We don't build site-built homes. And we don't sell manufactured/mobile/trailer homes.
We only built Factory Built Housing, commonly referred to as "modular" and that would be houses and ADUs that are built to the California Building Code, the same as site built homes, but they happen to be built in a factory to streamline the process and make it more efficient and a bit more economical.
Modular homes offer faster delivery, stronger quality control, predictable costs, improved energy efficiency, and the same financing and code compliance as site‑built homes.
Modules are built in climate‑controlled factories while site work happens simultaneously, significantly reducing construction time. Factory conditions improve build precision, limit weather‑related damage, and reduce moisture risks. Modular construction also generates less waste and supports high‑performance envelopes and efficient systems, lowering operating costs. Because true modular homes meet local and state building codes, they typically qualify for conventional mortgages and insurance just like site‑built homes.
What are the benefits of choosing modular homes over traditional site-built homes?
Building Faster
Building Better
Saving Money
Putting Cost Controls in Place
Making the Permitting Process a Little Easier
Saving Yourself from Stress
What are the benefits of choosing modular homes over traditional site-built homes?
What is the average cost of building a modular home in California?
California Modular Houses, Inc., doesn’t build cheap homes though we also don’t focus on high-end homes. Our entire philosophy is to help good people who want to build but want cost controls in order to make them comfortable with their budget. Our clients are ones that want a high-quality home that is built to the California Building Code but don’t want to get soaked on Upgrades, Change Orders, Surprises, and the rapidly increasing cost of building a home on-site.
The exact answer of pricing really depends upon your property, local requirements, the home model chosen, and the exact finishes you choose for your home.
Modular homes usually cost $250–$400 per sq. ft. delivered (tax and transport included). Two-story homes, Cape Cods, and very small homes cost more per sq. ft. Homes made from two or three modules with most work done in the factory give the best value.
We recommend starting with homes a little smaller than what you “want” and then move up the list to find the right size home that meets all of your needs, without building more home than you need to.
Once you have chosen a home we would be happy to provide you with a formal estimate of that home, delivered, including sales tax and transportation.
The on-site work is similar to what you would pay for that on-site work by a local General Contractor. That said, we do have several contractors that appreciate working with our clients and will take good care of you and usually will offer you a better deal than if you found a licensed contractor on your own. All homes require a foundation, utility connections and have city fees. Many need a driveway or garage, grading or a septic system, etc. These are things that are all prepared and put on plans so that you, the contractor, and the City/County are all on the same page on exactly what is being built. A licensed General Contractor will directly provide you with pricing for the on-site work, there is no mark-up from us. It’s not a bad idea to budget half of the cost of the modular home, or even two-thirds for the on-site work. If you end up paying less than that, than you will be happy and we will be just as excited for you. Building in California is not an easy process and it’s not cheap. That said, we can make it much easier for you and we don’t want to see you pay any more than you have to.
We don’t price out on-site work but in general, building a home on-site is usually an average cost of $600 to $900.00 per square foot.
Most of our clients are trying to keep the cost of building down closer to an average price of $400.00 - $500.00 per square foot.
To us it’s a no-brainer! What pricing sounds better to you?
What are the financing options available for purchasing a modular home?
You have several ways to finance a modular home. No single option fits everyone, but there’s usually a suitable choice for your situation. Review the financing and loan options below, then discuss them with your sales agent and lender to find the best fit.
First, own the property—either buy it outright or get a lot loan.
From there, here are the typical methods of paying for your modular home.
Cash: Many of our customers have been able to save up all or most of the money to build an ADU or their Single-Family Residence. This is good for the homeowner as they don’t have to deal with financing or pay loan fees, etc.
Insurance money: If a fire destroyed your home, insurance often won’t cover rebuilding a traditional site-built house. Modular homes let you replace your house more affordably and stay within budget.
HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit): A common, often faster and cheaper way to borrow money using your home's equity to fund building your home.
Construction-to-Permanent Loan: Many clients get construction loans. The loan should close around the time you get permits because it’s short-term and the bank needs a detailed contractor contract before closing. That means all plans must be ready so your general contractor can give the required paperwork and pricing. Often we sell the home directly to the contractor so they can include it in their bid, which simplifies financing. Most out-of-state banks don’t understand modular homes, but we can introduce local California lenders who do and have helped our clients. Construction loans usually require good credit; the lender will give exact requirements.
Other loan types (FHA, VA, USDA) exist but aren’t designed for California construction loans. They require all costs in one contract and the loan to close before work starts. Without plans and permits, contractors can’t give accurate bids, making it hard to qualify.
It's advisable to consult with lenders experienced in modular home financing to determine the best option for your specific needs.
How do I find reputable modular home builders in California?
You already have, we are right here ready to assist you!
Checklist for Evaluating California Builders
Verify the builder has completed multiple projects in California and is familiar with local building codes, fire and seismic requirements, and county‑specific permitting.
Request references, reviews, and photos or addresses of completed California projects.
Visit the factory or request a virtual tour, and review warranty coverage and post‑installation service terms.
Compare detailed, itemized quotes that clearly distinguish factory costs, transportation, site and foundation work, and permitting.
Ensure the contractor is working from a complete set of plans that have been reviewed or approved by the local jurisdiction to establish a clear, transparent scope of work.
We have been doing this for a couple decades now and the biggest issues we hear are specifically about 2 things.
The first is buying from a brand-new start-up company that gets millions from investors but doesn’t know how to do the work and get homes started or completed.
The other, which is more common, is that someone finds a company that is out of state offering them a deal. These companies don’t know the complexity of building modular homes in California. There are mistakes in their plans, things that aren’t required in other states but they are here. If these companies can’t get past the plan stage, then you can imagine the rest of it doesn’t go well. Then they have to deal with permitting and entitlement and can guess that if they are out of state, don’t understand the process, and weren’t prepared for this, then the permitting process will be harder than it already is. We haven’t even gotten to the building or the sticker shock of the transportation costs and there really isn’t a point in getting into it here, but you can see the problem. We get a call every 1-3 months from someone who bought from a bougie start up company or one out of state that has lost anywhere from several thousand to over a hundred thousand dollars and has to start again…but with less money. So, if you take that path, at least now you know the risk.
Reputable California Companies Do Have Things in Common:
Real pictures of their homes, not just renderings
A history of completed projects in California
They don’t have a bunch of negative reviews or bad press about them
They work with reputable companies that are here California to help you get all your plans completed
They have an exact strategy and process that they can explain to you (if someone can’t answer your questions, that is a red flag)
They belong to some of the professional organizations in, either here in California, or nationally. These are typically the AIBD, ResidentialDesign.org, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the Modular Home Builder’s Association, they are members of the Better Business Bureau and accredited by the BBB, etc.
In order qualify us, all you need to do is to pick up the phone and give us a call. We can explain and show you who we are and how capable we are of helping you.
We can’t tell you how fast the local jurisdiction will take to approve plans. We can’t provide you with an all-in-cost as your general contractor has to provide you with pricing for the on-site work based on a fully approved set of plans (what the City/County requires to issue permits is exactly what the contractor needs to provide you with pricing for his portion of the work. Yet, we can answer just about every other question that you can come up with. While some clients are ready to go the day they call us, typically it does take a couple of months to make a decision to move forward and over that time you will make your own decision that with us you are in very good hands.
We are with you from the first phone call, until your home is fully completed here at California Modular Houses, Inc.
Can modular homes be customized to fit specific design preferences? Yes!!!
Yes! Modular Homes Can be Custom Designed from Start to Finish.
Yes! Modular Homes Can be Customized to Meet Your Exact Needs and Requirements.
Yes! Our Modular Home Plans Can be Modified and Redesigned If You Require Changes.
This is what we do, our exact specialty!
Modular homes can be tailored to meet specific design requirements. Many builders allow modifications to floor plans, room configurations, window and door placement, and interior finishes, with some offering high‑end or near‑custom design options alongside adaptable standard plans.
Common customization options include flexible layouts, a broad selection of finishes and fixtures, exterior design choices, and optional features such as built‑ins or premium appliances. As a result, modular homes can often match the appearance and functionality of traditional stick‑built homes.
While customization is subject to factors such as module size constraints, factory standards, local building codes, site conditions, and budget, it remains widely available and is typically faster than on‑site construction.
