Proving Affordable Modular Housing — In Real Life

There’s no shortage of talk in the modular space about how “affordable housing is possible.” But few people show the math. At TMOD™, we’re doing exactly that—with real projects, real costs, and real lessons.

Let’s dig deeper.

Market Reality: Home Prices vs. Rents

To frame our examples, here’s where the broader market sits:

• In Colorado, the median home value recently reached around $541,198 (per Zillow) Zillow

• Some sources show Colorado median listing prices near $616,200 in 2025 Redfin

• Nationally, owning a home is about 38% more expensive per month compared to average rent in many U.S. metros. Bankrate

• Over the last two decades, in over 90% of U.S. counties, home prices and rents have grown faster than median incomes. U.S. Department of the Treasury

In short: the status quo is increasingly out of reach for many buyers. That’s where modular must prove itself—not just on paper, but in real execution.

TMOD™ Projects: What We’re Actually Delivering

Here are three real TMOD™ projects and what they show:

* These numbers reflect nearly completed cost. Finishes, site work, or upgrades may adjust final price slightly.

These aren’t large, luxury spec homes—they’re intentionally right-sized. But here’s why they matter.

Cost Per Square Foot vs. Cost of Ownership

Yes, our delivered cost per square foot often competes (or may exceed) comparable site-built homes—especially in markets where labor is cheap and materials are local.

But that’s not the whole story. Here’s what cost of ownership brings into play:

For Builders & Developers

• Faster delivery: Build time compressed, revenue realized sooner

• Lower carrying costs: Less interest, holding costs, mobilization overhead

• Scalability: Can replicate and standardize across multiple lots

For Buyers (End Users)

• Lower utilities: Tighter envelopes, efficient systems = smaller bills

• Lower maintenance: Fewer surprises, better factory precision

• Right-sized footprint: Less space to heat, cool, clean, maintain

So even if the square-foot number looks aggressive, the total ownership cost over 10–20 years can shift the balance heavily in favor of modular.

Beyond the City Edge: Where Value Hides

Part of what allows us to deliver these prices is thinking beyond typical suburban sprawl. Instead of trying to compete with McMansions in master-planned communities, we lean into:

• Rural sites where land costs are lower

• Small infill lots in existing neighborhoods

• ADU-friendly zones for duplexes, lot splits, or densification

These niches often offer the best opportunity for attainable modular housing with market appeal.

Proven, Not Pie-in-the-Sky

We partner with modular manufacturers who have track records—not brand-new, unproven startups. We believe in combining innovation with common sense:

• Reliable factories with efficient systems

• Design discipline that maximizes value per square foot

• Close coordination of site, factory, and client expectations

The Takeaway: Affordable Isn’t a Buzzword—it’s Built

At TMOD™, we’re not chasing theoretical “modular affordability.” We’re building it, project by project:

• Smaller, smart footprints

• Costs that speak louder when ownership is measured over decades

• Homes built for today’s buyers who don’t want to pay for oversized space or outdated layouts

If you’re tired of paying for excess square footage, or watching your rent benefit someone else’s bottom line, perhaps it’s time to look at what actual modular affordability looks like.

Let’s talk about how this approach can work for your land, your community, or your development vision.

Contact Us Today!