What is a Modular Home?

If you're exploring new home construction options, you've likely come across the term modular home. While the term modular home is often confused with mobile or manufactured homes, a modular home is in a completely different category of homes.

Whether upsizing, downsizing, or buying your very first home, understanding what a modular home is (and isn’t) can help you make the right decision for your lifestyle and budget.

Let’s break it down.

Modular Homes: A Quick Definition

A modular home is a house built in sections (called modules) in a factory setting utilizing off-site construction. These modules are constructed indoors, protected from weather delays and material damage. Once complete, they are transported to a home site and assembled on a permanent foundation by professionals.

The result? A finished home that is the equivalent of a site-built home.

How Our Homes Are Built

The process of building a modular home with D&W Homes is both streamlined and high-tech.

Here’s a simplified overview:

Design & Planning

With the assistance of one of our home specialists, homebuyers choose a floor plan and customize it with design features. We offer a wide range of customizable layouts ranging from cozy cottages to spacious two-story homes.

Factory Construction

Once ordered, the home is constructed in a controlled indoor facility, using state-of-the-art equipment. Because it is indoors, materials are protected from rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. Skilled tradespeople work on multiple homes at once, increasing efficiency and precision.

Each module goes through rigorous quality control and inspections before leaving the factory.

Delivery & Assembly

Once the modules are complete, they’re transported to the building site. Prior to its arrival, the foundation has already been completed. Depending on the home, either the modules are rolled onto the permanent foundation or a crane lifts them into place. The modules are then securely joined, sealed, and finished by our D&W Homes field crew.

Final Inspections & Move-In

Once the home is finished, it will need to go through the same local inspections as a site-built home, if there are any required. Once the final walk through is completed and final payment is made, you will get your keys and start moving in.

Why Choose a Modular Home?

Modular homes offer many benefits over traditional site-built construction. Here are some of the most compelling reasons buyers choose this route:

Faster Construction Timeline

Because modules are built indoors while your foundation is prepared outside, modular homes can be completed in significantly less time.

Weather-Resistant Construction

With indoor construction, there’s no risk of rain-soaked framing or weather delays, which improves overall build quality and protects your investment.

Cost Predictability

Modular homes are typically more budget-friendly than site-built homes due to reduced labor costs and minimal weather delays during the building process. You’ll also face fewer surprise expenses since more of the process is controlled and priced up front. In addition, at D&W Homes, your price is guaranteed. That means no change orders as your build progresses.

Energy Efficiency

Most modular homes are built to modern energy standards and often exceed them. Tight seams, high-quality insulation, and energy-efficient windows mean you’ll enjoy lower utility bills over time.

Design Flexibility

Gone are the days of cookie-cutter modular homes. Today, you can choose from dozens of floor plans, finishes, and upgrades, just like you would with a custom build.

Built to Code

Modular homes are constructed to meet or exceed the same local and state building codes as site-built homes.

Common Misconceptions About Modular Homes

Despite their many advantages, modular homes are still misunderstood. Let’s clear up a few myths:

“They’re cheap or low-quality.”
Modular homes are built with the same materials as site-built homes—sometimes better—due to controlled factory environments and precise craftsmanship.
“You can spot one a mile away.”
Modern modular homes are indistinguishable from traditional homes. They can have pitched roofs, porches, garages, brick exteriors, and upscale finishes.
“You can’t customize them.”
While there are base models, there is flexibility to customize the floor plans, finishes, and layouts to fit your needs. Manufacturers can also build complete custom plans.
“They don’t hold value.”
Modular homes appreciate in value just like traditionally built homes.

Final Thoughts

So, what is a modular home? It’s a smart, modern way to build a home that combines the precision of climate-controlled indoor construction with the benefits of a site-built homes.

With faster build times, reduced costs, and energy-efficient features, modular homes are more than just an alternative—they’re the future of home construction for many families.

If you’re ready to explore building a modular home or have questions about the process, reach out by filling out the Get Pricing form on our website or visit one of our three model centers.

The home of your dreams might be closer than you think.