Real Estate

How Much Do Hurricane-Proof Modular Homes Cost?

People who live in storm-prone areas need a cost-effective way to build a home. Hurricane-proof modular homes cost from $180,000 to $360,000, with the national average of $270,000.
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Hurricane-Proof Modular Homes Cost

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  • Typical Range: $180,000 to $360,000
  • National Average: $270,000

For those who live in storm-prone areas, the safety and well-being of home and family are important. As the demand for sturdy, hurricane-proof construction increases, research has shown that prefabricated homes can withstand hurricane storm-related damage better than traditional stick-built homes. Modern modular homes are typically built from reinforced concrete or steel, which can withstand strong winds and wind-borne debris. According to HomeAdvisor, hurricane-proof modular homes cost from $180,000 to $360,000, with many homeowners spending approximately $270,000. The final price of a hurricane-proof modular home depends on the location, number of bedrooms, floor plan, materials, and any additional customizations.

Modular building is a cost-effective way to build a house compared to traditional home building. Prefabricated houses are available in many different sizes and styles, including Cape Cod, ranch, two-story, tiny home, town house, cottage, duplex, modern, French country, log cabin, and more. They typically take less time to construct and are cheaper than custom-built homes. Affordable prefab homes cost from $40 to $80 per square foot for the base price, in addition to the cost of the land and any additional fees associated with the project. Installing and setting up a hurricane-proof modular home can add about $30 to $60 per square foot onto the materials cost. Homeowners interested in a modular home will want to keep in mind that base pricing sometimes involves delivery and placement of the modular sections with a crane, but many companies charge extra for those services. The finished price usually includes land preparation, foundation building, permit fees, utility construction, installation and buttoning up (completing the on-site construction and performing other finishing work), and any customizations. Homeowners will need to check with the builder to confirm what is included with their pricing. This guide will cover important factors that affect hurricane-proof modular homes cost, additional costs and considerations, different types of modular homes, the benefits of modular homes, and several frequently asked questions regarding modular homes and the building and installation process.

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What Are Hurricane-Proof Modular Homes?

What is a modular home that’s hurricane-proof? Hurricane-proof modular homes are constructed from reinforced concrete or steel. The roof is typically made from asphalt or metal shingles for flexibility and strength to withstand strong hurricane-force winds and wind-borne debris. Storm-proof modular homes often have hurricane clips or straps that secure the roof to the walls in order to prevent damage from a storm. Some hurricane-proof modular home manufacturers use steel frames instead of wood frames. The steel frames are not only more resistant to wind damage, but they’re easier to assemble. Prefabricated modular homes are built in a factory and then delivered to the site to be attached to the foundation, hooked up to the utilities, and permanently set in place.

Since modular homes are built in a controlled environment and are usually screwed or glued together instead of stapled or nailed, the modular construction has increased stability and strength compared to a stick-built home. Some hurricane-proof homes are made of cork, laminated wood, insulation, layers of plywood sheathing, or structural insulated panels (SIP) to withstand at least 185-mph winds. To make the construction even more storm-proof, homeowners typically install impact-resistant hurricane windows or shutters that are designed to protect the home from storms. Hurricane shutters cost the least but can be unsightly unless the homeowner pays to customize them. Hurricane windows cost more, but they offer impact-resistant protection against gale-force winds and flying debris. All hurricane-proof modular homes should have a floor, roof, and wall system that is watertight and airtight. Asking their insurance provider how to get hurricane insurance can help reassure homeowners that they have financial protection in the event their home takes a battering. If homeowners are worried that their modular home may sustain storm damage, they can get in touch with the manufacturer and see what type of policy is offered in the event of a hurricane.

Hurricane-Proof Modular Homes Cost
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Factors in Calculating Hurricane-Proof Modular Homes Cost

The thought of going through a hurricane can be stressful. Preparing for the inevitable can help give homeowners peace of mind, and purchasing a hurricane-proof modular home can be a significant step on the way to being ready. Prices for a hurricane-proof modular home can differ from the national average due to the home size, style, floor plan, brand, delivery fees, land preparation, foundation type, installation, local labor prices, utility construction, taxes, and permit fees.

Size

The base price for a modular home typically runs from $40 to $80 per square foot, or $100 to $200 per square foot including installation. It’s important to check with the builder to confirm what is included with the base price of the home. Some manufacturers do not include delivery; others will deliver for the base price but will not include any other services, such as installation or customizations. Below are some common square footage measurements for a modular home and their average cost.

Square FootageBase Model CostFinished Cost with Installation
1,000 square feet$40,000 to $80,000$100,000 to $200,000
1,500 square feet$60,000 to $120,000$150,000 to $300,000
2,000 square feet$80,000 to $160,000$200,000 to $400,000

Some base model prefab home kits can cost as little as $30 per square foot, but they typically range from $40 to $80 per square foot. Some modular home builders will sell and deliver prefab home kits with the understanding that the homeowner will complete the installation and the remainder of the work, while others will hire their own subcontractors to finish the construction and installation. Homeowners are advised never to assume that kit houses will be installed by the builder; it’s important to clarify exactly what is included in the base price to avoid miscommunication. The following are some popular prefab kit home types, square footage, and their average price.

Home TypeSquare FootageAverage Cost
2-bedroom/1-bathroom1,000 square feet$40,000 to $80,000
3-bedroom/2-bathroom1,500 square feet$60,000 to $120,000
Average 1-story ranch1,600 square feet$64,000 to $128,000
3-bedroom/3-bathroom1,700 square feet$68,000 to $136,000
Average 2-story2,100 square feet$84,000 to $168,000
4-bedroom/3-bathroom2,200 square feet$88,000 to $176,000
5-bedroom/3-bathroom2,600 square feet$104,000 to $208,000

Stories

Modular homes can be multiple stories, and homeowners will need to keep in mind that multistory modular homes are delivered in pieces instead of one- or two-piece units. This will increase the overall cost of the modular home, since the builders will need to construct the home on-site, thereby increasing the labor costs. Below are the average prices for 1-story, 2-story, and 3-story modular homes.

    • 1-story modular home. A basic 1-story modular home usually costs around $76,500; for a home that’s between 800 and 1,500 square feet, it runs from $40,000 to $113,000. A custom 1-story modular home costs an average of $186,000, while costs for this type of structure run from $96,000 to $276,000. A 1-story modular home can be built larger than 1,500 square feet, but the cost can be significantly higher than the cost of adding another story, since the roof and the foundation are the two most expensive parts of a modular home.
    • 2-story modular home. A standard 2-story modular home costs approximately $131,500. A home between 1,500 and 2,500 square feet runs from $75,000 to $188,000. A custom 2-story modular home ranges from $180,000 to $575,000, with many homeowners spending $377,500. This type of modular home is very popular, since it’s a cost-effective option for larger families. Adding a second story can save money, since the footprint of the foundation and size of the roof will not increase as they would when adding square footage to a 1-story home.
    • 3-story modular home. Homeowners can expect to pay $206,500 for a basic 3-story modular home and between $150,000 and $263,000 for a 2,000- to 3,500-square-foot option. A custom 3-story home costs from $375,000 to $800,000, with the national average at $587,500. This type of modular home costs more than a 1- or 2-story home due to the multiple pieces that need to be transported, installed, and constructed. Building a 3-story modular home is a time-consuming project that will increase labor costs.
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Style

Hurricane-proof modular homes can be built in a variety of styles. The overall cost per square foot depends on the size of the home, the number of stories, and the complexity of the build rather than the style. Some popular styles of modular homes are tiny house, town house, cottage, ranch, log cabin, duplex, and single family. Each of these styles is discussed in a section below.

Floor Plan

Just like traditional stick-built homes, modular homes can have a varying number of bedrooms. The more bedrooms a home has, the more time it will take to construct and the more expensive it will be. Below are the costs for prefabricated and custom-built modular homes by the number of bedrooms.

Number of BedroomsPrefab Modular Home TotalCustom Modular Home Total
1 bedroom$40,000 to $75,000$96,000 to $230,000
2 bedrooms$50,000 to $90,000$120,000 to $276,000
3 bedrooms$75,000 to $150,000$180,000 to $460,000
4 bedrooms$150,000 to $188,000$300,000 to $575,000
5 bedrooms$188,000 to $263,000$375,000 to $805,000
    • 1 bedroom. A prefabricated 1-bedroom modular home between 800 and 1,000 square feet costs approximately $57,500, and a custom-built home of a similar size costs about $163,000. A prefab modular home built with budget-friendly materials costs as little as $40,000, while a custom-built home that uses high-quality materials and lots of extras costs $230,000.
    • 2 bedrooms. A prefab 2-bedroom modular home between 1,000 and 1,200 square feet costs $70,000 on average but ranges from $50,000 to $90,000. A custom-built 2-bedroom home runs from $120,000 to $276,000, with many homeowners spending $198,000.
    • 3 or more bedrooms. A low-cost prefabricated modular home with 3 bedrooms costs $75,000, while an average prefab home with 3 or more bedrooms averages $169,000. A high-quality 5-bedroom prefab modular home runs $263,000, and a custom home of the same size costs $500,000, on average.

Brand

Hurricane-proof modular homes cost can vary according to brand, number of bedrooms, size, and additional customizations. It usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks to complete the installation of a modular home from the time of delivery to the final walk-through. Many modular home builders will quote a period of 4 to 6 months from the time of the signed contract to the end of installation. Homeowners will want to keep in mind that shipping delays and material shortages will extend the estimated time for delivery and installation. Below are average costs from some of the best modular home manufacturers.

    • Clayton Modular Homes. Clayton modular homes range in price from $30,000 to $200,000, or $70 to $200 per square foot, depending on style, size, and delivery distance. Clayton offers more than 175 different floor plans for homes between 1,000 and 2,280 square feet. The final pricing usually includes delivery, installation, construction, and finishes. The company, which sells homes nationwide, provides other customizations, such as an added bathtub, altered kitchen cabinets, and an extra bedroom, all for additional fees.
    • Champion Modular Homes. Homeowners can expect to pay between $90 and $140 per square foot for a Champion modular home. The company has over 2,000 predesigned modular home plans that range from 400 to 2,400 square feet. Champion Modular Homes is available nationwide and can facilitate installing a foundation, pulling permits, scheduling utility hookups, and preparing the land.
    • Kent Homes. The cost of a Kent modular home ranges from $42,000 to $250,000, or $70 to $100 per square foot. The pricing includes delivery, installation, and utility hookup; site preparation is available for an additional charge. Kent modular homes range from 600 to 2,500 square feet with over 100 customizable floor plans. The company, which sells homes in Maine and Canada, offers a full-coverage warranty on the construction and materials for the first year of ownership.
    • Pratt Homes. Pratt modular homes cost from $39,900 to $218,400, or $65 to $100 per square foot, not including on-site finishing costs. The company, which sells homes in the South, has homes that range from 1,500 to 3,000 square feet and offers more than 60 floor plans. Pratt also offers a 7-year warranty on the modular home structure and the appliances.
    • Huntington Homes. Huntington Homes modular options are available in the Northeast and range from $110 to $275 per square foot, including delivery and installation. With over 100 different floor plans covering 624 to 4,632 square feet, Huntington Homes provides turnkey installation services.

Delivery

The cost to deliver a hurricane-proof modular home runs from $5 to $10 per square foot, or between $3,000 and $12,000 or more on average. The delivery charge depends on the number of modular pieces, size, and delivery distance and includes transportation, the use of a crane for moving and installation, and a crew to complete the construction. Delivery charges typically do not include on-site finishing fees.

Land Preparation

The cost to prepare the site and the land for a modular home ranges from $4,000 to $11,000, with the amount of preparation varying depending on the condition of the area. Building sites that have extensive rocks and trees take longer to prepare than sites that are clear. The final preparation cost depends on the amount of excavation, land clearing and leveling, and grading that is needed. Below are some land and site preparation activities and their average costs.

Type of PreparationAverage Cost Range
Land survey$350 to $1,000
Land grading$600 to $2,000
Land clearing$1,350 to $3,900
Excavation$1,600 to $4,400 or more

Foundation Type

Modular homes need space between the ground and the subfloor for heating and cooling, electrical, and plumbing connections. Building a foundation for a modular home costs from $6,000 to $20,000, or $7 to $30 per square foot, with many homeowners spending around $8,500. The overall price depends on the type of foundation, the size of the modular home, and the location. The pricing for a crawl space begins at $6,000, and a basement foundation can go as high as $44,500, depending on size. Below are some popular foundation types and the average cost ranges.

    • Pier and beam foundation. Typically requiring only one day to construct, pier and beam foundations cost between $3,000 and $8,000, or $7 to $11 per square foot. They’re usually the most budget-friendly and popular foundation option for modular homes.
    • Crawl space. The average cost to build a crawl space under a modular home runs from $6,300 to $16,300, or $7 to $14 per square foot. A crawl space is comparable to a pier and beam foundation but supplies additional storage space under the home.
    • Basement foundation. The average price to install a basement in a modular home ranges from $20,000 to $29,000 or more, or $33 to $47 per square foot, depending on size. Many homeowners prefer a basement, since it boosts the property value and increases the square footage.
    • Stilt and piling foundation. For modular homes that are located in storm-prone areas near the water or that are susceptible to flooding, stilt and piling foundations are common. This type of foundation raises the home off the ground one additional story and can cost from $12,000 to $30,000, or $11 to $19 per square foot.

Installation and Labor

Modular home installation costs from $10,000 to $50,000, or $5 to $35 per square foot. The overall installation price depends on the size of the home, the number of modular pieces, and the addition of customizations. After the home is delivered and placed on the foundation, a contractor will install the modular home in a process that’s called “buttoning up.” Buttoning up involves connecting the modular pieces; installing stairs and external features; completing the installation of drywall and any interior features; finishing woodwork and trim; fitting and connecting appliances; adjusting windows and doors for a tight seal; completing exterior work, such as installing gutters, siding, and roofing; and inspecting the home to meet all codes. Installation costs usually include the price of labor, but homeowners will want to double-check with the manufacturer and contractor to confirm.

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Utility Construction

Installing utility lines for plumbing, heating and cooling, electricity, and water can cost from $2,500 to $25,000, depending on the complexity of the construction. Modular homes in rural areas that utilize a water well, septic tank, or solar power will cost more for utility construction. The following are some common utility installation costs.

UtilityAverage Installation Costs
Gas line$500 to $2,000
Water main$500 to $2,500
New electrical panel$850 to $3,000
Sewer line$1,500 to $10,000 or more
Electrical wiring$2,000 to $9,000
Plumbing$2,300 to $5,200
Well drilling$3,000 to $15,000
Septic system$3,500 to $10,000 or more
HVAC$5,000 to $11,000

Taxes

Taxes on the sale of a modular home can range from $5,000 to $10,000, but the total can vary from state to state and even city to city. The modular home manufacturer should be able to advise homeowners regarding taxes in their area, but it’s recommended that homeowners check the state and local tax regulations if they have any questions.

Permits and Fees

Permit fees for a modular home range from $500 to $5,000, depending on the state, the size of the home, and local regulations. Some common permits that may be needed are soil testing, utility connection, preplan review, building, mechanical, driveway construction, certificate of occupancy, and construction of additional feature permits.

Additional Costs and Considerations

When planning to build a hurricane-proof modular home, homeowners will need to know about any additional costs and considerations that could affect the price of the project. These can include prefab versus custom work, home additions, and moving costs.

Prefab vs. Custom

Modular homes can be built in a variety of styles, but there are two types that homeowners can choose from: prefabricated and custom built. A prefab kit home is designed by the manufacturer, tends to be the less expensive option, and usually has few choices. The other option is a custom-built modular home. Some manufacturers will let homeowners make partial custom changes to a prefab home, but others will not. The other option is a fully customized modular home that’s built to meet the needs of the homeowner. After the homeowner chooses everything about the house, it’s then made to order by the manufacturer. Both custom and prefab modular homes have a range of pricing that depends on size, style, location, and building materials. Prefab houses start with a base price that will increase with foundation, delivery, and additional finishing costs. A prefab modular home typically costs from $100 to $200 per square foot, and a custom-built home runs from $100 to $400 per square foot. If the homeowner wants to add customizations, they should prepare to pay more per square foot than these average prices.

Home Additions

Depending on the modular home design, homeowners may want to add some customizations and amenities. These add-ons can include a driveway, garage, deck, shed, basement, landscaping, fencing, or pool. Below are the average prices for these features.

    • Driveway addition. Some contractors who install modular homes may include the price of a driveway with the total cost. This could include an asphalt or a gravel driveway; homeowners will want to double-check to make sure they get their desired features. If they’re interested in a custom or decorative driveway, the costs can range from $3,200 to $10,000 for paving.
    • Garage addition. The cost for a prefabricated garage can run from $8,000 to $38,000. If a homeowner wants an attached garage, they’ll want to discuss this with the manufacturer before the modular home is built, since the garage will most likely be included in the total square footage of the home for pricing purposes. Prefab garages can store one or two cars and are designed to be freestanding structures. They can even include a living area on a second floor for guest space.
    • Deck addition. Smaller decks and porches for modular homes are usually built at the same time as the house. Larger, more complex porches or decks are built after the rest of the structure is completed. Some modular home manufacturers will build decks, but homeowners will want to keep in mind that they may have to contact a separate builder for that add-on. The average rate for a deck runs from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on size and complexity.
    • Shed addition. A shed addition costs from $1,500 to $10,000. Prefabricated sheds are typically more budget-friendly than structures built on-site. While many prefab sheds are prebuilt, some companies will allow a homeowner to customize the shed to match the style and color of the modular home.
    • Basement addition. Modular homes can be installed on top of a basement foundation, depending on the local soil type and water table, although some locations cannot have basement foundations if the water table is high or if it’s prone to flooding. Homeowners will need to decide if they want a basement foundation before the modular home is delivered and installed, since the house is placed on top of the foundation and then secured in place. The average cost of a basement foundation ranges from $25,000 to $40,000, depending on size.
    • Landscaping additions. When the land and building site are prepped for a modular home, they’re typically stripped of trees and other vegetation. Some modular home companies provide basic landscaping, but others do not. If that’s the case, the homeowner will need to hire a landscaping company to plant trees, shrubs, flowers, and grass. Landscaping around a new modular home costs from $8,000 to $15,000, depending on yard size, location, and types of plants.
    • Fencing addition. Fencing, which typically runs between $2,000 and $5,000 around a new home construction, can increase privacy and security; many homeowners opt to install it after modular home construction.
    • Pool addition. Both inground and above-ground pools are available in multiple shapes and sizes. Some homeowners decide to prepare the location for a pool at the same time as the site preparation for the modular home. Most modular home manufacturers do not install pools, so a pool installation company would need to be hired for the job. The cost to install a pool ranges from $10,000 to $100,000, depending on size, shape, and material.

Moving Costs

Moving an off-frame modular home (one that can be listed off its steel frame carrier and installed atop a foundation) ranges $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the size of the house, travel distance, permit fees, and installation. The cost to move an on-frame modular home runs from $1,000 to $8,000 for up to 50 miles, depending on setup fees.

Hurricane-Proof Modular Homes Cost
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Types of Hurricane-Proof Modular Homes

Customers interested in purchasing a modular home will be happy to know that they are available in all the same styles, layouts, and designs of traditional stick-built homes. Hurricane-proof modular homes costs vary due to the size and complexity of the build and installation and not necessarily the style. The costs below for each type of modular home are based on the average size of each type and include pricing for prefabricated and custom-built styles of modular homes, including labor.

Tiny Home

A modular tiny home usually ranges in size from 100 to 400 square feet, but it can increase to 500 square feet. These modular homes cost from $20,000 to $50,000 for a prefabricated home and from $50,000 to $100,000 for a custom-built option. Tiny modular homes can be built on a foundation, depending on location and size, or on a steel frame with wheels.

Small House

A prefab small house costs from $40,000 to $67,500; the cost of a custom-built one ranges from $96,000 to $207,000. Small modular homes are typically between 800 and 900 square feet.

Town House

Town houses usually have two floors and are between 900 and 1,500 square feet. Since they’re not freestanding homes and are constructed in rows or groups, the pricing structure is a bit different from the pricing of other types of modular homes. A prefab single modular town house costs from $45,000 to $112,500 and ranges up to $90,000 to $165,000 for a custom option. If the town house floor plan includes more square footage and has over two stories, the pricing can increase.

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Cottage

Most modular cottages are between 1,000 and 2,000 square feet; the average price can change if they are smaller or larger. The cost for a prefab modular cottage runs from $50,000 to $150,000, or $120,000 to $460,000 for a custom build. Cottages are commonly found in rural or vacation settings and are thought of as smaller than single-family homes.

Ranch House

The most common style of modular ranch house is the single-story option, which has between 1,500 and 1,700 square feet of living space. They can usually be delivered in two modules, which makes installing them quicker than installing other styles. Homeowners can expect to pay from $75,000 to $127,500 for a prefabricated ranch house and from $180,000 to $391,000 for a custom home.

Log Cabin

Many modular log cabins are sold as kit houses, which means the log cabin is prefabricated and then delivered in pieces. It’s expected that the homeowner will construct and install the home or hire a contractor to complete the work. Modular log cabins can be custom built, but they are also delivered without assembly. A finished prefab log cabin costs from $25,000 to $200,000, while a custom option runs from $50,000 to $460,000.

Duplex

Modular duplexes can be built as side-by-side 2-story or 1-story homes. A prefab option costs $90,000 to $225,000, and a custom-built duplex costs $216,000 to $600,000. This pricing is for duplexes that are between 1,800 and 3,000 square feet, so the final costs can change depending on the size of the duplex.

Single-Family House

A single-family modular home is typically just over 2,000 square feet. They cost from $100,000 to $150,000 for a prefab version and $240,000 and $460,000 for a custom build. Modular single-family homes come in a variety of floor plans and styles, which can affect the final cost of the project.

Hurricane-Proof Modular Homes Cost
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Benefits of Hurricane-Proof Modular Homes

Modular homes take less time to build, and the cost is typically less than the cost to build a traditional home. They come in all different types, designs, floor plans, and styles to fit the needs of the homeowner.

Fast Construction

Building a hurricane-proof modular home can take as little as 4 to 8 months from contract signing to installation completion, which is 30 percent to 60 percent faster than a traditional stick-built home.

Low Construction Cost

Modular homes cost around 10 percent to 20 percent less than stick-built homes. The average cost to build a traditional home ranges from $100 to $200 per square foot, compared to $80 to $160 for a modular option.

High Energy Efficiency

Because of their solid construction, modular homes are more energy efficient than traditional homes and typically have lower heating and cooling bills.

Strength and Durability

Modular homes use 15 percent to 20 percent more wood in the construction process, allowing them to withstand 175-mph winds with less damage than stick-built homes. This makes them ideal homes for those who live in hurricane-prone areas, or even in areas known for tornadoes. Since modular homes are built in a factory and need to be moved, these additional materials also allow them to withstand transportation without sustaining damage.

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Multiple Customization Options

Modular homes can be customized to meet the needs of the homeowner. Many options are available, from moderate changes to a prefabricated design to many alterations made to a custom build.

Hurricane-Proof Modular Homes: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional 

Experienced DIYers can have success constructing mail-order kit homes. These kit houses are usually between 60 and 1,000 square feet and come with detailed instructions and materials. For a hurricane-proof modular home, construction is best left to the professionals. Modular homes are built off-site in a factory and transported to the construction location. Professional builders know how to safely and accurately construct a hurricane-proof modular home so it can withstand high winds and wind-blown debris from a hurricane. An experienced modular home installer will also manage site and location preparation, pull permits, follow the required building codes, recognize potential problems and solve them, and manage subcontractors.

Hurricane-Proof Modular Homes Cost
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How to Save Money on Hurricane-Proof Modular Homes Cost

Budgeting for the cost of a hurricane-proof modular home can be daunting. One way to save on project costs is to buy the cheapest modular home, but there are other ways to save without compromising on quality and desired features.

    • Shop around. Take the time and research different modular home manufacturers to find the best styles and pricing for your budget.
    • Opt for a prefab home. Designing a custom-built modular home will result in all the features you want, but it will also come with a hefty price tag. Consider a prefab option with a few customizations to save money.
    • Choose the location wisely. If the building site is difficult to access for delivery vehicles, there will be higher delivery and transportation costs. Be sure to consider accessibility when choosing your site.
    • Bundle projects. If you know you also want to install a pool or guest house, complete those projects at the same time. Contractors can offer savings when multiple projects are tackled simultaneously.
    • Ask questions about any discounts or promotions. Ask the modular home manufacturer or building contractor if there are any ways to save, such as discounts or seasonal specials. They may have suggestions you may not have considered.

Questions to Ask About Hurricane-Proof Modular Homes

Asking a modular home manufacturer or contractor the right questions can minimize miscommunication and get the best results. The following are some questions to ask about hurricane-proof modular homes cost and the installation process.

    • What is your past experience with modular homes?
    • Do you have a portfolio I can view?
    • Are you licensed?
    • Are you insured?
    • How many modular homes does your company build in a year?
    • Are there any modular homes that you’ve constructed that I can tour?
    • Do you have references?
    • Do you use sustainable building materials?
    • What types of customizations can I add to the modular home?
    • Do you offer custom flooring or kitchen cabinets?
    • Do you handle driveway installation?
    • Can I add a garage or shed to the modular home?
    • How do you handle problems with construction?
    • Do you perform inspections? How often?
    • How will you keep in touch with me during the construction process?
    • Who will install the modular home?
    • What is the tentative timeline for construction and installation?
    • Do you offer guarantees?
    • What type of warranties do you offer?
    • What is the total price of the project?
    • What payment plans do you have?
    • How can I leave a review?

FAQs

Before choosing a hurricane-proof modular home manufacturer, potential homeowners will want to have all the information they need. Below are several frequently asked questions about hurricane-proof modular homes and the installation and construction process.

Q. What type of roof is best for hurricanes?

A metal roof is more expensive than traditional shingle roofing, but a metal roof can withstand 160-mph winds, which makes it the best option for hurricane-prone areas.

Q. What is the best shape for a hurricane-proof house?

Simple, symmetrical, and compact house designs work the best in hurricane-prone locations. Octagonal, circular, and hexagonal homes can withstand powerful storms better than square buildings.

Q. Can a modular home survive a hurricane?

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), modular homes are safe structures during a hurricane.

Q. Can concrete homes withstand hurricanes?

Concrete homes and insulated concrete form (ICF) homes are some of the most wind-resistant structures on the market, able to withstand winds of up to 155 miles per hour.

Q. What kind of house can withstand a Category 5 hurricane?

Homes that have been made of recycled plastic bottles that were melted and molded to form walls have weathered Category 5 hurricanes successfully.

Q. What’s the difference between a modular home and a prefab home?

A modular home is built in separate self-contained units, pieces, or modules in a factory. A prefab home is also built in a factory but is ultimately constructed at the building site. All modular structures are prefab, but not all prefab buildings are considered modular.

Sources: HomeAdvisor, HomeGuide, Fixr, Yahoo! News, Paul Cataldo Architecture & Planning PC