What Is a Modular Home? Your Quick Guide to Factory-Built, Affordable Living
If you’re looking to design your modular home for flexibility, speed, and savings, here’s what you need to know—fast.
Modular homes are:
- Built in sections at a factory, then transported and assembled on your land.
- Regulated under the same building codes as site-built homes—often with better quality control.
- Customizable: You can change the floor plan, finishes, and add special features to fit your lifestyle.
- Faster to build (usually 3–5 months) and 10–30% more affordable per square foot than traditional homes.
- Engineered for safety, energy efficiency, and long-term value—with warranties that protect your investment.
In short:
Design your modular home to get a high-quality, custom-built house—on a budget and timeline that works for you.
“Modular homes provide top-quality construction at prices 10 to 30 percent less per square foot than site-built homes.”
Modular vs. Manufactured vs. Site-Built—At a Glance
| Type | Where Built | Customization | Timeline | Cost Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modular | Factory + On Site | High | 3–5 Months | 10–30% Savings |
| Manufactured | Factory Entirely | Moderate | 2–4 Months | High |
| Site-Built | At the Home Site | Very High | 6–12+ Months | Lowest |
Simple guide to design your modular home terms:
Step-by-Step Guide to Design Your Modular Home
Ready to make your dream home a reality? Let’s walk through how to design your modular home in 7 straightforward steps that’ll take you from empty lot to move-in day.
The beauty of modular homes is that you get factory-built efficiency with site-built customization. Most clients are amazed at how much control they have over their home’s design.
1. Pick Your Site & Understand Codes
Before you fall in love with a floor plan, you need to know where your home will live—and what rules apply there.
Site selection is about more than just finding a pretty piece of land. Consider accessibility for delivery trucks and cranes, plus natural slope and orientation. Modular homes work great on everything from tight city lots to sprawling rural properties.
Zoning and permitting might sound boring, but it’s important. Unlike manufactured homes that follow federal HUD codes, modular homes must meet the same local IRC compliance standards as stick-built houses. Check with your city or county about residential zoning, setback requirements, and any HOA rules.
Foundation types for modular homes are typically permanent—concrete slab, crawl space, or full basement. The right choice depends on your sloping terrain and local soil conditions.
2. Choose or Adapt a Floor Plan
Now comes the fun part—finding your perfect layout! You can start with proven stock plans or bring your own custom blueprints. Check out our Modular Home Layout Options for inspiration.
Here’s a money-saving tip: modular homes are built in standard module widths of 10, 12, 14, or 16 feet. When you design your home as multiples of these widths, you keep costs down and make transport easier.
Open-concept living is incredibly popular, and modular construction makes it easy to create flowing spaces between kitchen, dining, and living areas. Multi-story options are totally doable—two-story colonials, Cape Cod styles, even homes with basements.
3. Use Digital Tools to Design Your Modular Home
Welcome to the coolest part—using technology to see your future home before it’s built. Our Digital Design Center and tools like Homestyler interactive software let you experiment with layouts in both 2D and 3D.
Try our Start Designing Interior tool to see how different kitchen layouts and finishes look together.
The cost calculator feature is a real game-changer. As you add upgrades, you can see the price impact instantly. Planning your budget? Use our Mortgage calculator to see how different home prices affect your monthly payments.
4. Select Finishes & Energy Upgrades
This is where your house transforms from a structure into your home. Interior finishes are where your personality shines through. Choose from cabinets and flooring options that range from budget-friendly to luxury.
EnergyStar appliances aren’t just good for the environment—they save you money every month on utility bills. The same goes for spray-foam insulation, which can be installed much more consistently in the factory.
Energy efficiency upgrades pay for themselves over time through lower utility bills. Factory-installed insulation can be up to 75% more effective than field-installed insulation.
Want to see what’s possible with modern design? Check out our Modern Modular Housing examples for inspiration.
5. Financing, Permits & Ordering
With your design locked in, it’s time to make it official. Financing for modular homes works differently than you might expect. Construction loans are common—they convert to a regular mortgage once your home is complete. FHA and VA options are available for qualified buyers.
The permit checklist varies by location, but typically includes building permits for the modular installation, plus separate permits for foundation, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work.
Once financing and permits are sorted, you’ll sign your factory order contract with detailed specifications. Our Guide on Modular House Cost breaks down all the financial details.
6. Factory Build, Delivery & Final Tweaks to Design Your Modular Home
Here’s where the magic happens—and where you’ll really appreciate choosing modular construction.
Quality inspections happen throughout the factory build process. Your home gets checked dozens of times by trained inspectors. Transport logistics might sound complicated, but we handle all the coordination. Crane set-up happens on delivery day to lift the modules onto your prepared foundation.
The on-site finish crew connects the modules, hooks up utilities, and completes any final finishes. Your 10-year structural warranty provides peace of mind that goes well beyond what most site-built homes offer.
Build timeline for the factory portion is incredibly predictable—weather delays are eliminated. The whole process from order to move-in typically takes 3 to 5 months, compared to 6 to 12 months for site-built homes.
Costs, Timelines & Pro Tips for Designing Your Modular Home
Here’s what you need to know about the numbers and the process—plus insider advice to make it all go smoothly.
Modular vs. Site-Built: The Big Picture
Let’s talk numbers—because when you design your modular home, you want to know exactly what you’re getting for your investment.
Modular homes typically run $60–$300 per square foot (with most falling in the sweet spot of $100–$150), while site-built homes can hit $100–$400 per square foot (averaging $150–$250). That translates to real savings of 10–30% on your total build cost.
But here’s where it gets really interesting—time. While a traditional site-built home takes 6–12+ months to complete, your modular home can be ready in just 3–5 months.
| Metric | Modular Home | Site-Built Home |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Per Sq Ft | $60–$300 (avg. $100–$150) | $100–$400 (avg. $150–$250) |
| Total Build Time | 3–5 months | 6–12+ months |
| Typical Savings | 10–30% | – |
| Annual Value Appreciation | 3.4% (2017 avg.) | 3.8% (2017 avg.) |
| Warranty | Up to 10 years | Varies |
What about long-term value? Modular homes appreciate at 3.4% annually on average—nearly matching site-built homes at 3.8%. Plus, you get up to 10 years of structural warranty protection.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Modular Home Journey
After helping hundreds of Texas families design your modular home, we’ve learned what makes the difference between a smooth process and unnecessary headaches.
Stay organized from day one. Keep all your design ideas, floor plans, and important contacts in one place—whether that’s a physical notebook or a digital folder.
Think in modules when you’re designing. Plan your home width in multiples of 10′, 12′, 14′, or 16′ to maximize cost efficiency. These are the standard module widths.
Keep roof lines simple. Complex intersecting rooflines can drive up costs quickly. Simpler roof designs mean more money in your pocket for the finishes you’ll see every day.
Make sure all your windows and doors meet Texas IRC egress and safety codes. This isn’t just about passing inspection—it’s about keeping your family safe.
Decide early whether you want turn-key service (where we handle everything) or a home-only deal (where you coordinate your own contractors). Check out more about our modular home options.
Budget for site work beyond just the home price. Foundation preparation, utility hookups, and delivery costs are separate line items.
The biggest mistakes we see? Rushing design decisions, skipping permit research, or underestimating site preparation needs.
Want to understand the full cost picture? Our modular vs manufactured home guide and modular house prices guide break down everything you need to know.
Why Choose Us for Your Modular Home in Texas?
Here’s why families across Texas trust us when they’re ready to design your modular home.
We offer guaranteed lowest prices on modular homes anywhere in Texas. Find a better deal? We’ll beat it.
Our one-stop service means you work with one team from initial design through move-in day. We handle permits, financing, delivery, and setup so you can focus on picking out paint colors.
We deliver and set up homes anywhere in Texas—whether you’re building in San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Laredo, New Braunfels, or way out in the Hill Country.
Ready to get started? Your new home is just a conversation away.
Start Your Modular Home Journey
Your dream home is closer than you think! Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, design your modular home offers the perfect blend of quality, affordability, and speed that Texas families love.
Ready to see what’s possible? Start by browsing our collection of modular home layouts to get inspired. From cozy starter homes to spacious family retreats, you’ll find layouts that spark your imagination and fit your lifestyle.
Curious about cutting-edge styles? Explore our modern modular housing options that prove factory-built doesn’t mean cookie-cutter. Think sleek lines, open concepts, and all the contemporary touches you’d find in custom homes—but at a fraction of the cost.
Want to know the numbers? Check out our current modular house prices to see how much home you can get for your budget. Spoiler alert: you might be pleasantly surprised by how affordable quality can be!
Still wondering about the difference between home types? Our guide on the difference between modular and manufactured homes breaks it down in plain English, so you can make the best choice for your family.
When you’re ready to dive deeper, find more info about our modular homes and find why thousands of Texas families have chosen us for their homeownership journey.
We’re here to help every step of the way—from that first “what if” moment to the day you get your keys. With our guaranteed lowest prices and delivery anywhere in Texas, your perfect home is just a conversation away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about how to design your modular home? Here are the answers to the most common questions we hear from folks starting their modular home journey in Texas.
Can modular homes be built on sloping or uneven land?
Absolutely! With proper site prep and engineering, modular homes can be installed on almost any lot in Texas—from rolling hill country terrain to coastal areas with unique drainage needs.
Are modular homes actually energy efficient?
They sure are! Modular homes often outperform many site-built homes when it comes to comfort and energy bills. Factory construction means tighter seals, precision-installed insulation, and quality control that’s hard to match on a windy construction site.
What if I want to make changes after I order my home?
Minor tweaks may be possible during the factory build process—things like switching paint colors or upgrading fixtures. However, major changes like moving walls can increase costs and delay your timeline significantly.
That’s why we encourage you to take your time during the design phase and make sure you’re 100% happy with your plan before signing the factory order contract.
What kind of warranty comes with my modular home?
Most modular homes come with a structural warranty of up to 10 years—that’s serious peace of mind! You’ll also get manufacturer warranties on appliances, HVAC systems, and other materials.
Do modular homes hold their value like regular houses?
Yes! Modern modular homes appreciate at similar rates to site-built homes—research shows they averaged 3.4% annual appreciation in 2017, compared to 3.8% for traditional homes.
When you design your modular home with us, you’re making a smart long-term investment in your family’s future.
Let’s Design Your Modular Home Together
Building your dream home doesn’t have to be overwhelming—especially when you have the right team by your side. Design your modular home with us, and you’ll find why so many Texas families choose the modular route.
What makes working with Manufactured Housing Consultants different? We don’t just sell homes—we guide you through every single step. From that first exciting conversation about your vision to the day you get your keys, our team is with you.
Our guaranteed lowest prices mean you’ll never wonder if you got a good deal. Find a better price anywhere in Texas? We’ll beat it. Plus, with our wide selection from top manufacturers, you’ll have plenty of options—from cozy ranch-style homes to spacious two-stories.
Location is never a problem when you work with us. We deliver anywhere in Texas, whether you’re building in busy San Antonio, peaceful New Braunfels, historic Laredo, coastal Corpus Christi, or anywhere in between.
Ready to see what’s possible for your family? Contact us for a no-pressure consultation, or visit one of our locations across Texas. We have showrooms in San Antonio, Von Ormy, New Braunfels, Laredo, Corpus Christi, and Victoria—each staffed with friendly experts who genuinely care about finding you the perfect home.
Design your modular home the way it should be done—with transparency, expertise, and a team that’s as excited about your new home as you are. Ready to move in faster, save money, and love where you live? Let’s make it happen together!
