Speed of construction, cost-savings, and functionality are a few of the benefits of modular homes. However, there are more advantages to these prefabricated homes than you may think.

There was a time when Sears & Roebuck sold prefabricated homes. In the early to mid-1900s, people could order a “kit home” from the Sears catalog that would show up ready for the developers to construct.

Modular homes are not kit homes, but the concept is the same. Manufacturers build these homes in a factory. They then ship them out to the site where developers will assemble them according to specification.

There is a growing trend with modular home development because of the increased benefits of purchasing a modular home. Here are some things you may not know about why people are moving towards this new home construction trend. First, let’s learn a few little-known facts about modular homes.

Key Takeaways:

• Developers place modular homes on foundations that can include crawl spaces or basements. These houses can withstand winds up to 175 mph and have the same mortgages, taxes, and insurance as traditional homes.

• Modular home manufacturing has strict quality control standards much higher than site-built homes. Furthermore, materials are never subject to the elements. So, bad weather never impacts construction or material quality.

• Modular homes are 15% cheaper to build and have an 84% return on investment. That makes them cost-efficient, and they increase in value. 

Little-Known Facts about Modular Homes

Many people mistakenly believe that modular homes have a "cookie-cutter" design, meaning every house is exactly the same. That could not be further from the truth. Here are a few little-known facts about modular home design:

• Developers often construct these homes on crawl spaces and basements, not just foundation slabs.
• Developers build modular houses to resist winds speeds of up to 175 mph.
• They are "green" homes because of the sustainable building practices used in manufacturing.
• They are faster to build than conventional new construction.
• Taxes for a modular home are the same as site-built homes (although some offer additional tax-break incentives).
• Mortgages on modular homes are typically the same as traditional homes.
• Home insurance for these homes is the same as traditional homes.

5 Key Benefits of Modular Homes  

While the taxes, insurance, and mortgages are the same as traditional homes, there is one notable difference. When purchasing a modular home, the manufacturers will often provide finance options. 

Often, these manufacturers will offer better financing than conventional lenders. Having additional finance options will make it easier for the homebuyer to afford the house of their dreams.

Here are a few more benefits to modular homes:

1. Higher Quality Construction  

The quality of modular home manufacturing continues to improve every year. In recent years, the improvement has been remarkable. In some cases, the quality of construction surpasses that of site-built homes. 

Since manufacturers build modular homes in a factory on an assembly line, they undergo strict quality control. Contractors on site-built homes do not always do an adequate job of ensuring the same quality control measures. 

Furthermore, the weather is never an issue with modular home construction. Modular home materials never face the elements during construction. Lumber used in traditional housing construction may get left in the rain or be subject to intense heat. 

2. Construction Handling and Control   

Modular homes offer the speed and convenience unmatched by traditional houses. Weather is one cause. Yet, the assembly line model for construction is a pivotal reason these homes get manufactured so quickly. 

The execution of the work is precise and less time-consuming than site-built homes. Manufacturers take complete care in the design and execution of their work. 

They pay close attention to every detail. Right down to the faucets they use in the kitchens and bathrooms.  

3. Expandable and Customizable   

Again, when someone buys a modular home, they are not purchasing a "cookie-cutter" design. These homes are completely customizable. 

Owners can even expand on to their homes as their needs change. Building an addition to a modular home is easy and convenient. 

For instance, if a family is expecting a new child or taking on the care of an elderly family member, adding more space is simple and less expensive than a traditional home addition renovation.

4. Sustainability and Efficiency 

Modular home construction requires less consumption of natural resources. The energy manufacturers use to build these homes is less than site-built houses. 

Modular home manufacturing also reduces waste. Less material waste is another reason these homes are so cost effective. They are also more energy efficient.

5. Cost Savings and Resale Value    

One common misconception is that modular homes do not increase in value like traditional homes. The reason people believe this is because real estate experts often state that prefabricated homes have little to no resale value.

In the past, this may have been true of most prefabricated homes. However, today modular homes (unlike manufactured homes) gain equity the same as traditional homes. In fact, modular homes are around 15% cheaper to build and have an 84% return on investment. 

Some real estate experts believe manufactured homes are also still a good investment. Since building codes have improved for manufactured homes, they too are gaining increased resale value.

Since developers place modular homes onto a foundation, and they differ very little in the quality of the craftsmanship, these homes gain value at the same rates as their traditional counterparts. 

Reasons for Choosing a Modular Home  

With the housing market reaching all-time highs, many people had given up on the idea of being homeowners. Modular homes are making the cost of homeownership a reality for more people. 

Not only are these homes more cost-efficient. They are also more sustainable and eco-friendlier. 

At Geberit, we know about sustainability. We design and develop all our plumbing products with environmentally friendly manufacturing practices. 

When you design a modular home with the most eco-conscious sanitation products, like wall-hung toilets and dual-flush actuators, you are developing a truly sustainable home.

If you are designing a modular home and are looking for the best in sustainable bathroom products, contact us today.