What is a “Prefab” home? What is a Modular Home? How are These Different from Manufactured Homes?
There are a lot terms running around out there. What are the differences and what is a prefab?
Is it a Modular Home or Factory Built Housing? Yes, our homes are built to the California
Building Code.
Is it the same as a Mobile, Trailer, or Manufactured Home: No. These are built to the federal HUD code for low-income housing solutions.
Is it a Prefab? Prefab is not mentioned in the building code and can really mean anything. We avoid this term when discussing modular homes since it is used intentionally vaguely by others. We are proud of what we built and want to be 100% clear.
Do you sell kit homes? No. We do not sell kit homes. We build modulars where we complete as much as is practical/possible to complete in the factory to keep your building costs reasonable.
Prefab: Pre-fab was a term that we believe was intentionally created to confuse people. Yes, it sounds cool and we also like the term. The reality is though that it is not in the California Building Code and it doesn’t mean really anything. A pre-fab home can be a variety of different systems but mostly it is blurring of the lines between a Modular or a Manufactured home. The two building codes and systems are not even close to the same so it’s best to call it what it is.
Factory Built Housing: This is the proper term for a home that is built to the California Building Code, the same building code as a site built home, just happens to be built in a factory.
Modular: This is the common term, when someone wants something that is built to the C.B.C., wants the value of a site-built home. Someone who doesn’t want to spend extra money for their home, wants to keep their risk minimal, would like to build faster, and doesn’t need extra headaches.
Steps to Build a Modular Home in California
Check out our FAQ page read more in-depth answers to the most commonly asked questions about modular homes.
Step 1:
Secure Land
Having a property is usually the first step in building your dream home.
Without land, it is hard to choose a home model or determine what the balance of your budget for building is.
Step 2:
Modular Feasibility Study
This is where one of us comes out to meet you at the property and determine what size modules can be delivered.
There is a fee for this service but it’s a credit on the price of the home.
Step 3:
Choose Home Model
We now know what size modules can be delivered. You can choose a home model that meets your requirements. Start with the smallest one you will consider and work your way up to your dream home.
More detailed info about building California
Check out our Modular Steps to Building page for more detailed information about building a modular home throughout the state of California.
Step 4:
Working on Plans
This is where you start working with us on the plans for your Factory Built Home (Modular).
There are costs involved in the modular home plans but they are a credit on the price of the home.
Step 5:
On-Site Pans
You will needs some plans for the on-site portion of the project:
Topographical Survey
Civil Engineered Site Plans
Soils Report
Foundation Plans, etc.
Step 6:
Permitting
Now that your plans are completed it is time for submission. We have an Optional Permitting Service or we can introduce you to someone to help you.
Expect plan check revisions, rarely do plans get approved on the first or second submission.
Home Floor Plans & Pictures to Review
Take a look at hundreds and hundreds of images and floor plans of our homes. Your home can look exactly how you want it, you are only limited by your imagination & budget.
Step 7:
Contractor Interviews
We do know a few General Building Contractors that we can introduce you to. They are familiar with modular home and can certainly help you.
Sometimes though you may have a qualified local contractor you’d like to work with, this is also your decision to make.
This is one of the most exciting parts of building a modular home. You get to see all of your hard work being delivered to your property.
You get to sit back, take pictures, and watch the show.
Then you get to walk through your house!!!
Step 8:
Modular Home Delivery & Set
Step 9:
Completion of Modular
Your General Contractor will work to secure the modules to the foundation, connect the cross-overs, finish whatever on-site work there is, etc..
From there, the City/County will review and provide your Certificate of Occupancy. Time to move into your dream home!
Congratulations!!!
Map Addresses Are Intentionally Approximate to Protect the Privacy of our Clients.