What is a Modular Home?

In 2024, Wind River expanded our offerings to include production of high-end modular homes. Let’s clarify what this build category is, how it differs from other types of offsite construction, and what the advantages are to a modular project.

The term “modular home” refers to offsite construction of a home that is built to the state residential code where it is being installed. In order to be in compliance with state building code, the builder must have stamped engineered plans that have been approved through that state's modular program and undergo thorough inspections at various stages of production. Once on site, a certified modular installer will assist with final placement and utility connections. This installation process makes the home permanent.

Modular homes have the incredible advantage of being allowed in any place that a single family home is allowed, so long as the design meets any local building requirements such as setbacks and minimum square footage requirements. Modular homes can be built either on a traditional wood floor system or engineered steel floor system, as dictated by state building code, transported via flatbed trailer, and then craned into place and permanently attached to the foundation. This gives owners the added benefit of having the modular home deeded to the land, meaning that modular homes qualify for traditional mortgages once completed, and they are classified as real estate that can appreciate in value along with the market value of site-built homes.

Modular homes are NOT manufactured homes. “Manufactured home” is a term reserved for the mobile home build category. Mobile home manufacturers build to HUD code, and the homes are built on a chassis. Manufactured homes are typically of lesser quality because the requirements of HUD code are not as stringent as residential code. There are frequently designated zoning districts in urban areas specifically for manufactured housing, and they usually cannot be placed on a lot that is zoned for single-family residential. 

Let’s summarize these key differences:

Modular home:

• Built to residential code
• Installed permanently
• Qualify for traditional mortgages
• Can appreciate in value
• Permissible in any single family residential zoning district, nationwide

Manufactured homes:

• Built to HUD code
• Installed on a semi permanent foundation, but can be moved in the future
• Qualify for “Manufactured Home” loans
• Typically depreciate in value
• Usually permissible in designated zoning districts for manufactured homes

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We’ve compared the modular build category to other types of offsite construction. Now let’s review the advantages to choosing modular construction over traditional site building. Most compelling, modular construction expedites project completion by an average of 30-50%. With foundational work and building construction able to run concurrently, the developer saves time and money. Because modular construction takes place in a facility, there are no weather delays and no coordinating schedules with various subcontractors. This allows for more accurate project estimating. We are often able to set budgets that do not change for the entirety of the project. 

Modular construction allows for a much higher level of quality control. When you choose to build with Wind River, you have a fully integrated team of designers, builders, and customer service personnel that oversee your project from cradle to grave. Not only is the integrity of the building protected in a climate controlled environment, you have a team of professionals overseeing every stage of construction that have a full understanding of your design and brand. Our curated customer experience is designed to provide full transparency and ensure we fulfill your vision. Much of the heavy lifting for a modular project happens before construction begins — solidifying designs, obtaining stamped plans, coordinating with your General Contractor — but the front loaded effort will allow you to sit back and enjoy the project as we take it from there.

Contractors across the country are struggling to keep up with the demand for new housing. It’s time for innovation. Having a sound understanding of what modular construction is, and how high-end it can be, will begin to open doors to creating more right-sized livable luxury homes.

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