Many people confuse modular homes with mobile homes. While the construction process is similar, a modular home is placed on a permanent foundation.

In the factory

The primary benefit to a factory-constructed house is the controlled environment. No matter what the weather outside, the skilled crafters in the factory work year-round with no delays or unforeseen situations.

Another considerable advantage is time. Once an order is received, it takes only a few weeks for a home to be built and delivered to the final site.

On-site construction

Modular homes are shipped in sections on flatbed trucks. When the trucks arrive at the home site, a special crane lifts the sections and places them precisely on the foundation.

When the sections are set, workers secure it together using the same techniques as stick-built construction.

Windows, cabinets and even appliances are installed in the factory, so the home is 90 percent complete when it's transported. All that's left to be done are a few pieces of siding and some minor interior trim.

A finished home

Once a modular home is completed, you can't tell the difference in how it's made. Modular homes are available in a huge array of architectural styles, including ranch, split-foyer, colonial and even Cape Cod.

The floor plans and interior finishes can be customized in dozens of ways to make every house suit the individual homeowner's tastes.

More from this category

Air quality and ventilation in new homes

Man showing ductwork to Pete and Megan

New, energy-efficient homes need new solutions to circulate and ventilate the air inside the home.

learn more

Aging in place

Adjustable height kitchen sink

Using universal design principals, your home can adapt to your changing lifestyle needs.

learn more

Trombe wall

Trombe wall on the interior of a home

Using the sun's stored energy to heat your home reduces your conventional energy consumption.

learn more

Roof and attic

Trusses in an attic

Your roof and attic play the most crucial role in your home's energy efficiency system, reducing your energy costs during the winter and summer.

learn more

Talk to your utilities

Utility worker with an electric meter

Before you break ground on a new house, give your utility companies a call. They can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and construction delays.

learn more

Building an energy-smart house

Pete and Megan talking with homeowners

Hear from real homeowners and builders who made energy efficiency a priority.

learn more

 

Historic preservation

Boy and grandmother on front porch

A preservation expert shares how to restore an older home economically and energy efficiently.

learn more

Green home construction

Building materials, blueprints and paint chips

More builders are offering sustainable choices in new home construction. Find out what's available and how it impacts the earth and the bottom line.

learn more

Energy rater and performance consultant

Energy rater performing analysis on a front door

An energy rater can help make your new home more energy-efficient through every stage of the construction process.

learn more