Are you dreaming of building your own home? The world of prefabricated housing offers exciting possibilities, but with terms like “modular homes” and “building house kits” being used, it can be confusing to know which option is right for you.
Here, we will explain the differences between modular homes and kit homes, helping you make an informed decision about your dream project.
Modular Homes: Fast, Finished, and Flexible
What is a Modular Home?
Imagine prefabricated sections of your house being built in a controlled factory environment, then delivered and seamlessly assembled on your prepared foundation. This is the essence of modular homes, a modern and efficient approach to home construction.
Unlike manufactured homes, built on a non-removable steel chassis, modular homes are built to the same local, state, and regional building codes as traditional site-built homes.
Key Benefits of Modular Homes
- Faster Construction: Modular homes are built in weeks, not months. Because the construction takes place in a factory, there are no weather delays, and the process is highly streamlined. This means you can move into your new home much sooner than with traditional construction methods.
- Turnkey Solutions: One major benefit of modular homes is that they often come pre-finished. This means plumbing, electrical wiring, and some interior finishes are installed when the sections arrive at your site. The result? A home that’s nearly move-in ready upon assembly.
- Quality Control: Building in a controlled factory environment allows for stringent quality control measures. Each section of a modular home is constructed with precision, ensuring a tightly built, energy-efficient residence. This level of oversight is hard to achieve with traditional on-site construction.
- Customization: While modular homes are built using a pre-designed system, many companies offer a range of customization options. You can personalize your layout, finishes, and materials to create a home that reflects your style and needs. It’s flexibility within a framework, giving you the best of both worlds.
Building House Kits: Hands-On and Cost-Conscious
What Are Kit Homes?
Kit homes are pre-manufactured packages containing all the materials and instructions needed to construct a house. Think of it as a large-scale version of a model kit, but for building a full-sized, livable home. These kits include everything from timber and framing materials to detailed plans, making the construction process straightforward and manageable for seasoned builders and enthusiastic DIYers.
Benefits of Kit Homes
- Cost-Effective: Kit homes are designed to be budget-friendly. Homeowners can save a significant amount of money by purchasing materials in bulk and avoiding the costs associated with traditional construction. Additionally, the streamlined process reduces labor costs.
- Hands-On Experience: Building a kit home can be a fulfilling hands-on project. It offers the satisfaction of contributing to the creation of your home, with the added benefit of knowing every detail and corner of the space you live in.
- Quality and Customization: Our kit homes are meticulously designed and manufactured to ensure high quality. They also offer a degree of customization, allowing you to adapt the kit to meet your specific needs and preferences while maintaining the charming aesthetic of a New England-style home.
Kit Homes We Have For You
- Cape: Starting from 1400 sq. ft., our flagship 1750s-style center chimney is a beautiful and sustainable home full of old-fashioned colonial New England charm. The Cape homes have various personalization options, and you can check the sample floor plans here.
- The Gambrel: If you’re looking for a beautiful and functional option, our Early New England Gambrel suits you. You can opt for an Ell or a Wing, or even both options, or you can also go for a Farmer’s Porch to customize your home. The Gambrel is very flexible, starting at 1400 sq. ft. and increasing, and you can partition the rooms as you like. You can check the sample floor options here.
- The Saltbox: In the style of 18th-century New England villages, a center chimney saltbox is the classic house you’d see on the town green. Our Saltbox starts at 1400 sq. ft., and you can check the details and sample floor plans here.
- The Colonial: Our Early New England Colonial house perfectly captures the early colonists’ style. It has an option for an Ell and/or Wing or a Farmer’s Porch, and it also starts at 1400 sq. ft., like our other designs. You can check the sample floor plans and details here.
Modular Homes vs Kit Homes
While both kit homes and modular homes offer alternative paths to traditional home construction, they differ in several key ways:
- Assembly Process: Kit homes are built on-site from the ground up using the provided materials and instructions. Modular homes, on the other hand, are constructed in sections (modules) in a factory and then transported to the site for assembly.
- Customization: Kit homes often allow for more customization during the building process, as you are working with raw materials. Modular homes are more limited in customization since they are built in a factory setting.
- Building Experience: Kit homes provide a more hands-on building experience, which can be rewarding for those who enjoy DIY projects. Modular homes are typically assembled by professionals, making them a more hands-off option for the homeowner.
Which option is right for you?
Consider your budget, skill level, desired level of customization, and preferred timeline. Modular homes offer a faster, more streamlined experience, while kit homes reward hands-on involvement and can be a more budget-friendly option. A modular home would cost $130-$145/ sq ft (Source), while Prefab homes would cost around $25,000 to $111,000. (Sources: Amazon and eLogHomes). The price is one of the main factors to consider when choosing a home, but also have in mind:
- Level of customization desired.
- Labor costs.
- Location, permits, and fees.
- The timeframe of building a house.
- The quality and warranty offered.
Building your dream home can be an exciting journey, whatever path you choose. Do your research, consider your options, and choose the best method for your needs!