In today’s booming housing market, affordability is critical. Enter modular homes, a rapidly growing industry projected to reach a global market size of $131.58 billion by 2030. They offer a budget-friendly option for homeownership, but how do they compare to traditional builds?
This guide will explore the key similarities and differences between modular and traditional homes in South Carolina, empowering you to make the perfect choice for your dream home.
Modular Homes vs Traditional Homes: Key Differences
Before we dive deeper, let’s clear up some terminology. Traditional homes, often referred to as “stick-built” homes, are constructed entirely on-site from the ground up. Modular homes, sometimes inaccurately called “manufactured homes,” share a factory-built process with some key distinctions.
Here’s what sets them apart:
- Construction Process
- Quality and Customization
- Timeline
Modular Homes
One of the biggest advantages of modular homes is their resemblance to traditional homes. They come in a wide range of styles, from classic ranch to contemporary farmhouse, ensuring you can find a design that perfectly suits your taste. But unlike traditional builds exposed to the elements throughout construction, modular homes are built in controlled factory settings. This protects them from weather damage and allows for consistent quality control.
The final advantage comes when your modular home arrives on your lot. It’s securely placed on a permanent foundation, making it more permanent and valuable than a traditional home. Therefore, modular homes provide long-term peace of mind and comparable appraisal value.
Traditional Homes
Traditional homes, also known as “stick-built” homes, are familiar for a reason. They’re constructed directly on the buyer’s lot, with a permanent foundation laid first. This method offers a high degree of customization, as the home is built from the ground up to your specifications. However, this traditional approach also comes with some drawbacks.
Since multiple contractors are involved and materials are delivered throughout the build process, traditional homes are more expensive and time-consuming than modular construction.
The Home Construction Process
When you look at building modular homes versus traditional homes, the construction process is quite different. Here are some key ways each of these homes are built.
Modular Homes Building Process
Modular homes are put together in sections, almost like a puzzle. The manufacturing of rooms is done inside a factory from start to finish.
Once the home is complete, it’s transported to the homeowner’s lot, put together, and attached to a permanent foundation.
Like traditional homes, modular homes from reputable manufacturers are constructed to meet all current local, state, and regional building codes. This ensures your home is safe, secure, and built to last for generations.
Traditional Homes Building Process
Traditional homes offer the allure of complete customization, built entirely on-site from the ground up. However, this method exposes the framing to weather conditions like rain, wind, and snow, potentially delaying construction and impacting material quality.
Additionally, traditional builds involve multiple contractors and subcontractors for various phases, requiring coordination and permitting for each stage, leading to a longer and potentially more complex construction process.
Traditional vs Modular Home Costs
Aside from the construction process, there is a distinct difference between the cost of a traditional and a modular home. While the exact figures vary, here are some examples of the average traditional versus modular home costs.
Modular Home Costs
The price of a modular home typically depends on two main factors: the size and what the construction company charges. On the low end, a small modular home can cost as little as $20,000.
Larger and more complex modular homes can run between $150,000 to $250,000 and up. Homeowners are also responsible for purchasing the land where the modular home will be assembled.
Traditional Home Costs
Traditional homes typically cost between 10-20 times more than modular homes. They run approximately $220 to $250 per square foot on a cost-per-square-foot basis.
Meanwhile, modular homes cost closer to $50-$150 per square foot.
Time Efficiency and Customization
Part of what makes building a modular home in South Carolina so appealing is the timeline. Building a modular home takes less time than a traditional home, but let’s get into more detailed information below.
Timeframe for Modular Home Construction
A standard modular home should take between 16 and 31 weeks to complete. However, do keep in mind that a build could take longer if you’re adding specific customizations.
Timeframe for Traditional Home Construction
Building a traditional home can take several months. Sometimes, it may even take a year or longer due to the complexities involved with the construction and permitting process.
Customization Options in Both Types
In terms of customization for a modular home vs a traditional home, both typically provide customers with various custom options. Homeowners may choose everything from interior and exterior paint colors to flooring materials, appliances, trim, and more.
Durability and Maintenance
Some customers worry about the durability and longevity of modular homes. Let’s examine the typical lifespan of both of these home styles, as well as some maintenance considerations.
The Lifespan of Modular Homes
As long as your beautiful new modular home is properly cared for, it should last 50 years or longer. Since these homes are built in comparable quality to a traditional home, they should endure for generations.
The Lifespan of Traditional Homes
On average, a traditional home should last around 80 years. The lifespan of these homes depends on factors like the location and weather, as well as how well they’re maintained by the owner.
Maintenance Considerations
A modular home should be maintained the same way a traditional home is maintained. Some considerations include:
- Proper grading
- Installation and maintenance of gutters and downspouts
- Roof inspections and repairs
- HVAC system inspection and maintenance
- Plumbing inspections and repairs
Environmental Impact and Energy Efficiency
Building a new home is an exciting prospect, but it’s also important to consider the environmental impact. Here’s where modular construction shines. The controlled factory setting of modular homes minimizes waste by using precise material measurements and reducing the chance of weather damage. Additionally, modular construction often utilizes sustainable building practices and materials, making them a more eco-friendly option.
Modular Homes and Sustainability
One of the surprising benefits of modular construction is its eco-friendly approach. Factory production minimizes waste by using precise material measurements and prefabrication. Unlike traditional builds exposed to the elements, modular homes avoid potential weather damage to materials. This focus on efficiency translates to less waste headed to landfills and a smaller environmental footprint for your new home.
Environmental Considerations for Traditional Homes
Traditional construction, while tried-and-true, can have a larger environmental impact compared to modular homes. This is due to several factors:
- Material Waste: On-site construction often leads to more wasted materials due to cutting and fitting lumber at the building location.
- Weather Exposure: Materials left exposed during traditional builds are susceptible to weather damage, potentially leading to unusable materials and requiring replacements.
- Energy Consumption: Traditional construction typically involves more on-site machinery and processes, contributing to higher overall energy consumption during the building phase.
Make the Right Choice for You with Brother’s Housing
Now that you know more about modular homes vs traditional homes, you can make the choice that’s right for you.At Brothers Home Builders, we offer a wide variety of high-quality modular homes, so contact us today to schedule a tour and to find out more.
