Modular Home Myths
A home is one of the biggest investments most people will ever make, so understanding how it’s built is important. Many buyers still choose traditional, site-built homes simply because it’s what they’re familiar with. But there’s another option worth knowing: custom modular construction.
At Signature Building Systems, we’ve built thousands of homes across the Northeast using modular methods that combine craftsmanship, efficiency, and design flexibility. Below, we clear up some of the most common misconceptions about modular homes.
Myth #1: Modular Homes Are the Same as Mobile Homes
Fact: Modular homes are permanent structures built to the same building codes as traditional site built homes. They’re set on foundations, connected to utilities, and can include multiple stories, garages, porches, and any architectural details you’d expect in a site-built house.
From the street, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. What the homeowner would notice is the precision of the construction and how much faster the home was completed.
Myth #2: Modular Homes Can’t Be Customized
Fact: Every Signature home is designed for the individual buyer. Our team collaborates with homeowners, architects, homebuilders, and developers to create layouts that reflect how people truly live. Whether it’s vaulted ceilings, open kitchens, or custom finishes, modular construction makes personalization practical and affordable.
The flexibility in modular design allows homeowners to design one-of-a-kind spaces without the inefficiencies of traditional site building.
Explore floor plans and design options.
Myth #3: Modular Homes Are Cheaply Built
Fact: Signature modular components are built indoors under strict quality control in our purpose built modular manufacturing facility. Every stage, from framing & mechanicals to finishes is inspected by professionals and verified by third-party inspectors. When construction takes place inside, materials stay dry, wood doesn’t warp, and insulation maintains its full R-value.
Independent studies show that modular homes are often stronger than site-built ones because they’re engineered to withstand transport and crane setting. Each Signature home also includes a 10-year limited structural warranty, compared to the standard one-year builder warranty for site-built homes.
Modular Building Institute: What Is Modular Construction?
Myth #4: Modular Homes Aren’t Energy Efficient
Fact: Modular homes are designed to be airtight and energy efficient. Building indoors and building from inside-out (sheetrock fastened prior to insulation and sheathing installed) improves performance allows for precise insulation, tight seams, and better moisture control, all of which improve performance.
A study from the U.S. Department of Energy found that modular homes exchange air roughly seven times per hour, while typical site-built homes exchange air eleven times per hour. That tighter building envelope translates to lower heating and cooling costs throughout the year.
Read more from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Myth #5: Modular Homes Don’t Appreciate in Value
Fact: Modular homes appreciate at the same rate as site-built homes in comparable neighborhoods. Because they use the same materials and must meet the same codes, appraisers and lenders treat them equally. As with any home, long-term value depends on factors like location, upkeep, and market trends.
Federal Housing Finance Agency – House Price Index Reports
Myth #6: Modular Homes Are Hard to Finance
Fact: Unlike cross-mod, financing a modular home is straightforward. Once the home is set on its foundation, it’s considered real property and qualifies for traditional mortgages, construction loans, and permanent financing.
Signature projects have been financed by local and national banks for both residential and commercial developments.
Learn more about financing and partnerships.
Myth #7: Modular Construction Is Only for Small Homes
Fact: Modular construction works for every project, but we have seen success in every type of project, from single-family homes to large-scale apartment buildings and college dorms. Signature has delivered complex modular projects such as PHIUS-certified senior housing, student residences, and luxury multifamily developments across the Northeast.
Each building is custom-engineered for its purpose, location, and code requirements.
Explore our modular multifamily projects.
Myth #8: All Modular Homes Look the Same
Fact: Modular construction is a method, not a style. The result depends entirely on design and materials. Signature builds a wide range of architectural styles—from classic Cape Cod and colonial homes to sleek, contemporary townhomes and mixed-use buildings.
See our featured Signature homes.
Why More Buyers and Developers Are Choosing Modular
Homebuyers, builders, and developers are choosing modular construction for its speed, quality, and value. It reduces weather delays, controls costs, and minimizes waste. More importantly, it delivers consistent craftsmanship and high energy performance.
Signature’s approach combines traditional craftsmanship with advanced building technology, ensuring every project meets the highest standards of design and durability.
See award-winning projects like La Mora Senior Apartments and UMass Amherst Student Housing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are modular homes safe during storms?
Yes. Modular homes are built to meet or exceed the same codes as site-built homes and are often stronger because of how they’re framed for transportation and installation.
How long does it take to build a modular home?
From design to move-in, most modular homes are completed in just a few months—often 30–50% faster than conventional construction.
Are modular homes environmentally friendly?
Yes. Modular construction reduces material waste by up to 70% and supports energy-efficient, all-electric design.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Sustainable Building Practices
About Signature Building Systems
Founded in 1992, Signature Building Systems of Pennsylvania has built more than 9,000 homes and multifamily units across the Northeast. Our 80,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Moosic, PA, is purpose-built for modular construction and serves projects from Boston to Washington, D.C.
Address: 1004 Springbrook Avenue, Moosic, PA 18507
Phone: (570) 774-1000
Email: info@sbsmod.com
Stay Informed
Learn more about modular innovation, energy-efficient building, and our latest projects.
Subscribe for updates.