Hi, I'm Jason. I'm a software engineer living in San Francisco, and I love doing extensive research before making major purchases.

This single-level 2-bedroom, 2-bath prefab home, the Origin, starts at $330,000. Its base price, at about $330/sq.ft., places it at near the average of the range for contemporary prefab houses. Blu Homes

Prefabricated (prefab or modular) homes used to be associated with ugly, cookie-cutter models that sacrificed style and individuality in favor of a McDonald's-like consistency. Times have changed. Nowadays, prefab homes have a stunning array of customization options, and they're more likely to be associated with world-class contemporary design than big-box mediocrity.

But How Much Do Prefab Homes Cost?

As you might expect, prices vary depending on the type of design and range of installed features. A cutting-edge design is going to cost considerably more than designs without as much flourish, and high-end, professional-grade appliances will be more expensive than standard ones. As you'll see in the chart and photos below, some prefab home manufacturers are clearly carving out the high-end niche for themselves, and their designs might only be marginally less expensive than houses built directly on the home's foundation. Others seek to limit choices and design extravagances in favor of economy.

Average Price Range

I took a look at 20 companies that sell contemporary prefab homes, and the prices broke down depending on whether the company is involved in the fabrication phase only, or if it's also involved in the delivery and/or construction phase, as well.

Fabrication Only : around $180–250 per square foot on average

: around $180–250 per square foot on average Fabrication, Delivery, and Assembly: around $250–450 per square foot on average

A true apple-to-apple cost comparison is difficult, because there are numerous additional expenses, some of which are covered in some companies' estimates and not in others'. These include design, engineering, architecture, and utility hookup costs. None of the companies cover the cost of permitting, inspections, or foundations (if needed).

A table of cost and lead time information is below. Beneath that, I've put pictures and costs of these vendors' designs and the prices they're advertising as of 2019.

This 1,100 square foot B-House design by Anderson Anderson Architecture was constructed in Japan with a budget of $154,000. This works out to about $140/SF. Anderson Anderson Architecture

Company Approx. cost per sq. ft. Design focus Lead time Alchemy Architects (weeHouses) $120-277 Up to 4 "blocks" with 4 different orientations - numerous color/material/appliance options. Custom designs also available. 9 months for fabrication (standard); longer for custom Anderson Anderson Architecture $140+ plus installation Sustainable, modular design (including the 1100-sqft, $150,000 B-House, and the two-story Menlo Park House) 5+ months Asul $99-200 Customized components around steel-frame Adaptable System core. 4-6 months for construction Blu Homes $250 (Farmhouse/Breezehouse) to $330 (Origin/Cabana), not incl req site work (depends on location) Four contemporary designs, from small, simple Origin ($330/sqft) to iconic flagship Breezehouse ($255/sqft) 2-3 months after permitting Davis Studio A+D (pieceHomes) $140-160 (module costs), $240-260 (constructed cost) Wide range of standard designs, including the 320-sqft "320" to the 4-bed, 3-bath "2250" and premium designs. Additional units like guest houses and extensions also available. 6-9 mo for engineering/permitting + 3-6 mo for construction E-Space Systems approx. $200 Three-size range, from 100-sqft Mini Ten Ten, to 400-sqft Mini Twenty Twenty as little as 6 days for construction (MINI) Garrison Architects $200-250 Green, net-zero energy buildings (including the Red Hook Green, and 1500-sqft, $304,000 NZ99 [Net Zero for the 99%]) 4-6 months to manufacture Hive Modular $140+ (base) + build costs Three lines (B, C and X) based on general geometries (X are custom designs), countless configurations approx 12 weeks ideabox $120 (Confluence c.3/1707 sqft) - $266 (ADU NW560/560 sqft) Seven lines, including RV/park and ADU (accessory dwellings) 12 weeks for site work Jenesys Buildings $35 (Sierra) - $53 (E-Cube) (shell only) for homes; approx $160-220 completed Four house styles, plus three laneway styles (Vancouver) n/a kitHAUS $235-302 Five lines, from 117-sqft k3 to 300-sqft k6 6-8 weeks for manufacturing & delivery LivingHomes $139 (C6/CK) - $260 (RK) (Modules only); $214-385 (Complete) Thirteen styles, configurable by buyer. Elaborate, contemporary designs by 2 architects. Most styles include decking. 46 weeks (standard) - 54 weeks (custom) MA Modular $150 base price Nine standard, plus semi-custom and custom designs (1-3 bedroom). Touts relatively low price vs competition 180 days or less Method Homes $136-194 base + soft & site costs Eight series, including the wood-heavy Cabin Series, to the triangle-based HOMB Series. Several architectural firms & styles. typically 2-4 months after permits ready Minarc (mnmMOD) $218+ (not incl transportation) Kit-based mixed-media units, incorporating recyclable materials; net-zero energy 4-6 months Proto Homes $210 Wide range of sizes (Tiny to X-Large); iPad integration for home control and monitoring; central "Core" construction 3-5 months (location dependent) Rocio Romero (LV Series) $120-195 (DIYers $87, high-end $250) Seven modular kits with different dimensions and exterior treatments; contractor or DIY ready avg 3-6 months for delivery & construction Sander Architects $225+ 2000-sqft minimum, custom-designed homes using a steel backbone; ideal client has large space requirements and unique design vision 15+ months for design & construction Tumbleweed Tiny House Company $283 (Roanoke) - $337 (Elm) (base price) Four primary models, 187-269+ sqft, with many configuration options; plans, workshops & how-to DVDs available for DIYers 7-10 weeks from order to delivery (To-Go option) Turkel Design (Lindal Cedar) $60-120 (designs/plans/materials) x 3-4 (complete) Nine designs, 1700-3000 sqft. Ecofriendly designs, including LEED certification, renewable energy features. 8 months manufacturing, delivery & assembly

This four-module Alchemy weeHouse has 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, and 2,200 square feet. Its cost in 2007 was about $280,000, or about $127/SF. Source: weeHouse weeHouse

This B-Line Medium 001 by Hive Modular, installed in Minneapolis, is a 3-bed, 3-bath with 1,780 SF. Build costs are on the order of $185/SF, so this model would cost about $329,000 for the building and appliances. Hive Modular

This Blu Homes 3-bedroom, 3-bath design (Breezehouse) has 2,140 square feet of living space, and starts at $545,000. Bluhomes

This 2,100-square foot "mv3" by pieceHomes can be outfitted with 2, 3, or 4 bedrooms, and 2.5 or 3.5 baths. At an estimated $185/SF, the mv3 runs at about $388,500. pieceHomes

Co-marketed with Ikea, ideabox's 1bd/1ba Haven features a 745-sqft footprint and costs $142,000. Naturally outfitted with Ikea flooring, countertops, cabinets, bedroom and bath, and basic furnishings. ideabox

The E-Cube, one of four lines by Jenesys Buildings, comes in three different layouts. Shell packages range from $42-53/sqft plus tax. Jenesys Buildings

This two-story, 3-bedroom/2.5-bath home by LivingHomes boasts 1,700 sqft. Prices estimate around $340,000 for the modules alone, or $566,000 complete. LivingHomes

This 289 SF unit by kitHAUS is actually the largest that the company offers, the K1. This high-ceiling prefab unit starts at $75,000, or almost $260 SF. kitHAUS

This M2 by Method Homes has 1,240 SF of interior space, and 248 SF of deck space, and comprises 2 beds and 2 baths. Pricing starts at $230,000, or about $185/SF. Method Homes

This Luna model, like other MA Modular prefab models, starts at $140/SF. The Luna is 3-bedroom, 2-bath, and 1,540 SF; price starts at $216,500. MA Modular

This 99 sq ft quaint Gifford home by Tumbleweed has a porch and optional loft. Larger models can be outfitted with bathrooms and kitchenettes. The Gifford costs $12,000 for the base kit, $2,000 more assembled. or $69 for the plans only. Tumbleweed Tiny House Company

This "Sunlight Residence," by Proto Homes, built in Los Angeles, has 2,650 SF (incl. garage) of living space, 3 beds, and 2.5 baths. Based on its November 2011 sale, the home itself is valued at approx. $437,000. Proto Homes

This LVL home by Rocio Romero was built in New York, with total costs at $363,000, including pre-construction work, the LVL Kit, and construction. With 1,453 SF, that works out to $242/SF all-included. Rocio Romero

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.

Ryan OConnell from California on June 27, 2020:

That table is really helpful. Thanks for compiling!

John on August 09, 2019:

Aside from Alchemy Architects (weeHouses) is there anybody near or close by Minnesota?

By the way, Hive Modular is gone they are no longer in business.

Jason Menayan (author) from San Francisco on August 04, 2019:

They're welcome to contact me, as many companies have done! I update the information Jan 1 every year, although sometimes companies don't update information on their models and pricing on their websites.

homebuilder2020 on July 31, 2019:

Great industry research. However, I think some of this information is a little bit out of date. How can a featured company update their figures and information?

carrielee777 on April 29, 2019:

Yes, it seems the concept of these homes was for those looking to save money and have an energy efficient home, but they have become trendy instead--making them more expensive than "stick built" it seems.

I found something cheaper, but the designs look more like traditional mobile homes, but still nice.They deliver to your land, if it is within 100 miles without extra charge.

This example link below is one of the companies in my current area (New Mexico)-- To get builders in your local area, use the second link below and enter your zip code. It will give you companies in your area and you can find pricing/details.

Example for my area:

https://www.thehomesdirect.com/faq

I started here -- and entered my zip code:

https://www.claytonhomes.com/learn/home-buying/the...

Hope this is helpful to anyone still following this discussion! Post here if you find a good manufacturer to deal with. Good luck!

Dan Kuhr on July 01, 2018:

It is quite difficult to acquire much needed and basic information to make informed decisions. Our initial inquiries have met silence. In many instances quoted square footage rates were inconsistent by not matching. I have to agree with some of the reviews, questioning if prefab home construction is in fact less expensive than traditional construction.

jackbarry99 from san francisco on June 20, 2018:

America needs, also...factory-built multi-unit housing.

Myriam on June 17, 2018:

Are they save for tornadoes?

Edward A Rushing on May 17, 2018:

Are franklin homes a good purchase?

Marc on May 14, 2018:

Prefab prices are extremely high. Much cheaper to build. Take a look at method homes pricing page. Install costs are 30-70% of build costs, making 185sq ft = $240-$315 sq foot and there are more land prep fees on top of that. Prefer=rip-off

Grainis Hydrogen Bulgaria from Bulgaria on May 03, 2018:

Basalt-Fiber Composite assembly-modular houses and else buildings, could be times cheaper.

Shelly on March 27, 2018:

What is the point here when it's just as expensive or more?....no thanks

Mona on February 28, 2018:

Wish I cold afford one

E.Dot on January 13, 2018:

These nontraditional homes seem to have curved towards the trendy/chic side, making them less and less affordable. Any possibility of writing an article on prefab/modular home kits that the average person could possibly build? That would be great. Thanks in advance.

Jay C on October 30, 2017:

@Marta

I have to agree with you about the pricing down here in the South East. Land is starting to go up in prices, but we can get rather large quality stick built homes here for under 200k @ 1800-2400 sq ft. Can get similar size prefab / modular's for under 150k with all the bells and whistles. Also, for those of us who are handy, we (the home owner) are allowed to do any work to our own homes without needing a contractors license, so can cut another 20-25% off of those costs!!!

Marta Hardy on October 23, 2017:

I would guess that you haven't checked with many companies on the East coast or in the South East. Your prices are not reflective of what homes cost in our market. I can understand why Lee Davenport is confused. As with any home, the smaller the house, the more expensive it is per SF. And our homes will not be significantly less than site built homes. And in some parts of the country, they could actually be more... unless you are comparing apples to apples. What do you get for your money. Is it the same as the site builder? I've found that most often it is not.

Tony on October 14, 2017:

Yes, thanks very much for putting this together. My wife and I built a kit-house for our home in Sweden and we love it. Sweden's kit-house building industry is much more advanced and varied that what I see in the U.S., but the U.S. is catching on. Please keep refreshing your list as new builders come onto the scene.

Arch Conman on September 07, 2017:

permitting, inspections, and foundations are required for any of these house designs to be constructed almost anywhere in the USA*

The 99 sq.ft tumbleweed is just a shed.

Lee Davenport on August 06, 2017:

We just bought a lot and now I am so confused. We have found two builders who are quoting about $135.00 SF but I read several articles stating that a modular homes would save you 8% to 10% over stick-built but your chart seems to show that they are as expensive or more than a stick built. Am I missing something here?

Any help you could give would be so appreciated. Thank you

Roger M on June 27, 2017:

Jason, can you advise modern, clean designed (read: modern but also cost conscious/affordable) prefab/modular providers in Texas or surrounding areas? We are starting to prepare for our retirement dwelling options and like the look of several of these options but either they don't ship to TX or shipping makes them cost ineffective.

christine on June 18, 2017:

this is a useful table of comparison stats. thank u 4 putting it together! i've been studying a lot of modular prefab companies online. at 1st i had ignored weehouse 4 not having a lot of options but i was totally wrong b/c i had missed the "download brochure" feature (which is easy 2 overlook on their dropdown menu). they have AWESOME options! weathering-steel exterior, black slate flooring, glass Dal-tile or cararra marble wall tile, black ebonized hardwood oak flooring, timber ceiling. their wood options include DARK colors (which i prefer over light woods, just my taste). of course those upgrades come with a price, but when it's time 2 pull the trigger i'm going 2 explore the weehouse further... thx again 4 taking the time 2 create your comparison analysis!

Weihan on June 16, 2017:

What is it with architects these days and the obsessive glass compulsion? No privacy! If I wanted to live in an aquarium I'd ask God to turn me into a goldfish.

Maryann Syrek on May 14, 2017:

My husband and I bought and built a Blu Home. We have a 1000 sq. ft Element, one of the original designs. I am an interior designer and worked well with their team to customize the space and maximize the open plan. Definitely a $600 per sq. ft. house. The smaller the more costly. BUT, we love it and it is fantastic design and quality. You get what you pay for...

FBigley on April 23, 2017:

These prices, at least for Method Homes, seem way under as does the pricing on their website. I just got an estimate for $490,000 to build a 1240 sf Method home. Thats about $400/sf, much more than stick-built. Very disappointing.

Hannah on March 12, 2017:

I visited Blu Homes in Vallejo, CA this weekend and the brochure shows that the Origin starts at $495,000, not "$125,000 complete or $95,000 for the shell." The list of companies is quite helpful, however the pricing is not.

jeanmarie_randall@msn.com on February 06, 2017:

Hi, I did not see any comparison of Lindal homes, can you give any info on them? I've always liked the design with beautiful windows! Thank you!

Lloyd on February 04, 2017:

Has anyone heard of factory expo center in topeka Indiana modular homes been seeing some bad reviews on them,or do you know of a reputable place for greenbay wi area

Cecile on January 15, 2017:

Hello-I would like to know if you have prefab-modular homes that you can recommend for SO. CA - Palmdale area. Buying a Brand new Modular to drop in a land to purchase. Thank you.

JB on December 29, 2016:

Ideabox seems to be easily the most reasonable. $193k for a 1650SF 3/2.

Mike on December 01, 2016:

I agree these prices are too high, I hope competition drives it down and it becomes affordable to go 'green'

Soh Mir on November 01, 2016:

Thank you very much for your exceptionally thorough and informative compilation of Pre-Fab Houses.

Thank you

Soh Mir

kat on May 19, 2016:

Info for Blu homes is WAY off. Those houses cost from half a million to overa million dollars.

Jill on May 02, 2016:

A few years ago, one comlany put out an infomercial casing their customizable homes. You could keep their design or make certain areas bigger or smaller, walls longer or shorter & it was done with basics on the inside.

The price showed, if left as is, was based on the cheapest of their pre-selected windows, floor coverings in your colors, paint, counters, I mean move in ready homes.

They were 1500SF & around $78500- plus land. Does anyone remember who I'm speaking of? Or know of a company like this? I can't afford over $150,000 for a move in ready home.

Welcome any thoughts or help! In Central Illinois. Thanks ~

Felix on May 01, 2016:

Do we know if any of them use Bau Panels?

Ggg on March 27, 2016:

Are most of these finished with appliances decks fly screens etc.. Unless otherwise noted? Great post, thank you

Ricky on February 24, 2016:

They are out of mind these prices for pre fabricated house? this is still money to people.

Lori on February 12, 2016:

Love seeing all these options. We live just south of San Jose and want land for our horses. Plan to have a Blue home and then build an open barn, mainly to store hay and have some protection from weather. I had no idea there were so many options. Anyone of these stand out to you that compare to the Blu Homes for around 1600 sf? I love the new Breeze Air.

Jason Menayan (author) from San Francisco on February 03, 2016:

ASUL's still around - please google them and you'll see their site is up.

Sienna Aspen on January 26, 2016:

Great chart. I am not able to fine any information on asul - do you have any more?

nasanine on January 26, 2016:

ASUL seems to have disappeared (website deactivated, phone not being answered). Anyone have a status?

Doris James MizBejabbers from Beautiful South on November 16, 2015:

Looking at the pricing, most Southerners can't afford that. We can get a stick-built for less. Thanks for the information.

kimberlyfawn on November 07, 2015:

As an addendum, your Lindal Cedar Homes selection is their highest priced and their classic line comes in at half that.

re-investor on November 06, 2015:

I see no savings compared to conventional built homes. . Glad to see there might be some cheaper pricing elsewhere but then it costs more to ship across the country.

stephen on September 21, 2015:

How do you go about financing something like this. I Don't think this would work for a first time home buyer...

amishcabin on July 29, 2014:

Hi, Kentucky-based Amish Cabin Company's modular cabins go up to 1,120 sf on ground floor and up to another 600 sf in lofts. Not counting the loft space, fabricated price is about $75 per sf, plus delivery charge. Counting the loft space, fabricated price is about $55 per sf. www.amishcabincompany.com has info.

Jason Menayan (author) from San Francisco on March 03, 2014:

Hi Woody - the information I provided was on a square-foot basis, and it runs the gamut depending on what features you choose.

Woody on February 27, 2014:

I just spoke to Blu Homes, they can't build a house for under $350,000 (two bedroom). The pricing information on this page for them is extremely inaccurate.

Greg on January 10, 2014:

Are you kidding me? These are not "affordable" homes.

Yuki on August 10, 2013:

Modular means that it can be put together qcikuly and customised depending upon whether different modules are designed for that. Some modular homes have the interior furnishings built in whilst others may be portable. Prefabricated homes can be put up qiuckly on site since all the work of contructing the frame is done in a workshop. Generally, prefab homes are cheaper than architect designed homes because they can make lots that are the same. The same for modular, alsthough some modular homes can be pricey if they get into the designer' area or if they are portable.Generally prefab homes aren't designed with the solar aspect of your land in mind so you need to pick the one which best suits. Pick one with lots of windows and living areas facing north (if you live in the Southern hemisphere and opposite if you live in the northen hemisphere) and good sized eaves, to make the most of natural passive solar heating and cooling. Pick a design that isn't suited to your block and you will pay more for your heating and energy bills. Pick a light roof colour for hot climates, for colder climates check to see if double glazed windows are included. Also make, sure insulation is put in the walls while the building is being built as it can't be put in later you can put insulation in the roof later but not in the walls. Try picking house with high thermal mass like brick as they tend to have more stable temperatures inside leading to less energy bills.Prices will be fixed if you get a fixed price contract. Difficult sites, removal of unknown rocks beneath the soil, can raise problems which increase the cost. Cost of building after the foundation is put on is relatively stable but things like the cost of labour and materials can go up unexpectedly sometimes.

Lena Welch from USA on November 08, 2012:

Too cool! I knew about Tumbleweed but not the others. So modern looking and not what I thought of when I hear pre fab!

Jade12 on September 14, 2012:

Hello Pcunix,

We are just getting started with pricing our pre-hab home. Was $285K out the door (not including land of course)?

Jason Menayan (author) from San Francisco on January 08, 2012:

Thank you, rmcrayne and MarleneB! Good idea for an eventual update, RM. :)

Marlene Bertrand from USA on January 07, 2012:

Excellent hub. I enjoyed the pictures. Lots of useful information, and the chart was extremely helpful, too.

rmcrayne from San Antonio Texas on January 07, 2012:

Seems like several of these companies have smaller models that are really affordable, and could make great vacation homes.

Loved looking at the pictures. Did you consider using separate photo capsules, then using thumbnail mode to show interiors?

Jason Menayan (author) from San Francisco on January 07, 2012:

Thanks, alocsin! Yeah, you can't put links in those tables. However, in the caption below each photo, I have a link to the manufacturer's website. Please note that there were about 3 that I didn't include pictures of, because high-quality pictures were not available on the company's site.

Aurelio Locsin from Orange County, CA on January 07, 2012:

Thanks for this comprehensive list. I've always wanted a prefab house -- now I know where to go to find a good comparison. It would've been nice, though, to put web links in the manufacturer's names in the table, unless tables don't allow them. Voting this Up and Useful.

Jason Menayan (author) from San Francisco on January 07, 2012:

Steph: Thank you! I agree, prefab homes have really come a long way. Technology has made customization and modularization easy and affordable, and a lot of really talented, cutting-edge contemporary architects are getting into the game. Many of the models don't look prefabricated at all, and others do so in a charming way. I agree also that many of the designs do a spectacular job of making the most of limited space.

Stephanie Marshall from Bend, Oregon on January 07, 2012:

Super information on modular homes/pre-fabs. Affordable homes do not have to be ugly or boxy. Beyond the mere lower prices for these types of homes is the fact that they often save you a great deal of money on energy expenses. Tiny homes/small homes are a big movement these days as people seek to downsize in an effort to make more of less. Love the chart and all the photographs. Rated up!

Jason Menayan (author) from San Francisco on January 07, 2012:

Pcunix: The frustrations of real estate!

EA: No, we have a house right now, but looking at these designs, I would absolutely consider them! I didn't include pictures of the interiors, but most of them had interiors just as attractive as the exteriors.

Earth Angel on January 07, 2012:

GREAT Hub LiveLonger! "Living outside the box" by re-envisioning the "boxes we live in!" Thank you so much for putting this information together! Are you thinking of purchasing one?? Blessings, Earth Angel!

Tony Lawrence from SE MA on January 07, 2012:

Didn't seem like a deal when we sold our much larger stick built home in a better town for only 40K more than what we paid for this :-)

Jason Menayan (author) from San Francisco on January 07, 2012:

Yes, at $178/SF you got a deal!

Tony Lawrence from SE MA on January 07, 2012:

We live in a 1600 sq ft modular home in an over 55 retirement community (MA). We paid $285,000 for it and an attached garage, which I thought was high, but I see it's in line with these and even on the low side.