The real difference isn’t only the sticker price. It’s labor risk, timeline, financing exposure, waste, and long-term operating costs, plus where CHOMEX fits in.
1) Upfront Construction Costs (Excluding Land)
Modular homes (industry ranges)
Typical range: $130–$250 per sq ft
This range is intended for finished, livable modular homes (structure + interior finishes), before adding site-specific costs like land, foundation, utility hookups, permits, and local fees.
- Factory-built structure and interiors (varies by spec level)
- Transportation (distance-dependent)
- Crane set and on-site placement
- Basic on-site completion (scope varies)
Modular pricing is generally more predictable because much of the work is completed in a controlled factory environment.
Traditional (stick-built) construction
Typical range: $150–$400+ per sq ft
Traditional construction varies more because it’s built on site, with multiple trades scheduled sequentially, higher weather exposure, and more opportunities for change orders and delays.
2) CHOMEX Pricing Context: Unit Price vs “Turnkey” Cost
CHOMEX is a standardized, container-based modular product. That changes how you should interpret price. Most comparisons online use construction cost per sq ft. CHOMEX is typically priced as a complete unit.
Example: a completed CHOMEX unit around 385 sq ft priced at $22,000–$26,000 for the unit. That equates to roughly $57–$67 per sq ft for the unit itself.
This is not a full “turnkey home” number. Site work varies by location and can materially change the all-in cost.
What you must add to compare fairly (applies to everyone)
- Site prep: grading, access, drainage
- Foundation or supports: slab/piles/piers (jurisdiction dependent)
- Utility connections: water/sewer or septic, electrical, internet
- Permits and local fees: varies dramatically
- Delivery logistics: distance, crane access, road constraints
Use a simple rule: Unit price + site costs + utility hookups. Request a quote tailored to your location and configuration.
3) Labor Costs: Predictable vs Variable
Modular / CHOMEX
- Factory labor is scheduled and repeatable
- Fewer on-site trade days reduces cost volatility
- Less idle time between phases
Traditional
- Multiple specialized trades sequenced on-site
- Higher risk of scheduling gaps and rework
- Labor shortages can spike costs mid-build
4) Timeline (Time = Money)
Modular / CHOMEX
- Factory build: 6–8 weeks (once design/spec is finalized)
- On-site installation: 1–2 days for set/placement
- Final connections/finishing: days to a few weeks depending on scope
Shorter timelines reduce construction loan interest, temporary housing costs, and project overhead.
Traditional
- Commonly months, often longer due to weather and sequencing
- Delays compound financing and carrying costs
5) Material Waste and Overruns
Modular / CHOMEX
- Precision cutting and standardized assemblies
- Lower waste and fewer damaged materials from weather exposure
Traditional
- More on-site cutting and open-air storage
- Higher waste, rework risk, and weather losses
6) Long-Term Operating Costs
Two homes with the same square footage can have different lifetime costs if build quality and envelope performance differ. Factory-controlled builds often improve consistency.
- Better air sealing and insulation consistency reduce HVAC costs
- Predictable window and panel installs reduce thermal bridging and leaks
7) Side-by-Side Summary
| Category | Modular / CHOMEX | Traditional Construction |
|---|---|---|
| Typical cost (excluding land) | Modular: $130–$250/sq ft CHOMEX unit-only example: $57–$67/sq ft (unit price ÷ unit sq ft) |
$150–$400+/sq ft |
| Pricing certainty | Higher (factory scope defined early) | Lower (change orders and delays more common) |
| Timeline | Factory: 6–8 weeks; Set: 1–2 days | Typically months; often longer |
| Labor risk | Lower | Higher |
| Waste/overruns | Lower | Higher |
Modular reduces cost volatility and shortens timelines. CHOMEX pushes cost efficiency further by standardizing the product and pricing the home as a manufactured unit, then separating site costs so buyers see the real drivers.
If you want an accurate number, estimate in three layers: (1) Unit price + (2) Site prep + foundation + (3) Utility hookups + permits.
