Modular homes, a/k/a PreFabs, have an unfortunate history of being cookie cutter homes. Well, that mold is being broken. The customizations available make it possible to construct multimillion dollar mansions in record time.
In Modular Mansions (Gibbs Smith 2005), author Sherri Koones, highlights America’s fastest-growing method of home construction. She profiles various styled modular houses up to 12,700 square feet. Some are amazing!
On May 14th, HGTV featured Westchester Modular Homes Inc., a 20 year veteran modular home builder in the Northeast. A link to a TODAY show video on modulars is here. 
Among the interesting facts about modular Homes:
1. Built in an indoor factory in about a week
2. Final on-site assembly allows move-in in 5 weeks
3. Structurally more sound than on-site built homes (20% more wood used in framing)
4. Fully customizable by buyer
5. Building cost may be cheaper. On the HGTV segment, the buyers claimed a substantial savings, allowing them to include more upgrades.
do you make a southwestern design home?
How do you rate the the longevity of these homes, and define wood; 20% more solid boards or particle board?
We have no data to support longevity of modular homes vs. new conventional “stick” construction.
The claim of more 20% more wood refers to the need for added support pieces necessary for trailer truck hauling over possibly long distances & crane use to assemble on site.