Modular homes can be a more economical approach to building your residence or accessory dwelling unit (ADU) depending on, of course, the parameters of your desired structure. These homes are typically built in a factory-like setting. This can potentially expedite the process, and in a controlled environment standardizes the process of construction through the economics of scale – which will typically lower the cost of construction. Modular homes are different than manufactured homes which are built almost in its entirety in the factory based on a template from a few specified designs.
Modular homes offer more flexibility with design than manufactured homes as one can customize them so that there is essentially little recognizable difference between this home and a standardly constructed one.
Some upgrades may be required on a modular home, such as windows and a different type of drywall finish for instance, as some typical features of a modular home may not be ideal. A modular home can not be built on a slab foundation, so that could prohibit one from approaching a building project in this way. Here in the Sierra foothills, unless the footprint of your home is small, most foundations are typically raised. However, in the Sacramento region, many homes have slab foundations which can keep homes cool in the summer, and are typically less costly to build than raised foundations.
If you are interested in exploring the options possible with modular construction and doing a cost comparison, I would enjoy researching this as a viable building option for you. Typically, I would recommend it for smaller homes as the transportation restrictions are typically what constrict the parameters of any built project using this means of construction. Below are some designs that would work for modular construction which can be modified as required depending on what is appropriate for the needs of your proposed dwelling or ADU.
FOXLEY DESIGN 