Sep 8, 2021

How Does a Custom-Built Modular Home Differ From a Tiny Home?


While people often use the terms interchangeably, many people often ask, “How does a custom-built modular home differ from a tiny home”? Allow us to explain.

Posted by: Amanda Delatorre

How Does a Custom-Built Modular Home Differ From a Tiny Home?

When discussing tiny and modular homes, it’s fairly common for people to use the terms interchangeably. It’s easy to understand why people assume the two refer to the same thing. But there are some key differences between tiny homes and custom-built modular homes that you should know if you’re considering either. So, how does a custom-built modular home differ from a tiny home?

Tiny Homes

Tiny homes are distinct for being, well, tiny. They average about 100 to 400 square feet. This grants them the unique ability to sit on wheels while also having a foundation. Those with wanderlust can take their tiny homes on the road with them. As a result, tiny houses are ideal for living a minimalist lifestyle and granting you the freedom to pick up and leave an area whenever you want. You’ll never need to tolerate a pesky neighbor again!

Modular Homes

In contrast, modular homes remain on a stationary foundation. The tradeoff for their lack of mobility is that they provide more space and have highly efficient designs. The primary selling point of modular homes is that factories produce the pieces, which builders can then use when needed. Think of these homes like Lego structures. The pieces fit together easily to reduce the costs and time to build these houses. The downside is that, while you can connect these pieces in various ways for different designs, your options will always remain more limited.

Which Is Better?

So, now that you have a better idea of how a custom-built modular home differs from a tiny home, which one should you pick? Well, that depends entirely on your priorities and preferences. Both styles promote a cheaper and more eco-friendly lifestyle without compromising the comforts and luxuries a traditional home offers. Therefore, you can’t go wrong with either. Consider that modular homes typically feature more modern designs while tiny homes mimic traditional looks when thinking about aesthetics. Other considerations may include how often you want to travel and what utilities are vital to you. If you have a foundation, a tiny home will provide the utilities you’d expect of an average house. But a tiny home on wheels will require a generator and a place to empty waste tanks. Neither is inherently better; the one you choose should just fit your lifestyle.

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