The most challenging part of building a prefabricated or modular home in Michigan is finding the right builder. Some builders cut corners, resulting in shoddy results. To work with the best builders, you need to research trustworthy builders in your area.
This article aims to help you find a builder to help you build a prefabricated home that lasts. We will also tell you about the advantages and disadvantages of working with some builders to decide if they are the ones you should choose.
Table of Contents
- 1 Why Build a Prefab or Modular Home in Michigan?
- 2 How Long Does it Take to Build a Modular/Prefab Home in Michigan?
- 3 Can I Finance a Prefabricated or Modular Home in Michigan?
- 4 How Much Does it Typically Cost to Build a Prefab or Modular Home in Michigan?
- 5 Who Are The Best Modular & Prefab Home Builders in Michigan?
- 6 Conclusion
Why Build a Prefab or Modular Home in Michigan?
A Modular home is an excellent choice if you are looking for an affordable home for your family. If you want your money to go a long way, Michigan is a perfect choice because the cost of living in this state is 1.06 times less expensive than in other states. The state borders four of the five Great Lakes, making it an ideal location for people who love exploring these amazing bodies of water.
Downsides
One of the disadvantages of modular homes is concerns about their quality. Since you won’t see your house until it gets delivered, there’s no way to tell what it looks like or if there are any production defects. This underscores the importance of working with a reliable builder since it will minimize the likelihood of receiving a subpar home.
Modular homes are often smaller, so they might not be ideal for large families. However, some manufacturers produce large prefabricated homes. You can also encounter builders that offer custom-built homes for those who need multi-family modular homes.
Read our prefab vs. modular homes article for more information about prefab and modular homes, their similarities, and their differences.
How Long Does it Take to Build a Modular/Prefab Home in Michigan?
According to a Michigan-based builder of modular homes, it can take up to three to four weeks to install a modular home. However, this timeline does not include the time it will take to design and manufacture a house since it will depend on the size of your planned home and the complexity of your desired design.
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Can I Finance a Prefabricated or Modular Home in Michigan?
Yes, you can finance a prefabricated home in Michigan. However, it is more complicated than financing a traditional house. You will need to search for a bank or lending company that can finance modular and prefab houses. We recommend starting your search with your local bank since banks are more open to providing loans to those with existing accounts.
How Much Does it Typically Cost to Build a Prefab or Modular Home in Michigan?
If you are building a 2,000-square-foot modular house in Michigan, expect to pay between $140,000 and $240,000. This is slightly cheaper than building a conventional house that costs between $180,000 and $300,000. You can also consider building a barndominium in Michigan if you keep your options open.
Are There Any Special Building Regulations I Should Be Aware Of?
The state of Michigan treats modular homes the same way as traditional stick-built homes, so they are covered by the same regulations. Check with the local building authority in your county to get a complete list of building regulations you should be aware of.
Who Are The Best Modular & Prefab Home Builders in Michigan?
We have prepared a list of some of Michigan’s best builders of prefab and modular homes. This can help narrow your list while looking for a builder to build your prefabricated home.
Oasis Homes
Pros
- Oasis Homes uses renowned brand products for their finishings, including Masonite doors, Merillat cabinets, and Kohler bath and shower fixtures.
- Oasis Homes offers an all-inclusive package for customers who need builders to handle the entire building process, from designing the house to acquiring land and the actual home construction.
- The company offers a Residential Warranty Corporation (RWC) warranty of up to ten years that’s transferrable to new owners should the old owners decide to sell their modular home.
Cons
- Oasis Homes doesn’t have in-house financing services for their customers.
What are their clients saying?
“We had a fantastic experience with everyone at Oasis Homes from the moment we walked in the door.”
– Krissy Wald. Source: Google Business Review
Our Thoughts
One of the advantages of Oasis Homes is that, unlike other builders that only build modular and prefabricated homes, they also build traditional stick-built houses. If it’s your first time building a home, Oasis Homes’ you can benefit from Oasis Homes’ all-inclusive package. In the said package, the company takes care of the entire building process from design to construction, so there’s no need to feel your way around.
First Choice Homes
Pros
- First Choice Homes offers FHA and VA loans to assist customers who want to finance their prefabricated homes.
- On top of custom floor plans, First Choice Homes has over 80 floor plans, so customers can choose the floor plan that suits their ideal size, layout, and style.
- First Choice Homes offers models that include garages and porches, so there’s no need to hire a different contractor to build them for you.
Cons
- Although there are many images of modular homes and floor plans on their website, there is no information about actual prefabricated home models that customers can visit or tour.
What are their clients saying?
“They answer all my questions and are very friendly. They do an awesome job.”
– Zach G. Source: Home Advisor Reviews
Our Thoughts
First Choice Homes has been operating in Monroe, Michigan, for over two decades. If you are worried about finding a bank that provides loans for modular homes, First Choice Homes is an ideal builder because the company offers VA and FHA loans to customers. First Choice Homes builds not just in the state of Michigan but also in neighboring Ohio. If you don’t want to limit your choices to builders in Michigan, check our list of the top builders in the neighboring states of Indiana, Wisconsin, and Ohio.
Freedom Homes of Michigan
Pros
- Aside from prefabricated homes, Freedom Homes of Michigan also builds wooden sheds and metal buildings. If you want to see fantastic images of other metal buildings like barndominiums and shouses, make sure that you visit our Pinterest account.
- Freedom Homes offers virtual walkthroughs of their model houses so customers can experience their builds without traveling to an actual location.
- The company offers various options and colors for its modular homes, including exterior finishes, cabinetry, flooring, kitchen and bathroom fixtures, etc.
Cons
- Having been founded in 2018, Freedom Homes of Michigan is not as established as the other builders on this list.
What are their clients saying?
“Freedom Homes is one of the best, most trustworthy, and caring builders you could ever work with! “
– Heather Kraus. Source: Google Reviews
Our Thoughts
In addition to prefabricated homes, Freedom Homes of Michigan also builds wooden sheds and metal buildings like carports, garages, and barns, so there’s no need to seek another builder if you need these structures built on your property. What is pleasantly surprising is the amount of customization that the company offers its customers. While other companies let you customize the color and finishing of your modular house, Freedom Homes offers other options like appliances and smart home items like USB charger combination outlets.
Northwood Modular Homes
Pros
- Northwood Modular Homes offers 3D Virtual Tours for customers who want to see what the interior of a model house looks like but cannot visit an actual modular model house.
- If you want a modular home ready for occupancy but have limited time to take care of furnishings, Northwood Modular Homes offers options like appliances, bathroom fixtures, lighting fixtures, cabinetry, etc.
- This builder offers a 10-year structural warranty for all of their prefabricated houses. If you decide to get your appliances from them, they come with a manufacturer’s warranty.
Cons
- Northwood Modular Homes’ service area is within a 60-mile radius of Cass City, although they can make exceptions in certain situations.
What are their clients saying?
“Looking for the right house plans. Was a great experience”.
– Dave. Source: Google Business Review
Our Thoughts
If you are building in or around Cass City, Northwoods Modular Homes is an excellent option. Their 3D Virtual Tours are helpful for those who want to see their model homes but cannot visit Northwoods’ offices. The number of options they offer makes it very convenient for busy homeowners since the company can take care of appliances, bathroom fixtures, smart home options, etc.
Huron Modular Homes
Pros
- Huron Modular Homes has a partner mortgage banker to help customers with their financing needs.
- The company has several model homes on display that customers can tour to get a better feel of the prefabricated homes on sale.
- They have floor plan models in different configurations and sizes to ensure that customers can find a modular home that suits their needs. Check our floorplans for more floor plan models you can use as you design your modular home.
Cons
- Huron Modular Homes’ service area is limited to South-eastern Michigan.
What are their clients saying?
“They really take the time and listen to your needs. The homes are Beautiful”
– Frances Scourtes-Smith. Source: Facebook
Our Thoughts
With 30 years of experience, Huron Modular Homes is an excellent choice if you want a builder that’s been in the business for a long time. They offer a wide variety of floor plans and models, whether you’re after a small one or a large one. Huron Modular Homes partners with well-known brands like Moen, Whirlpool, and Honeywell if you want them to furnish your prefabricated home fully.
Conclusion
Michigan is a wonderful place to build a prefabricated home because the cost of living is lower compared to other states. The state is also blessed with astonishing natural landscapes and borders four Great Lakes. The only thing left to do is get in touch with one of the outstanding builders mentioned above to help you bring your ideal prefab home to life. You can also check our directory of qualified prefab home builders in the neighboring states of Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin to expand your options.
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