Modular homes have become increasingly popular as an affordable and efficient housing solution. They offer a quick and convenient way to build a modern home without the drawbacks of traditional construction.
However, with so many modular home companies out there, it can be challenging to compare prices and determine which company offers the highest value.
In this article, we explore the various factors that influence modular home prices. We also provide you with five questions to consider when comparing quotes from different companies so that you can ensure that you’re comparing like-for-like.
What is a modular home?
Modular homes are defined by three key characteristics:
- Partially or fully pre-built in a factory.
- The completed module/s are delivered to the building site.
- The module/s are assembled to form a finished house.
Modular homes are a type of prefab because of the pre-built portion of the project. The factory environment is controlled and predictable, meaning the house can be built more efficiently. This results in a high-quality, energy-efficient home.
How much does a modular home cost?
Modular houses are usually more cost effective than traditional on-site building projects due to faster building timeframes. The following factors influence the price:
Size
The size of your modular home has a significant bearing on the total cost. Firstly, a larger house requires more labour and materials. Secondly, a larger home is more likely to be built with multiple modules, therefore requiring more trucks to deliver these modules from the factory to the site.
Transport
With modular homes, you also need to factor in delivery costs. This can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands depending on the size, location, and the number of house modules. You will need to speak with your building company for an accurate delivery quote. In general, the more modules there are to deliver, the higher the cost of delivery. At Anchor Homes our base prices are inclusive of delivery, so there is no additional cost to our clients. If you’re comparing our process to another company, ensure they also include the cost of delivery.
Site work
As with any residential building project, you will need to invest in certain site work. This includes preparing the foundations and establishing service connections. In some cases, you may also need to complete retaining walls and drainage.
Permits
If you find you require any permits to build a home on your block, then there are costs involved in lodging a permit application.
At Anchor Homes, building permits are included in the base price of our homes (as outlined in our list of standard inclusions), however, planning permit costs are not included, and we are more than happy to provide cost estimates to carry this service out on your behalf.
5 questions you should use to compare quotes
Some modular home companies include delivery costs, site works, and standard inclusions in their quotes, while others may not. To compare quotes from each company, ask the following 5 questions:
1. Is delivery included?
Delivery costs vary significantly depending on the location of the building site, the size, and weight of the modules, and the delivery method. Common costs include the use of a flatbed truck, crane, and pilot vehicles to alert other drivers. At Anchor Homes, our pricing is inclusive of delivery.
2. Are site works included?
Site works can include excavation, installing the foundations, and utility connections. Some modular home companies will do this work for you, while others will leave you to find a local contractor yourself. Other costs during this phase include testing the site terrain, getting an engineer’s approval, laying the driveway, and installing drainage. You can find out more about our modular home-building process at Anchor Homes here.
3. Do they have the same standard inclusions?
The standard inclusions vary significantly between modular home companies, so it’s always worth comparing them side-by-side. This way, you can identify any differences where one company offers more value than another. Some companies include high-end appliances and finishes in all their homes while with others, you will need to spend more on them.
You can find our full list of standard inclusions and additional upgrades here.
4. Do both companies have the same reputation?
While the features and quality of the home are crucial factors, the customer experience is also worth thinking about. Start by asking your friends and family for recommendations and reading testimonials from previous customers.
The best place to look is Google reviews or Facebook reviews, which can be found when you search for the company name. If the reviews are positive overall, the company is likely to offer good customer service. If there is an overwhelming amount of negative reviews, consider looking for a more reputable supplier.
5. What designs do they offer?
Perhaps the most critical factor of all is that your chosen prefab home company offers a house design you love. If they don’t, you could spend thousands on customising the plans or end up with a house you don’t like.
Take the time to look through the house plans and layouts on offer. Here at Anchor Homes, we have a wide range of homes for all lifestyles.
During the first stage of our construction process, you will also have the opportunity to discuss your design requirements with our experts. If you want to tweak the plan and make any upgrades, we make it easy.
It’s time to build your dream modular home
Are you budgeting for a modular home? Talk to our team today for more advice and expert tips to keep the cost down while still getting the home you deserve. The first step is to find a floor plan you like the look of that best suits your lifestyle You can find a brochure full of our current house designs within easy reach and, once you’ve found the perfect plan, request pricing.
