When pondering the purchase of a prefabricated home, numerous buyers tend to zero in on the home’s purchase price above all else. Although it’s undoubtedly an important consideration, installation expenses can also substantially influence the overall amount you’ll end up paying. Being aware of both these elements will empower you to make a well-informed choice and steer clear of unforeseen costs.

We’ll guide you through the main factors influencing the cost of a prefab home and the expenses tied to its installation. By the time you reach the conclusion, you’ll have a more precise understanding of what to keep in mind when creating a budget for your new residence.

Average cost of manufactured homes in different regions

To give you a better idea of what to expect, here’s a helpful reference table showing the average costs of manufactured homes and their installation in different regions and countries.

Region/Country	Average Manufactured Home Price	Average Installation Cost
US – West Coast (e.g., California)	$70,000 – $150,000	$10,000 – $20,000
US – East Coast (e.g., Florida)	$50,000 – $120,000	$8,000 – $18,000
US – Midwest (e.g., Ohio)	$45,000 – $100,000	$7,000 – $15,000
US – South (e.g., Texas)	$50,000 – $110,000	$8,000 – $17,000
Canada – National Average	$60,000 – $130,000	$9,000 – $18,000
United Kingdom	£40,000 – £90,000	£6,000 – £12,000
Australia	AUD 80,000 – AUD 160,000	AUD 12,000 – AUD 20,000
New Zealand	NZD 70,000 – NZD 150,000	NZD 10,000 – NZD 18,000

The costs are estimates and can vary depending on specific factors such as home size, location, delivery distance, local regulations, and labor costs.

Base Cost of the Manufactured Home

The base price of a manufactured home depends on the size, design, and materials used. Homes can range from smaller single-section models to larger, multi-section homes with more complex layouts. Generally, the cost ranges from $50,000 to $150,000 or more: 

Single-Wide Homes: These typically range from $60,000 to $90,000 for the home itself. They are smaller, usually 600 to 1,200 square feet, and shipped as a single unit.

Double-Wide Homes: These range from $120,000 to $160,000, offering more space (1,300 to 1,800 square feet) and are delivered in two sections that are assembled on-site.

Triple-Wide or Larger: These can start at $145,000 and go up to $280,000 or more, depending on size and features, providing over 2,000 square feet in some cases.

What Factors Influence the Price of a Manufactured Home?

Home Size and Design

The dimensions and configuration of the home exert a considerable influence on its price. Homes of greater size, featuring additional bedrooms and bathrooms, along with personalized designs (such as open-concept layouts or unique arrangements), typically come with a higher price tag.

Materials Used and Customizations

The quality of materials—such as flooring, walls, and roofing—affects the overall price. Customizations like upgraded appliances, cabinetry, and energy-efficient features can increase the cost as well.

Location and Delivery Fees

The geographical placement of the installation site has the potential to affect the overall cost. If the home needs to be delivered to a remote or difficult-to-access location, transportation costs will be higher. Additionally, the local cost of construction and regulations can affect the overall price.

Additional Costs

Land Purchase: If you don’t own land, purchasing it is a major additional cost. Land prices vary based on location and size, with rural or less-developed areas being more affordable.

Taxes and Fees: Whether sales tax and property taxes are applicable can vary based on the specific state or region you reside in. Research local tax laws to understand these additional expenses.

Site Preparation: Before installation, the land must be cleared of obstacles, leveled to ensure stability, and properly prepared. The expenses associated with this process can fluctuate depending on the topography of the terrain and the accessibility needed for construction equipment.

Utilities and Connections: Connecting utilities like electricity, water, and sewage can incur additional costs. These vary based on the distance from existing connections and installation complexity.

Understanding these core and additional costs will help you plan your budget more effectively and avoid unexpected expenses during installation.

Breaking Down Cost of Manufactured Homes Installed

Installation costs add significantly to the base price and include delivery, setup, foundation, and utility connections. Here’s what to expect:

Delivery and Transport

• For distances under 100 miles, expect $2,000 to $5,000.
• Over 100 miles, costs can rise to $5,000–$15,000, depending on distance, home size, and permits (e.g., escorts for oversized loads can add $1–$2 per mile).
• Forbes estimates an average of $9,000, with a range of $5,000–$13,000.

Foundation

A permanent foundation (required for traditional mortgages) averages $10,000, ranging from $5,000 to $40,000 based on size and materials (e.g., concrete slab vs. basement).

Non-permanent options like piers or pads are cheaper, around $1,000–$5,000.

Site Preparation

Clearing, grading, and leveling land averages $4,000–$11,000, though it can climb to $25,000 or more for complex sites (e.g., rural lots needing wells or septic systems, which add $8,000–$20,000 each).

Utility Hookups

• Electricity, water, sewer, and gas connections vary by location. On developed land, expect $3,000–$10,000. For undeveloped land, extending utilities can cost $10,000–$30,000 or more.

• Permits and Fees: The costs for obtaining necessary approvals and meeting regulatory requirements, such as securing building permits, paying impact fees, and arranging for inspections, can range anywhere from $500 to $5,000. This variance is primarily due to differing local regulations.

Total Installed Cost

Combining these factors, the total cost for a manufactured home installed typically falls within:

Single-Wide: $80,000–$130,000

Double-Wide: $150,000–$220,000

Triple-Wide or Custom: $200,000–$350,000+

For example:

• A basic double-wide ($130,000 base) with delivery ($9,000), foundation ($10,000), site prep ($7,000), and utilities ($5,000) could total around $161,000.
• A highly customized triple-wide on raw land with extensive site work could easily exceed $300,000.

Hidden manufactured home costs you need to be aware of

There may be some hidden costs associated with purchasing and installing a manufactured home, and understanding these costs can help you avoid surprises and manage your budget effectively.

Permits and Inspections

The necessity for permits, as imposed by local building codes and zoning regulations, can contribute to the overall expenses. Permits typically cost between $500 to $3,000 or more, depending on your area. Inspections may also be required for safety and regulatory compliance.

Land Cost

If you don’t already own the land where the manufactured home will be installed, purchasing land can significantly increase the total cost. Prices vary dramatically based on location and size, ranging anywhere from a few thousand dollars in rural areas to $50,000 or more in urban settings.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance costs for manufactured homes can be lower than traditional homes, but you should expect to budget for occasional repairs and upkeep, including things like roof repairs, plumbing maintenance, and HVAC system servicing.

Insurance and taxes

Home insurance for a manufactured home can range from $500 to $2,000 annually, and property taxes will depend on the local area.

Unexpected Costs

Unforeseen issues, like site preparation delays or weather-related setbacks, can increase costs. Utility hookups might also require additional work. To effectively handle these potential risks, it is advisable to allocate a contingency budget and collaborate with seasoned contractors in order to reduce the likelihood of delays and encountering problems.

How to Minimize the Cost of Manufactured Home

While purchasing and installing a manufactured home involves several costs, there are ways to minimize the overall expenses. Here are some strategies to help you save money:

Choose a Smaller or Simpler Model	Avoid Unnecessary Upgrades
Buy a Used or Repossessed Home	Limit Utility Hookups and Modifications
Select More Affordable Foundation Options	Choose the Right Financing Options
Consider DIY Site Preparation	Buy in Bulk
Negotiate Delivery Costs	Invest in Long-Term Savings

By following these strategies, you can effectively minimize the overall cost of a manufactured home.

Is it cheaper to build a house or buy a manufactured home?  

Manufactured homes are more affordable upfront, saving on construction costs and time.

1. Upfront Costs

• Building a House: Typically costs $100 to $200 per square foot. 
• Manufactured Home: Prices range from $50,000 to $150,000, making it significantly cheaper.

2. Land Costs

• Building a House: Land costs can be substantial, especially in urban/suburban areas.
• Manufactured Home: Land may be less expensive, and options like land leasing in manufactured home communities can reduce upfront costs.

3. Time

• Building a House: Takes several months to over a year to complete.
• Manufactured Home: Manufactured homes can be produced in weeks, with installation taking only a few days or weeks.

4. Customization

• Building a House: Full flexibility in design, but customization increases costs.
• Manufactured Home: Limited customization, but some upgrades are available.

5. Long-Term Costs

• Building a House: May have better insulation and energy-efficient features, leading to savings on utility costs. Maintenance costs can be higher.
• Manufactured Home: Typically less energy-efficient, which could result in higher heating and cooling costs. However, lower maintenance is required.

6. Resale Value

• Building a House: Custom-built homes usually appreciate in value.
• Manufactured Home: Generally depreciate in value unless placed on owned land, but may still retain value in good locations.

Related Reading: What is cheaper a modular or manufactured home

Empowering Your Decision for a Manufactured Home

Before buying a manufactured home, consider your budget, land costs, home quality and design, installation and foundation requirements, energy efficiency, long-term maintenance costs, and financing options. 

Choose a reputable manufacturer, make sure the home meets local codes, and understand the likely resale value and depreciation. Additionally, it’s crucial to keep a close eye on local regulations and tax obligations to guarantee full compliance with all applicable rules. By taking these various factors into account collectively, you’ll be better positioned to make a well – informed choice.

SteelPRO PEB is able to offer steel-framed, customizable prefab homes at unbeatable prices because of our efficient manufacturing process and direct-to-you approach. Without the added costs of traditional construction or a host of middlemen, we focus on delivering high-quality, durable homes at a fraction of the cost. Our streamlined operations, coupled with our ability to pre-install essentials and provide tailored designs, means you get a better home for less.

Ready to save money on your future home? Let us show you how our cost-effective solutions can turn your vision into reality. Contact us today to take the first step toward owning a home that’s right for you—at a price you’ll love.

FAQs

Cost of manufactured homes installed per square foot

The expense generally falls within the range of $50 to $100 per square foot, with the actual cost being contingent upon variables such as the geographical location, the size of the structure, and any bespoke modifications made.

How much does a 2000 sq ft manufactured home cost?

A 2000 sq ft manufactured home usually costs between $100,000 and $200,000, depending on design, materials, and location.

What is the downside of a manufactured home?

A notable drawback is that manufactured homes might not experience the same level of value appreciation as conventional homes. They can also be more vulnerable to damage from extreme weather compared to site-built homes.

How long do manufactured homes last?

Manufactured homes can last 30 to 55 years or more with proper maintenance, though their lifespan can be influenced by factors such as construction quality and location.

Can you build a modular home for 100K?

Yes, it’s possible to build a modular home for $100,000, especially if you choose a smaller design or a more basic finish. Expenses may fluctuate depending on the geographical area and the range of personalization choices available.

Related Reading: How much does a modular home cost