularly in areas with harsh climates. Since contractors build modular homes in factories, no need to worry about the weather. This also makes it far easier to build a new home during the winter months or rainy seasons.

  • The final assembly is quick and efficient.

By the time your modular home reaches its new location, everything has been built. Contractors simply attach each “building block” to the others, which they can do in a matter of days.

Additional Time Factors to Consider

Again, a modular home’s building schedule depends on several factors. The following are some reasons your home may require more time to build.

  • Site Prep
  • Post-Building Touchups
  • Appliances and Hookups
  • Heavy Customization
  • Building Size

Other Benefits of Building Modular

Still not convinced? A short building process isn’t the only reason why building modular is a wise investment. Other benefits of building a modular home include the following.

  • Fewer Wasted Materials

Modular homes are built in factories, which means contractors can use exactly what they need and then recycle excess materials. Modular construction is certainly a friend to the environment!

  • Lower Building Cost

As a by-product of fewer wasted materials, modular homes provide an affordable alternative to traditional home construction. With fewer scheduling delays and faster building time, you save money in numerous areas.

  • Move-In Ready Home

When your home is done, it’s done. At the end of 3-4 months, you get to move into a fully-formed, functional home.

  • Ability to Personalize

Again, you don’t have to customize your modular home, but the option is there. Work alongside a professional designer to customize your dream floor plan.

Browse all of our Modular Home Floorplans

How Long Does it Take to Build a Modular Home? - Next Modular (2024)

FAQs

How Long Does it Take to Build a Modular Home? - Next Modular? ›

Speed. Modular construction is known for its remarkable speed. Compared to traditional construction methods, projects can be delivered 50% faster. This is because the groundwork and foundation preparation occur on-site simultaneously with the off-site manufacturing of modules or components.

What is the timeline for building a modular home? ›

Here's a closer look at the timeline you should expect for the modular home construction process.
  • Purchasing Land and Receiving Permits: 6-9 Weeks. ...
  • Designing the Modular Home: 0-12 Weeks. ...
  • Preparation of Land/Site: 1 Week. ...
  • Building Foundation: 4 Weeks. ...
  • Building Modules: 1 Week. ...
  • Installing/Setting Modules: 4 Weeks.
Sep 19, 2022

How fast is modular construction? ›

Speed. Modular construction is known for its remarkable speed. Compared to traditional construction methods, projects can be delivered 50% faster. This is because the groundwork and foundation preparation occur on-site simultaneously with the off-site manufacturing of modules or components.

What is the life expectancy of a modular home? ›

The short answer is that modular homes can last just as long as traditional site-built homes, if not longer. In fact, many modular homes come with warranties of up to 50 years. The key to a modular home's longevity lies in its construction process and the materials used.

What are the cons of building a modular home? ›

Of course, modular houses have their downsides. These include less customization capabilities than stick-built homes. The cost of the land and construction of the home may be higher than some people can afford, land restrictions, and perceive quality issues. Modular homes may also have more a complicated loan process.

How long does it take for a factory to build a modular home? ›

Factory Building Phase: Approximately 95 percent of the modular home construction process occurs at the factory and takes about eight to 10 weeks. The builder will construct the individual modules per the specs on the floor plan and make any customizations as requested by the buyer.

What is the lifespan of a modular building? ›

Large-scale construction projects can last 100+ years, approximately the same as projects built with traditional construction. The longevity of modular structures is further bolstered by the adaptability of their design.

How long does it take to install a modular building? ›

That said, the modular home building process typically takes far less time than the traditional home building process. Generally speaking, a traditional home takes 9-12 months to build from the ground up. In contrast, a modular home usually takes 3-4 months. This faster building time is the result of several factors.

Why is modular construction cheaper? ›

65% of building professionals can lower the cost of their projects using modular construction. A quicker schedule means reducing time to revenue and less money spent on labor. The offsite approach to modular allows companies to reduce and reuse materials.

Why do modular homes lose value? ›

The current state of the market influences the value of your modular home. In a seller's market, your home will often maintain its high value. However, if the market shifts to a buyer's market, your home may lose value as prospective buyers become less willing to pay your asking price.

Are modular homes worth the investment? ›

Without a doubt, modular homes are an excellent investment. Unlike mobile homes, modular homes hold their value and don't depreciate with time. In most cases, modular homes even gain value; the resale value of modular homes is usually higher than their initial purchase price.

Do manufactured homes have studs? ›

They use 2×3″ or 2X4″ studs placed 16″ to 24″ inches apart on center. If you were to see inside the walls of your new mobile home, you would see the same framing techniques used around the doorways and windows that would be found in a traditional house.

Why don't more people build modular homes? ›

While the timeline for modular construction is consistently compressed, transportation and other costs can mean it isn't cheaper than building on-site. Investors aren't convinced there's sufficient and consistent demand for modular housing in most markets.

What are the risks of modular housing? ›

One of the primary risks associated with modular construction is transportation. Modules are often damaged during transportation due to accidents, poor weather conditions or improper handling.

How much time does modular construction save? ›

However, when planned and executed correctly, modular construction shows some significant benefits over traditional onsite construction techniques, the key advantage being the significant time-saving. A modular construction timeline is typically 30 to 50 per cent shorter than traditional construction.

How long does it take to build a kit house? ›

How long does it take to build a modular home? Surprisingly, the process to fabricate and construct your modular home will take only 16 to 31 weeks. This timeline is dependent on the following factors: Standard home plan vs.

When did they start making modular homes? ›

In 1958, the first double section off-site built home was constructed to a local building code, and thus the modular housing industry was born! In the following years, manufactured homes and modular homes have continued to become more efficient, durable and stylish.

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