Michael Frank

Guide to Prefab and Modular Homes in Los Angeles

Michael Frank
Guide to Prefab and Modular Homes in Los Angeles

Small or large? Modern or traditional? Standard or custom? There are a lot of questions that buyers interested in a prefab home in Los Angeles must answer before they can get the home of their dreams. Luckily the greater Los Angeles area is home-base to some of the best prefab home builders in the nation. This gives buyers a wide variety of home options to choose from, making budget the biggest constraint. Despite such variety, one thing is common for prefab homes in this area - they feature beautiful and sustainable designs. Throughout this guide to buying a prefab home in Los Angeles our goal is to help address the questions you may have as a prospective prefab home buyer based in the Los Angeles area.


Why Might You to Want to Build a Prefab Home in Los Angeles?

  • Fast construction - homes are manufactured off-site in climate controlled facilities and later assembled on-site. This often leads to quicker construction times than traditional, site builds.

  • Lower cost - due to the highly controlled nature of the build process, unforeseen cost overruns can be better managed leading to reduced overall cost

  • Ultra modern - many prefab builders offer home designs that are net-zero (in-line with California’s 2020 Zero Net Energy “ZNE” mandate) and feature modern, energy efficient features such as insulated panels and renewable energy technology.


Key Decisions to Make:

  • Where to build - areas that are more expensive may be better long-run investments. When buying land you should pay attention to a few key things that could affect your prefab home build:

    • Slope of lot

    • Set Backs

    • Floor area ratio or other zoning protocols that can impact the size of the home

    • Whether or not your neighborhood requires a design review

  • Standard vs. Custom - Most builders offer a range of predetermined floor plans while only some offer options for either partial or totally custom homes. If you live on a tricky lot (Hilly, small-lot size, etc.) your options for standard home plans may be limited

  • Modular vs. Kit Home v.s. Panelized - Prefabricated home is a broad term and refers to a home that has sections of the structure built off-site in a factory and later assembled on-site. Types of prefab homes include:

    • Modular - homes consist of a series of box-like modules which are fully assembled units consisting of walls, ceiling, floor, wiring, plumbing, and internal fixtures. Once these modules arrive on site they are joined together and connected to the foundation. This is one of the most affordable options for prefab buildings.

    • Kit Home - all of the components and materials necessary for building the home are shipped to the site and assembled. In most cases, an owner builder can assemble the home as a cost-saving method.

    • Panelized - the structural components of the home: walls, floor, ceiling, are manufactured off-site and then later constructed at the final site like a traditional build.

  • Architect vs. All-in Company - There are multiple stages to the prefab home build process spanning land acquisition, home design, manufacturing, and assembly. In some cases the company you choose may only offer a home design and therefore sub-contract out the manufacturing process. This leaves you responsible for acquiring land and later finding a builder to assemble the home. In other instances, the company may be a one-stop shop and assist you in all stages of the home build process.


Common Questions


Reputable Companies that Serve the Los Angeles Area:


If you are interested in Building an ADU in Los Angeles, see our list of the Best Prefab ADUs in Los Angeles