Jul. 07, 2025
Are you a relative newbie, or just need a refresher on the question of "modular" versus "prefabricated"? You're in luck: we've got you covered with the basics.
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Builders, developers, designers, and architects have developed a range of homes that are composed of prefabricated, modular, or kit-of-parts pieces that can allow for lower costs, faster and easier on-site construction, and even higher quality spaces. Here, we delve into the differences—and similarities—among these manufactured residences.
We’ve gathered the floor plans of some of our favorite prefabricated and modular homes to better appreciate not only how they look from the outside, but also how they function spatially.
These reliable companies across the United States are here to help you make your prefab dream home a reality.
Arizona might be known for its beautiful national parks and lunar-like desert landscapes, but it also features a number of successful prefab and modular home companies.
In a state where the weather ranges from the dry, arid heat of the Mojave Desert to the snowy mountaintops of Lake Tahoe, it can be difficult to imagine prefab homes that suit the broad range of climates—and clients!—that can be found in California. But fear not: we’ve gathered some of the most trustworthy, dependable companies that design and fabricate prefab homes throughout the state.
With its nautical history, breathtaking natural landscape, classic New England architecture—and, lest we forget, delicious lobster—Maine has a lot to offer its residents. With an eye on sustainable practices and energy-efficient buildings, prefabricated and modular homes have become more and more popular, often inspired by the local vernacular farmhouses and cabins.
Prefabricated homes in New England have never looked so appealing, thanks to these Massachusetts companies.
If you're seeking to build a prefab or modular home in the great state of Minnesota, these four firms are eagerly waiting to assist.
If you're seeking to move into a modern prefab and are located near New Hampshire, look no further—we've rounded up five of the top prefab home builders in the area.
New York State hosts a slew of companies that are building modern prefab or modular homes that continue to push the envelope of building technology.
If you live in Ohio and are thinking of trading in your traditional build for a new prefab home, you won’t need to look far for assistance.
If you're thinking about a move to Oregon or simply daydreaming about setting up a winter cabin near Mount Hood, consider looking into these prefab home builders and designers that are based in, or provide service to, the state of Oregon.
From small towns to big cities, prefab home construction is becoming more and more popular in the Keystone State. Take a look at five modular home companies that are building contemporary, prefabricated homes.
The state of Washington has quickly risen to the top of the prefab residential market thanks to its collection of well-established builders and architects. Often with an eye toward eco-conscious features and a preference for local materials like Western cedar, these professionals are seeking to address the local housing market with long-term fixes.
Get inspired by these prefabricated marvels from all across the globe.
Does the idea of owning a modern kit home pique your interest? Good news: we’ve assembled a list of kit home companies in all seven continents for you.
These homes from the land down under respond to challenging locations and climate change with modular solutions.
We’re always keeping an eye out for good-looking prefabricated homes; here are seven in the state of California that we love.
Many architects in California regularly take on the challenge of experimenting with alternative construction methods. These seven modular homes throughout the state—that make the most of the varied landscape—push the envelope with innovative prefab designs.
When an efficient prefab can become a coastal retreat with a spectacular view to boot—it makes a very compelling case for not being landlocked. Here, we've gathered a variety of prefabs set in diverse locations around the world, providing you a little inspiration if you're currently plotting a feasible way to build a beach house of your very own.
Boasting a thrilling topography that ranges from deep canyons to alpine mountains, and arid plains to rolling dunes, the state of Colorado offers an equally broad variety of modern, weather-appropriate prefab homes. Here, we review some of our favorite modular homes in this outdoorsy destination.
Although the locations of these prefab homes range in remoteness, each of them are carefully nestled into their harsh desert surroundings—thanks to practical features that help them deal with the extremes that come with the territory.
Paneled, modular, and kit residences are more affordable and eco-friendly than structures built with traditional techniques—and they’re popping up from coast to coast.
Here, we take a look at both models and completed residences in Florida that take advantage of the benefits of prefabrication and modular construction, while meeting the necessary standards to withstand the state’s environmental conditions.
The state of Georgia might have you thinking more about traditional Southern architecture than modern prefab homes, but these modular, kit, and prefabricated homes will have you think again.
If you enjoy breathtaking landscapes and sunny beaches, then Hawaii is the perfect destination for you. Carve out your own slice of paradise with these seven prefabs and kit homes.
The idea of island living is as aspirational as it gets. These prefabricated homes on islands around the world will give you the inspiration you need.
These homes in the Great Lakes State will have you reconsidering the possibilities of prefab design.
Take a look at 20 trustworthy prefab companies that do an outstanding job at creating the perfect modern mountain home.
One of the benefits of prefabricated and modular buildings is that they leave minimal construction waste and can be built without damaging much of the land they’re sited on. Take a look at these seven prefabs that are located on stunning natural sites—ranging from the California desert to the Norwegian mountains.
The Pacific Northwest is known for driving forward the causes of environmentalism, energy efficiency, and eco-consciousness. These 10 buildings showcase the diversity and range that can be achieved in prefabricated dwellings, both in accommodating customizations and reducing footprints on the pieces of land they occupy.
Although Seattle has long been acclaimed for being surrounded by water, mountains, and evergreen forests, more recently, it’s become a hotbed for modern design and high-quality architecture. With real estate prices at an all-time high and inventory at an all-time low, it’s understandable why prefabricated and modular homes are increasing in popularity.
Known for its world-famous charm, wide-open spaces, and sunny skies, the South can be a welcoming place to call home. Whether you’re dreaming of living there in a modern farmhouse or a classic log cabin, these kit home companies can help you realize your prefab home building ambitions.
Acclaimed for being cost-efficient, sustainable, and stylish, it’s no wonder why prefabricated homes are being embraced with open arms. Although these carefully crafted properties are popping up all across the globe, we can't get enough of the prefab action currently taking place in Texas.
Prefabricated houses were in fact a major part of the British government’s plan to address the UK's public housing shortage after World War II. Between and , an estimated 1.2 million new prefab houses were constructed. Today, new modern prefab and modular homes not only meet housing demands, but also make strong architectural statements with their streamlined designs and eco-friendly construction methods.
These seven striking homes are proof of how well prefabs work within the bucolic settings of America's Dairyland.
Prefab comes in all shapes and sizes—see the unique constructions that made the cut.
Better your home's indoor/outdoor connection with one of these DIY deck kits.
A dedicated room for sun rays doesn't have to be solely used for relaxing, but it can also be a versatile, multi-use area that can act as an office, playroom, painting studio, or entertaining space—just to name a few.
Whether it's converting your existing garage space into a vibrant and productive workshop, erecting a ready-made prefab structure, or building one yourself from scratch based off of plans you found online, here are some engaging garage solutions that caught our eye.
Here are some companies we've discovered that provide ready-made prefab log home solutions that are durable and honor the tradition.
We’ve gathered some sun-filled examples of prefab designs that coexist with modern pools—providing some inspiration if you're considering bringing these two ideas together on your own property.
The advantages that come with building a steel prefab go far beyond just the aesthetic choices. Thanks to its durability, strength, and cost-effectiveness, many prefab architects choose to work with steel.
While concrete prefab providers are scant, we looked up a few that come highly recommended.
These industrial converted homes are changing the meaning of modern prefab housing.
Browse through these amazing European prefab shipping container companies that you can count on when building your home.
Take a look at 16 companies in the United States that are great to use when building a prefab shipping container home.
Compact, sturdy, economical, and eco-friendly—what better way could there be to build a dream island getaway? Here we showcase a few of our favorite island-based shipping container homes.
Using the trusted shells of classic shipping containers, these unusual designs feature additions and modifications that push the boundaries of home building.
To help you get started buying a shipping container, we asked architects, DIY home builders, and shipping container experts from around the world for their inside tips on bringing home the best possible container for your building needs.
Want more information on Custom Prefab Buildings? Feel free to contact us.
Make sure you're employing the best of the best with our coverage of the best prefab companies across the globe.
We believe that working with a company that you trust is imperative when building your dream home. Take a look at 22 top-tier, reliable prefab companies from around the world that perfectly execute the modern house look.
Inspired by Nordic nature, Honka offers prefabs and custom-built log home kits at an affordable price. Founded in by the Finnish Saarelainen brothers in Eastern Finland, Honka—known as Honkarakenne in Finland—was the first industrial manufacturer of log houses.
Resolution:4 Architecture creates astounding prefabricated homes that are tailored to their sites and the unique needs of their owners. Founded in by Joseph Tanney and Robert Luntz, Manhattan–based firm Resolution: 4 Architecture (RES4) works on a broad range of architectural projects.
Many companies will deliver all the materials necessary for construction to your site—either off-plan, or working specifically to your custom wishes. Here are a few companies that can help you realize your dream of building your own home.
The geodesic dome is able to cover more space without internal supports than any other enclosure. This design is a breakthrough in shelter, not only in cost-effectiveness, but in ease of construction and energy efficiency. Here are some dome home kit companies we can recommend if you're considering building your own.
The DIY kit home is a standardized but customizable item that combines prefabricated parts, affordability, and ease of production with the opportunity for consumer individuality. Although the log cabin model remains a popular standard, contemporary kit homes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are more affordable, customizable, and efficient.
If you like the cozy, low maintenance joy of small space living, then you’ll probably find eco-pods very appealing. Eco-pods are self-contained architectural units that are sustainably manufactured, transportable, built with the environment in mind—and often, they function off the grid.
In an attempt to tackle rising housing prices among heavily congested cities, the team behind Berlin–based Cabin Spacey has created a project known as the Minimal House, which is a network of easily accessible tiny homes across the world.
Settled logs that shrink can pose a problem for builders of log homes, as this calls for constant adjustments and maintenance. To counter the effect, architects and builders have come up with non-settling systems that prevent logs from sinking and shrinking. One such innovator is Pluspuu, Helsinki-based designers of high-quality, durable log homes constructed with non-settling logs.
If you're ready to take the plunge into prefab, these affordable, speedy, and trustworthy companies take the guesswork out of selecting your new home. Not so sure? We've got the 411 on stunning prefabs that are available to rent for your next vacation.
One of the most intriguing ways of building a new dwelling, prefabricated homes are continually growing in popularity due to their high-quality construction offsite and relatively quick turnaround times. Many prefab homes can be designed and built in about four to six months, with the last leg of the work—the arrival and on-site installation—in as little as a few days.
On budget and on trend, these small, affordable homes can be purchased from various homebuilders in the United States and Canada for under $100,000.
Whether your budget is $10,000 or $200,000, this roundup of modular home prices in your area puts prefab within reach.
Construction in a controlled factory setting means these cozy prefab cabins are not only space-efficient, but also carefully built. Here, we take a look at 13 prefabricated cabins that are modern, sleek, and eco-friendly.
Not all prefab homes have a large price tag, and we’ve rounded up six of our favorites that can be purchased for under $250,000 here.
Take a look at these incredible projects that offer clever solutions for affordable living.
If you’re considering building a prefab home but aren't sure if it's right for you, perhaps spending your next vacation in one will help you make up your mind.
Related Reading:
The Definitive Guide to Prefab Home Companies in Your State
Modular construction is an excellent choice in a wide variety of situations. Here are a few of the most common reasons your organization might turn to modular:
• Your organization is growing and you need additional space.
• You have old buildings that need to be replaced.
• You need swing space during renovation projects.
• You need workspace for on-site contractors.
• You have temporary buildings, but need permanent ones.
• You’re a new organization.
The biggest advantage of modular construction over traditional construction is the accelerated building schedule and occupancy. Additional benefits of modular buildings include:
• Off-site construction is a cost-effective option for organizations of all sizes.
• Off-site construction is often more environmentally-friendly than traditional construction.
• There’s less disruption to operations and job sites, making modular a more convenient option.
• You can choose between temporary or permanent structures, which isn’t possible with traditional construction.
• Modular buildings meet applicable construction codes, including the International Building Code (IBC) and other applicable federal and state building codes and regulations.
• Modular buildings can be built to look like existing structures.
• Modular buildings minimize the use of internal resources and keep upfront capital expenses low.
There are two main types of modular construction: temporary buildings and permanent buildings. Let’s take a closer look at each kind.
Temporary modular buildings are defined by their intended use, foundation design, and how they’re affixed to that foundation, not their structural design. In other words, a temporary building designed for relocation can still be affixed as a permanent building.
In most cases, temporary modular buildings are used as leased space for a predetermined period of time. Temporary buildings of any size can be delivered to a property, installed, and removed when no longer needed. Because they’re engineered and designed for relocation, temporary buildings can be repurposed and redeployed for use several times during their lifespan.
Temporary modular building foundations are specifically engineered so the modules can be disconnected and demounted easily. These concrete pier foundations are also relatively easy to disassemble and remove. They can be installed on a parking lot or plot of grass, and typically rise 2-3 feet above ground. Decks and ramps are installed at the entrance of temporary modular buildings for easy access.
With proper maintenance, temporary buildings can have a useful life of 20-30 years. The limit on useful life is primarily due to them being set up, disassembled, and relocated numerous times to various locations.
Permanent modular buildings are installed and affixed to foundations that are engineered and designed for long-term use. They’re often built as II-A, II-B, and V-B structures and can be framed in wood, steel, or concrete. With proper maintenance, they can have the same lifespan as traditional construction.
Because they’re most often set at grade level, permanent modular buildings require full perimeter foundation walls and interior concrete piers. While this option is more expensive, it eliminates the need for decking to exterior doors. Permanent modular structures are typically accompanied by ground-level accessibility, extensive stormwater management systems, sidewalks, and landscaping.
Depending on your individual needs and situation, you may decide to lease your modular building. Leasing is your best option if:
• You don’t want to own the building for business reasons
• You intend to use the building temporarily
• You don’t want to spend the capital upfront to purchase a building
In most cases, you’ll want to lease a used building as opposed to a new one. This is because they’re already built and can be installed and occupied more quickly. They’re also more affordable than new buildings.
The customization level, structure type, and project complexity dictates modular building pricing. Each modular building has its own set of specifications, so prices can vary widely.
Sale prices for new V-B-type standard temporary modular buildings generally range from $75-130 per square foot. Custom buildings have a much wider price range, which can be anywhere from $150-400+ per square foot. This is due to the nearly endless customization options, from the engineered support structure to final finishes. Costs beyond the building itself can include permits, site work, foundations, delivery, installation, access systems, utility runs, and more.
If you’re looking to lease a standard temporary modular building, you’ll generally pay $1.20-1.75 per square foot per month. The lease term length and building size are the primary drivers behind the monthly rate you pay.
The ten steps below make up the process of getting a modular building from start to finish.
The site you choose is very important, as it directly impacts many other aspects of the process. Be sure to consider the grade (slope), soil compaction, site accessibility, and proximity to water, sewer, utilities, and existing structures. These considerations can have a significant bearing on the cost of your project, but they can be controlled in advance by selecting the right property.
You’ll also want to have a clear understanding of the municipality or local governing body and how easy or difficult they’ll be to work with. The permitting process and project inspections can impact the project schedule, sometimes substantially.
Project owners typically partner directly with modular building dealers that have the ability to perform complete design-build projects. In other cases, they work directly with an architect to design their building. Both routes generally result in a high-quality structure built to your exact modular building specifications.
The formal proposal allows you to see everything in one place before signing a contract. A typical proposal may include delineation of responsibilities, pricing, project schedules, terms, drawings, and building specifications.
In most cases, you’ll need to obtain the proper permits and approvals. However, these can also be secured by the modular dealer for an additional fee. It’s important to find out what local officials require as early in the process as possible, since permit application approval can take a significant amount of time. The length of the approval process typically depends on where your building will be located.
There are as many different types of contracts as there are designs for modular buildings. Your contract form is typically determined by the size and scope of your project. Other than monthly rental invoices, most projects are billed either based on milestone achievements or monthly percentage of project completion.
As your modular building is being built at an off-site factory, crews will work to prepare the job site for building delivery. This can include surveying, demolition, excavation, foundation work, utility installation, and more.
Once your building design is approved, it will be constructed at your dealer’s modular building factory. The support structure, plumbing, electric, data, mechanicals, ductwork, insulation, doors, windows, interior finishes, and exterior finishes are often completed within the factory.
Once your modules are completed, the individual sections are transported to the job site by over-the-road truck in a predetermined order.
There are a few things you should consider — but not necessarily have all the answers for — before requesting a modular building quote. Having more answers ahead of time can help move your project along more efficiently, though.
Here are a few things you might want to determine before contacting a modular building dealer:
• Your land availability (owned or leased)
• How much space you need (both occupancy and layout)
• Requirements of your project (aesthetics and security)
• Occupancy time frame and/or length of need
• Whether you plan to rent or own the facility
• Your budget and funding source
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