Are modular homes cheaper than traditionally constructed homes?

Are modular homes cheap? It's a question we get asked a lot.

One of the most popular myths in the residential home market today is that all modular homes are 'cheap'. And yes, you can get low budget-priced modular homes – they’re called dongas. But these are not the type of homes we're talking about. Modular homes are full sized homes built to the same levels of structural integrity and quality as any traditionally constructed home. 

In this post, we dig into what the term ‘cheap’ means in a building context as well as explore whether going modular could be right for you and when it's not the best option.

WHAT DOES “CHEAP” MEAN?

In saying cheap, we generally mean less expensive than a project home builder. These type of builders usually charge around $1000m2. And we’re here to tell you that no – modular homes aren’t necessarily cheaper than this price. 

If you are looking for the cheapest way to build your home, then your going to have to compromise. Lots. Especially on quality, service and inclusions.

SO, IF MODULAR HOMES AREN'T CHEAPER - WHY BUILD MODULAR? 

Fair question. First up, let's clarify the position of modular homes in the market. Modular building isn’t the be-all and end-all. It’s not for everyone and its not always the best way to go.

In saying that, we find that most of our clients choose to build their dream home with us for one or more of the following reasons;

1. It's quicker: The build time for a modular home is usually 8 weeks in the factory and 4 weeks onsite. Most of our clients move into their new home within 6 months of signing the build contract;. 
2. They don’t want a complicated building experience: One of the key benefits of the modular building experience is the need to ensure that EVERYTHING is sorted and decided on well before construction starts in the factory. This makes for a smoother build process and helps to avoid any delays caused by issues with paperwork, issues with finance, variations to the plans, shortages of materials or bad weather. 
3. Fixed price: While a modular home isn’t necessarily the cheapest way to build – we can guarantee you the following;
   • The price will be rigid.
   • We don’t believe in variations.

In short, if you are time-poor, and want a simple, easy and stress-free building experience within a guaranteed timeframe for a fixed price, then modular is likely the best option for you. 

 

WHEN IS A MODULAR HOME WORTH CONSIDERING? 

So, as we said above – modular homes aren’t all things to all people. We find that modular works best in the following situations;

• Your site is acreage or is more substantial than about 2000m2 in size
• Your site has a slope and you’d prefer not to cut and fill
• You want a raised floor
• You want a unique home design
• You’ve got specific requirements you need to be met
• You want a Queenslander or Colonial look with large verandahs
  
  

WHEN IS A MODULAR HOME NOT RIGHT FOR YOU?

Ok – we’ve covered off the key reasons our clients consider modular building. Again, we’re not all things to all people, and if you find that the below points fit you then modular homes are probably not going to be
the best building option for you;

• You're in a new estate
• You're wanting the lowest possible price
• You'd prefer to have a slab home
• You want a brick and tile façade
• Your looking to do lots of the work yourself, as in a kit home or removal home.
• You are happy to pick an off the shelf plan with limited options.

All this thing are totally valid points. We get that. If you find yourself falling into these categories, then we’re sure that there is something out there for you.

UNIQUE HOME DESIGN VS OFF THE SHELF DESIGN

Now, let's just look into the two main types of builders you can use. The first is a builder who will help you create a unique home design with custom inclusions just for you. This is where Westbuilt, as a builder, falls into. We’ve got an in-house licensed building designer and will help you create a home design that suits your needs down to the ground. These types of builds are more expensive.

The second type of builder is an off the shelf builder. These usually are your large volume builders who have a vast range of designs and a lower price point. To achieve their more economical price point, they have to limit their client's design change options and inclusions.

COULD A MODULAR HOME BE RIGHT FOR YOU? 

If you think that building a new modular home might be the best option for you, and you’re interested in a more streamlined construction process, talk to the team at Westbuilt Homes.

We have been designing and building stunning modular homes since 1993. The construction process of a modular home is very different to that of a conventional home, giving you greater control over the construction time, the quality and the timeframe. 

To learn more about modular construction, book a no obligation consultation with one of our modular experts. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.