Can you custom design a modular home?
Yes. Fully custom modular homes are designed and engineered specifically for each project, including the layout, dimensions, structure, rooflines, stairs, and all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
Custom modular homes give homeowners the ability to design a house that fits their lifestyle without committing to a long, unpredictable construction timeline. Unlike traditional site-built homes, modular homes are constructed in a controlled factory environment, allowing for higher quality control, faster completion, and fewer delays. At Signature Building Systems, custom modular construction combines design flexibility with an efficient, proven building process.
What Is a Custom Modular Home?
A custom modular home is a factory built home designed specifically for a homeowner’s needs, preferences, and site conditions. While the home is built in sections offsite, the layout, size, architectural style, and finishes are customized during the design phase. Once complete, the modules are delivered to the job site and assembled on a permanent foundation.
Custom modular homes are not manufactured homes. They are built to state and local building codes, the same codes required for traditional site-built construction.
Benefits of Custom Modular Homes
Faster Construction Timelines
Because modular homes are built indoors, weather delays are minimized. Site work and module construction happen at the same time, significantly reducing total build time compared to conventional construction.
Consistent Quality Control
Homes are constructed in a controlled factory setting with repeatable processes, inspections, and skilled trades working on every phase. This results in tighter tolerances and consistent build quality.
Cost Predictability
Factory production reduces material waste, labor inefficiencies, and unexpected delays. This helps keep costs more predictable throughout the build.
The Custom Modular Home Design Process
Concept and Floor Plan Development
The process begins with a floor plan, either modified from an existing design or created specifically for the project. Layouts can include first-floor primary bedrooms, open living areas, home offices, or multigenerational spaces.
Engineering and Coordination
Modular plans are engineered to meet structural requirements and local codes. Signature coordinates closely with builders and designers to ensure the home integrates smoothly with site conditions and foundation design.
Factory Construction and Delivery
Once approved, modules are built in the factory, inspected, and prepared for delivery. After transport, the modules are set on the foundation and completed by the builder on site.
Custom Modular Home Design Options
Custom modular homes can be designed in a wide range of styles and layouts, including:
• Ranch and single-story homes
• Two-story and multi-level homes
• Homes with first floor primary bedroom suites
• Multi-generational homes and aging-in-place designs
• Energy efficient and high performance homes
How Modular Construction Saves Time & Money
Every step of the manufacturing process takes place inside our modular plant’s controlled environment. The product is built in our facility from start to finish. This means that all materials, from lumber and sheet rock to insulation and shingles, are protected from the weather and the staff can work every single day in comfortable conditions, regardless of the weather. Removing weather delays from the equation helps the team maintain a predictable, and relatively rapid, timeline. Typically, it only takes about eight days to fabricate one module in our plant. For a very simple home, the entire process, from hammering the first nail to turning over the keys, can take less than 100 days.
Building within a factory environment on an assembly line allows the assemblers to be involved in the same process every day, ensuring they have the experience to carry out the task.
Economies of scale allow Signature to purchase materials in volume and maintain a consistent workforce. This helps control costs and reduce variability compared to traditional site built construction.
FAQ
Can a modular home be fully customized?
Yes. Floor plans, layouts, and design features can be customized within the modular construction framework.
Are modular homes built to code?
Yes. Modular homes are built to the same state and local building codes as site-built homes.
How long does a custom modular home take to build?
Factory construction typically takes weeks, not months, with site work occurring simultaneously. Overall timelines are usually much shorter than traditional construction. For example, this burn down custom modular rebuild was completed in 10 months from initial design to certificate of occupancy.
Signature Building Systems is a leading manufacturer of custom designed, off-site built homes and multi-family construction. The Pennsylvania based business has completed over 6,000 modular projects throughout the eastern seaboard – everything from ranches and capes to two-story homes and special, custom designed floor plans, as well as estate homes, multi-family residences, hotels, and even entire apartment complexes.