How Much Does a Prefab House Cost in 2024? 

Mobile houses seemed like the dream of the past. Today, more and more people throughout the world are enjoying the perks of the so-called prefab houses. In addition, prefab houses are becoming a trend in many construction industries worldwide.

Imagine this: a ready-made house is delivered into your plot of land. After about four to six months, your construction is ready to go. It’s that fast. As a bonus gain, you are assured that your dream house is sustainable. For sure with all these advantages, you’ll think prefab house cost is really high. 

You may have to think twice after you read this post. 

How much does a prefab house cost? 

Previously, a prefab house cost approximately between $50,000 to $300,000. Its prices varied based on the package value of the house, the cost of its material, finish, design, housing system, add-ons, and many more. 

Stick-built houses in comparison cost at about $350,000 to $1,500,000 excluding the assembly and land clearing. While stick-built houses are customizable, they are not as sustainable as prefab houses. 

A quick update of the pricing in 2024 per inflation increased the average cost of a basic prefab or modular house to a range between $180,000- $360,000. Per square foot, this would be between $80 and $160. 

Paying for a basic prefab house is also paying for its transportation (delivery), in-site preparation, set-up, and finishing. But most of the cost covers the main unit, that is, the house itself. 

Differences in Prefab House Cost

Differences in prefab house cost are influenced by various factors. These factors include the customization of unit, the addition of features, the availability of the land, the bulk of the land to be cleared, the type of foundation, the manner on how the foundation is to be installed, the complexity of the wiring system, fees and permits, sales tax, and the type and manner of installing gas, water, and sewer lines. To avoid confusion, it is best to treat these as additional costs external to that of the main prefab house cost. 

For instance, the addition of constructions like porch, garage, patio, and the like would cost you another $10 to $150 per square foot. The difficulty involved in installing these parts greatly influences the level of the cost. 

Doing some initiatives can also help you save on the construction costs. Read on to find out. 

How to Save on Prefab House Construction Costs

Here are great ways on how to save on prefab house construction costs: 

• Small is all: The pricing of the prefab house main unit is dependent on square foot. Thus, smaller is cheaper. So unless you’ve got a big family, go for the smaller unit. Aside from the fact that it’s easy to build, a smaller unit is easy to transport and assemble, and even maintain and expand in the future. 
• Install and finish the house by yourself: Independently installing and finishing the prefab house is also another great way to save, only costing you between $50 to $100 per square feet for the transportation and the main unit. Hiring a contractor, on the other hand, adds another $5 and $35 per square foot. While professional contractors are costly, they make sure that the seams, modules, wirings, and other systems in your home are properly and safely installed. 
• Own a ready-to-use piece of land: Owning a piece of land prior to purchasing a prefab house is an efficient way to save on the cost of prefab home construction. After that, make sure that the land you pick is in a strategic location. An accessible land is easily leveled and prepared – this should lower the expenses. 
• Be practical: Do not add features unless they’re needed. After all, what one should look for in a house is its basic amenities. As long as its materials are sustainable, a prefab house does not have to be lavish. 
• Keep an eye out for rebates: Check out public programs in your location that provide grants, discounts, or rewards for the prefab house cost (package) you avail.

Saving on prefab house construction costs needs practical solutions. But sometimes, it can also be as basic as knowing which prefab house to buy.

What are the different types of Prefab Houses and their costs? 

Capsule House

Capsule houses are novel, minimalist, and compact living spaces that can span 75 to 400 square feet. Each part of these houses are designed at their optimum capacity to accommodate one person with the basic necessities found in a home– bed, bathroom, storage, and even a small kitchen section. One capsule house can cost from $15,000 to $50,000.

Log Cabin 

Log cabins are among the most commonly known types of house packaged in prefab or modular setup. Its estimated cost can be about $25,000 to $250,000. The extreme price difference is due to its two main designs– simplistic and complex. 

Duplex

Duplex homes are more expensive when set-up in prefab, costing between $90,000 to $225,000. Known to be wide with its lateral double house placement, the duplex takes up more space than usual. It can either be a single or a double-storey construction. 

Shipping Container Home

Shipping containers are homes made from steel containers designed uniquely to be mobile, customizable, and reformable. A shipping container prefab home can cost between $15,000 to $25,000. The most expensive it can get is at about $250,000. 

Modular Homes

Modular homes are delivered in separate parts or blocks – rooms, extensions, etc. – which are then assembled in-site. Modular homes are an optimum pick for those who want their house customized. The price range for this type of prefab house is between $180-$360,000.

Townhouse

Townhouses are appraised not just for the square foot they occupy but also for the number of floors they can hold. A typical townhouse has two floors. Thus, the wider and taller the townhouse, the more expensive the cost. Its price can range between $45 to $133,000. 

Cottage

The cottage is the best prefab house option for big families who prefer a single-story home, stretching between 1,000 to 2,000 square feet. Its price can range between $50-$150,000. 

Conclusion

The base prefab house cost in 2024 range between $180,000 to $360,000. The cost including the possible external or additional installation purposes can stack up from $65,000 to $460,000. 

Although a prefab house appears expensive and extravagant, it actually serves the opposite. A prefab house basically exists to shorten construction time, ease home mobility, and ensure a sustainable home for you and your family. Its cost can differ across factors like the type of prefab house you are buying and the measures you observe to lower the cost. 
Find your best prefab house model and its cost by clicking here.