Anyone had experience with factory-built new construction?

Question

Considering a lot plus new construction strategy, but don't want on-site builds.  Prefer factory-built & delivered.  Curious if anyone has had experience with any manufacturers like https://myhouseinabox.com, https://momohomes.io, https://impresamodular.com or similar.

Not really looking for RV-style trailer mounted units, unless I go for a strict rental-only strategy as opposed to flipping.

Really tough to estimate, given that it's so hard to find pricing.

Matthew Adams · Answer

The most difficult things I've found:

* finding reputable modular builders

* getting pricing info for models/floorplans

@Ryan Arth When you say "We are in active discussions to import modules now", which builders are you working with?  Can you give me some pointers?

Ryan Arth · Answer

@Matthew Adams I think you meant that comment for me. Regarding reputable builders (if you mean of the modules) we work with companies that are privately owned to Champion. Champion, for example, has 48 plants in the US and produces 26k houses per year. If you are referring to the builder that finishes out the last 20% on site, that is us, in our case.

We are a dealer/partner, so we have access to the pricing from the plant. An end buyer can't just usually buy a one off, most aren't set up for that. You would have to find a local dealer and then a local GC that is capable of renting a crane and sealing the joints between the modules, everything after that is the same as stick built.

To your last question, I lead a modular builder here, SFR and MF, so we are the builder. If you are looking for a local builder that is familiar with the product, a dealer should be able to give you a referral.

To Chris' point, we do not see a premium using this method of construction, as our wages here are not inexpensive, and we benefit greatly in build time. As I mentioned, we are testing importing modules now, as the lead time is similar to placing an unscheduled order with the local factories.

Chris Seveney · Answer

@Matthew Adams that was not my comment but someone else's. I have yet to find a modular cheaper than stick built

Ryan Arth · Answer

Exactly. We have a half dozen plants within reasonable driving distance, and they hit different price/quality points. We are in active discussions to import modules now, which even further reduces our cost, even after tariffs and freight costs. Even if there weren't cost savings, the increased QC, having everything stay dry, reduction in needed trades, and reduced timeline (our biggest selling point) are what attracted us initially.

Ryan Arth · Answer

@Matthew Adams We are building modularly. You need to find a manufacturer with a plant within 350 miles of your location. Some have exclusive dealers within localities, so you can't always just buy direct as a one off customer. One of the largest has 48 plants across the country, and hundreds of house designs.

Even if you didn't see a cost savings (though you may, depending on if there is a dealer in the middle or not), the build time is improved, you have less trades to deal with, the build doesn't see weather, QC is better in a factory setting, etc.

Whether its build to rent or built to sell, we are going all in on SFR, townhomes, and apartments with modular. We started using a panelized system, but decided that modular had more benefits.

Jules Aton · Answer

Is this what you are talking about? Like modular homes? https://www.beracahhomes.com/about-us

I bought a foreclosed ranch that was a Nanticoke home which I believe has changed to the above company. It was in rough shape cosmetically but tight as a drum structurally despite being 30 years old. It wasn't overly attractive just a basic ranch but definitely didn't look like a trailer. Now they have more design options. I liked the fact that the inners were never exposed to the elements.

Matthew Adams · Answer

No, sir.  That looks like an on-site built custom home builder.  I'm talking about factory-built modular (not manufactured or mobile) homes.