What Are the Typical Modular Home Sizes And Dimensions?
There are a variety of designs, styles, and sizes available for modular homes, such as Contemporary, Ranch (the most common style), and Cape Cod.
Similar to a stick-built home, customizing your modular home to fit your needs or preferences is possible.
Though there are no limits to the size or design of the modular home you can buy, transportation restrictions will limit each module size.
In other words, these modules have size restrictions as they have to be transported from the factory to the building site.
Besides transportation, the number of modules used will determine the cost of your home.
More importantly, each module must be built according to local and state building codes and restrictions.
In this article, we’ll discuss the typical home sizes and dimensions in modular construction. Also, you’ll learn all you need to help you decide on the ideal size of your home.
Typical Modular Home Sizes and Dimensions
Modular homes typically come in sizes that range from 400 square feet (a small modular size) to over 2,000 square feet (a larger modular size).
For the most part, modular home sizes range from 900 square feet to over 2000 square feet.
Modular homes use three-dimensional modules in which one or more modules/components are combined in a factory setting.
Furthermore, the number of modules used is dependent on the size of the house and its style or design.
Once these modules are connected, they are transported to your site and assembled into a permanent structure.
Regardless of their small size, small modular homes can also be assembled into a permanent structure.
Are you aware that modular builders have a range of floor plans available for homebuyers?
As previously mentioned, these homes are customizable, and as such, you can customize your floor plan to your desired specifications.
Keep in mind that a custom design or added features will cost you additional fees.
If your budget allows and you need more space, opt for a modular home of over 900 feet (2+ bedrooms).
Budget aside, you should also consider your personal preferences and needs when choosing the size of your modular home.
Modular Home Maximum Width, Length, and Height
In general, the width, length, and height of modular homes vary in size as you have to factor in local and state shipping restrictions in addition to your choice of modular manufacturer.
Various manufacturers have specific systems in place when building modules.
Many modular builders use widths of up to 15 feet in construction. And since most homes use two modules, the width of your home would be about 30 feet.
The maximum modular length for most manufacturers is 60 feet.
They use production jigs to produce accurate components that will align with the length of the module, and the same applies to the width and the height of each module.
When it comes to modular height, the maximum shipping height is 14 feet and includes the truck’s height.
With a modular built home, it’s crucial to reach the site destination safely (since your home is an investment).
In addition to the size of modules, the state of the local roads can determine whether or not the modules will be transported successfully along highway overpasses.
Modular Roof Systems
Modular roofs are hinged to modules and transported while lying flat on tractor-trailers or flatbed trucks.
Due to restrictions, it isn’t possible to transport modules with the roof system upright. However, manufacturers may build your roof on-site using sticks if you have a complex roof design.
Modular Homes vs. Traditional Site-Built Homes
Let’s now look at the benefits of modular homes compared to on-site or stick-built homes.
| Modular Homes | On-site Homes |
| Typically take less time to build (up to 6 months) | They can take years to build as they are built from scratch |
| They are cost-effective as they take less time to build and materials are purchased in bulk | They can be more costly than modular homes as materials are purchased as needed |
| Building materials are protected from the weather – rain, snow, or high temperatures | Building materials are exposed to the elements |
| Eco-friendly as they produce less waste since manufacturers can recycle waste at the factory | There can be construction delays due to the weather – an extended time frame can also increase the final cost of the house |
| Decreased labor costs as fewer workers may be needed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you perhaps have more questions? Below are some of the most commonly asked:
What’s The Difference Between A Modular And Prefabricated Home?
A modular home is a prefabricated home. However, a prefabricated home isn’t necessarily a modular home.
Prefab homes are built at factories and later shipped to a site where they’re assembled and include panel-built homes and mobile homes.
How Long Does It Take To Build A Modular Home?
On average, it can take manufacturers up to six months to build a modest modular home. With only 690ft2 building takes a shorter time.
If upgrades are included in your design, it can take longer than six months.
How Can You Tell If a Home Is Modular?
Unlike manufactured or mobile homes, modular homes are built on a permanent steel chassis. Once the house has been assembled on-site, it can’t be moved.
Furthermore, it’s hard to distinguish between a modular and traditional on-site home.
How Long Do Modular Homes Last?
Many people have a preconceived notion that modular homes don’t last as long as stick-built homes. This isn’t true as these homes can last over 30 years, but it also depends on how you maintain your home.
Final Thoughts
You now have the answer to the question, ‘What are the typical home sizes and dimensions?’ Whether you’re interested in a small modular home or a larger one, remember the following:
- Module sizes and dimensions depend on the size of the home you want to be built
- The size of modules should align with local and state transportation regulations
- Your roof system can be constructed off-site or on-site, depending on the design
- A modular home has benefits that include eco-friendliness and shorter build times
