Those in the market for a fast house, a modular home may be the perfect solution. The houses are manufactured in modules in factory and just assembled on site, that being able to shorten construction time considerably compared to conventional buildings. But exactly how long does it take to build a modular home?
If you’re planning to build in Texas, knowing the modular home construction timeline can be beneficial to your planning process what with builders, bankers, and even schedulers involved.
The Average Timeline for Build a Modular Home
The entire process should take 3-6 months, however that is based on several factors: permits, site work, customization, Mother Nature, and the availability of the contractor.
Here is a breakdown of the key steps:
1. Planning and Design (1–2 Months)
Before a thing is built, you’ll engage in that phase of making selections for the floor plan, the finishes and optional upgrades. This part of the process may be a little bit longer if you’re working with a semi–custom home builder versus choosing from a fully pre-designed model, but you’ll be left with a house that’s more tailored to your lifestyle and your aesthetic tastes.
2. Permits and Site Preparation (1 Month)
Your home will be under construction in a controlled climate environment and your building site will be prepared for the foundation. This involves removal of trees, grading and utility installation. But before any of that can get started, you’ll need permits, and depending on your county or municipality, that can sometimes take weeks.
3. Factory Construction (6–10 Weeks)
The modules for your home are constructed in a factory at the same time. Because weather delays don’t affect the procedure, the process is generally faster and more efficient. All plumbing, wires, insulation, and walls are put in place in this controlled environment, raising the standards.
4. Delivery and On-Site Assembly (1–2 Weeks)
When the modules are finished, they are shipped to your location and put together. Cranes lift every section into position, and the house is “buttoned up” with roofing, siding and interior finishes installed on-site. It is one of the most exciting parts of home building as your home quickly goes from foundation to finish in mere days.
5. Final Touches and Inspections (2–4 Weeks)
In the final weeks, you work on finishing the interiors, performing final inspections and hooking up utilities. And once everything’s finally up to code and approved, your home is ready to move into.
Factors That Influence Build Time
Modular homes can be built a little faster overall, but the speed still depends on:
- Land readiness: If your land requires significant preparation or has difficult terrain, expect delays.
- Customization level: More custom features typically mean more time in design and construction.
- Builder efficiency: Working with best Texas home builders who have modular experience can accelerate the process.
- Permitting speed: Local regulations and approval times vary.
- Weather conditions: While factory work isn’t affected by weather, site prep and final assembly are.
Financing Your Modular Home Construction
It’s important to note, though, that modular homes still need to be financed as any other type of building. It is common in the state of Texas for Texans to use Texas construction loan builders and even with ease to finance the purchase of the land and the purchase of the modular home.
These loans usually convert to a traditional mortgage when the home is finished, which can cut time and paperwork. Working with a lender who is well-versed in modular construction will make sure you have access to the financing required at each phase.
Where to Buy Land in Texas
Before you can start construction, you will need a suitable piece of land. Where to buy land in Texas will vary based on your personal lifestyle and budget. Hill Country is known for its beautiful scenery, and the outskirts of large metros like Austin and Dallas are a mix of affordability and convenience.
Land should be zoned for residential use and provide access to utilities while meeting the local building codes. Talking to a professional realtor who deals specifically in land sales can keep you from making a costly mistake.
Choosing the Right Builder for Your Modular Home
How Long a Modular Home is in the Builder’s Hands the builder you select has a role in how long it takes to complete a modular home? And if you are not quite sure how to proceed, consider using this guide on how to select a home builder in order to find someone with demonstrated experience in your SuCasa or modular homes.)
Quality Matters in Modular Construction
Some people fear that modular homes are not as high in “quality” as a site-built home; however, this cannot be further from the truth. Indeed, when you select an established quality home builder, you can be confident your modular home will be built to or exceed ordinary building codes. Modular homes are constructed with the same materials your “sticks and bricks home are and are inspected throughout the building process for quality control.
What If You Already Own Land?
If you already have land and are asking yourself, “Can I get a loan to build a house on my land?”, the answer is yes. Many lenders offer special loans to help you make improvements to your home, so you can finance both the purchase and the required repairs or upgrades for your property. Finger’s crossed: Your land will be properly zoned and accessible to infrastructure like water, electricity and sewage.
Final Thoughts
Constructing a modular home in Texas is a great investment for homebuyers looking to build a home in the Lone Star State. It generally takes 3-6 months on average but will vary depending on your prep time, funding and builder selection. Be sure to research your choices well and get advice from experts who can help you transition without any hitches.
Once you’re ready to begin, contact experienced Texas construction loan builders and hire the best team to make your modular home dream, a reality!