If you want to build your own home, it is common to see estimates well in excess of $200,000.
But that is outside your budget, you might find yourself thinking, “But I don’t need a lot of these features,” or “I don’t need this much square footage.”
If that is the case, can you build a home for less? Is it possible to construct a beautiful, quality home for under $100,000?
The answer to that question is, “Yes!”
In this guide, we are going to show you some examples of modern prefab homes that you can build today for under $100,000. We have a new version that looks at sub-50k structures too.
But first, let’s talk about some factors that can help you to keep your costs down when you are building a modular home.
How Can You Minimize the Cost to Build a Quality Modular Home?
Based on the decisions you make when designing and constructing your residence, you can lower costs beyond what is typical. Here are some basic recommendations:
- Buy cheap land. One of the most expensive costs that goes into building your own home is purchasing land. If you already own land, awesome! If not, look for cheap land for sale. Just keep in mind if you have to put in sewage, electrical and plumbing, that will be expensive.
- Be willing to downsize. Most traditional homes are at least 1,000 square feet. Indeed, it is more typical for them to measure 2,000 square feet or more. But most of us can live in smaller spaces comfortably. Think about building a tiny house, or even something in between the size of a tiny house and a traditional home.
- Keep the shape of the house simple. The more elaborate the shape of your home is, the more it will cost to construct. Keep it as simple and straightforward as you can.
- Make your home energy-efficient. Did you know there may be government rebates or tax benefits you can capture if you make your new home energy-efficient? Consider those possibilities when you are planning your home’s design and features. They will also save you money over the long run!
- Choose a company that builds prefab homes. Generally speaking, you can save a lot of money by building a home out if prefabricated components rather than having all of the components constructed on the building site.
- Consider doing some of the work yourself. If you have any DIY skills, this is the time to put them to work. Any tasks you can handle on your own may save you money if you can do them effectively.
Examples of Beautiful Modern Prefab Homes Under 100K
Now that you know more about how you can save money when you are building your own home, let’s take a look at some prefab homes available now for under $100,000.
100k Steel Barndominiums
We have long been a fan of steel-framed barndominiums. Dollar to dollar, we think they are the best investment you can make in alternative housing.
The team at Barndominium.org offers its expertise to address whether you can realistically build a barndo for under 100k. They have helped thousands of folks build DIY kits and most average around $20 per sq ft.
They work directly with manufacturers for durable, low-maintenance structures with limitless design possibilities. Any size you need, they can bring your vision to life.
Extreme Panel SIPS Packages
If you want to build a top quality, environmentally friendly house, Extreme Panel SIPS Kits are the smart choice. With prices ranging from $49k to $136k, their builds are net-zero construction and will keep your utility costs down.
The Rigel SIPS ICF Floor Plan
The Rigel ICF kit is 2,300 sq ft of net zero construction. With 5-bedrooms and 3 full baths and an enclosed garage within the building envelope. The wrap-around porch is perfect from enjoying the outdoors.
All of these spaces are located within the SIP building envelope, which means you will benefit from the highest possible indoor air quality and decreased energy bills for years to come.
Deltec Homes 360° Collection
Deltec is a prefab builder with homes in a variety of price ranges, including some for under 100K. They specialize in sustainable homes that can stand up to harsh climate conditions.
The company puts a big emphasis on personalizing home design, writing, “There are an endless number of ways to experience connection – that’s why there are an endless number of ways to build a Deltec. Our flagship line of homes, the Deltec Collection, has over 1 million different design possibilities. You have the freedom to engineer and live in your own personal version of Real Connection.”
One line from Deltec that features homes you can build for under 100K is the 360° Collection.
The name of the collection alludes to the round shape of these homes that feature windows all around to provide natural light and views.
The trick with keeping a Deltec 360° Collection floor plan under 100K is just to choose a small enough square footage.
We found that the largest plan you can build for under $100,000 is the 912-square-foot, 2-bedroom model.
Keep in mind that it is the shell price that is $94,000. The turnkey range is much higher.
The smallest model is the 328-square-foot home with a shell price of $51,000.
KitHAUS K5 & K6 Series
Another great option for an affordable prefab home under 100K is a KitHAUS. This company has been around since 2005, and writes, “kitHAUS designs and delivers modernist pre-fab modules that transform open spaces into anything-you-want hubs –– yoga studios, home offices, weekend retreats, pop-up kiosks, guest rooms, reality-escape pods, and fully functional accessory dwelling units (ADU). You dream it. We build it –– custom-configured, on site, in days, tie-grid or off-grid. We pre-engineer at our factory, then transport the bundled-up kit to even the trickiest spot without heavy equipment thanks to a patented lightweight construction system.”
For a beautiful tiny house featuring a sophisticated modern design, consider a home in the K5 & K6 series.
The smallest layout in this series is 235 square feet, and the largest is 330 square feet. The K5 basic starts at just $66.7K. Even the most expensive option, the K6 Extended w/Bath and Kitchenette comes in at $99.8K. There are a slew of options in between so you can find exactly what fits your budgets and needs.
Kodasema KODA Loft
For an affordable tiny house with a quintessentially modern look, consider the KODA Loft by Kodasema.
Kodasema values adaptability and sustainability in design, stating, “KODA design contains everything necessary within the space, and that it can be quickly changed – this is the meaning of contemporary dynamic spaces. KODA aims for minimum viable space for almost any function, making KODA owners able to instantly switch between different functions, purposes and a multitude of locations.”
As we mentioned previously, one way to save on home construction costs is to go with a simple design. It does not get simpler than the basic cube shape of the KODA.
Modular and stackable, each of these portable timber frame tiny houses can be assembled on site in just one day. The price is just $95,000.
Avrame USA – The Solo
If you fancy an A-frame model, you might want to check out The Solo from Avrame USA.
Technically, Avrame USA products are not fully prefabricated; instead, they are “considered a traditional stick build” according to the website. Nonetheless, their homes are made using prefabricated parts.
Avrame USA says, “Our system, originally designed in Estonia, delivers an innovative exclusive framing methodology unique in the world of A-frames. This offers an experienced self builder (DIYer) or general contractor a bolt-together experience for ease and speed of assembly.”
So, this may be a suitable option for a skilled DIYer.
The Solo comes in a variety of models, but all of them feature a custom fabricated truss system that measures 13 feet 4 ½ inches tall by 14 feet wide at the base. Depending on which you choose, the length could be as short as 20 feet or as long as 34 feet.
Here are the options:
| Models | SqFt | Beds | Baths | Structural Only | Structural + Shell | Structural + Shell + Ext | Structural + Shell + Ext + Int | |||
| 100 | 250 | 1 | 1 | $15,600 | $20,450 | $33,850 | $38,050 | |||
| 75 | 180 | 1 | 1 | $13,050 | $16,750 | $29,075 | $32,525 | |||
| 57 | 140 | 1 | 1 | $11,050 | $14,075 | $25,650 | $28,200 |
AbleNook
Another option to consider for a beautiful and affordable prefab home is the AbleNook. This 40’ long house is available starting at $85,000.
If it reminds you of a boat, that is not a coincidence—even the manufacturer of the home refers to it as being “yacht-like.”
The home features 10’ ceilings, a loft, a skylight, Smeg appliances, LED lighting, insulation, and more.
The company estimates that it should not cost any more than $1,500 or so to set up your AbleNook, if you have AbleNook Certified contractors take care of the job.
Astonishingly, you may not need this, even if you are a complete novice DIYer. The official site for the AbleNook declares that two people can complete assembly in as little as two hours using no tools. Amazing, right?
Bastone Expandable Prefab House
The new Bastone Expandable Prefab House is an ideal alternative for a mobile tiny home, ADU or back yard office. People who travel around love mobile houses, they can move the portable house with a trailer when they move around.
This Bastone Mobile house is easy to set up and quick to assemble and comfortable to live in.
Build Your Dream Home for Under $100,000 Now
Can you build a house for under 100K? Absolutely—and now you have the proof!
Imagine yourself moving into one of those beautiful prefab homes for under $100,000? You can make it happen! Click any of the links in this guide to schedule a consult with one of these prefab home builders.