Pre-fabricated homes come in a variety of prebuilt conditions. You may have heard the terms “modular home” or “panelized home” but what do these really mean? Regardless of the name, the ultimate outcome is that the house arrives in some form of units to be assembled on a lot. The idea often conjures up visions of mobile homes or plain houses without character, but the reality of these homes is very different.
Properties on the Potomac has sold homes that were panelized for millions of dollars. In McLean, Virginia, an entire subdivision was developed with modular homes that now resell for over $1.5 million. From a real estate perspective, modular houses can perform similar to those that were stick built on the lot.
Modular homes come in “modules.” Typically, a module would be 12 feet wide. Therefore, many of the rooms in such houses max out at 12 feet. Modules come complete with hung doors, installed windows, and even with drywall.
Panelized homes come in panels ready to assemble. The panels are typically the lumber part of the construction and streamline construction time. Many contemporary designs rely on panels to create the clean lines and tall walls. Panels do not warp and often come pre-insulated.
Another form of panels are precast cement panels used for basement walls. They are taller and energy efficient.
In the modular systems, the houses provide minimum change opportunities from the plans as presented. The key is to find the right plan. These homes save hundreds of thousands of dollars over custom-built or stick-built.
Some of the benefits of using modular include the following:
- The structure is built indoors and is not exposed to the elements.
- Because it is not in the elements, the structures remain clean and free of mold.
- According to the manufacturers, the joints at connections are stronger and more rigid, thus less susceptible to storm damage and soil shifts;
- The timing of a project is predictable.
- Modular homes are less susceptible to supply chain fluctuations.
- Pricing is very predictable and often fixed at time of order.
Modular house square footage can range from under 1,000 to over 5,000. The cost for the package as listed is typically the cost of the building materials. The price does not reflect the cost of land, land engineering, basements and foundations, and water and sewer taps or well and septic development.
The builders that we recommend can build from scratch or build with modules or panels. They can also add to modules, including garages and porches.
If you have considered a custom home only to be discouraged by the high cost of building, let’s explore modular or panelized systems to determine if that would be a good option. Call Properties on the Potomac at
703-624-8333.
Properties on the Potomac, Inc. 