Choosing a Modular Home

Buying a home is often one of the most important decisions of your life and finding a home that meets your needs and gives you maximum value is worth the time and effort.

And if you’ve chosen a quality-built modular home, you have made a wise choice.

Read our blog Modular Homes vs. Manufactured Homes to see why a Modular Home is the superior choice over a manufactured home.

In this blog we’re going to look deeper at what is involved in choosing a modular home, information about setup of your modular home, and finally we’ll look at the different models of Modular Homes that Trailhead Homes has to offer.

Ready to go?

Let’s dive in!

A Review of Definitions

First, a review of definitions.

What is a modular home?

A modular home is a home that is partially constructed in a factory and is shipped to the homeowner’s lot where it is completed on a permanent foundation. A modular home must comply with local building codes and standards in its final destination, just as a traditional stick-built home must.

How is a Modular Home different from a Manufactured Home?

Manufactured homes (known as mobile homes before 1980) are, by contrast, built entirely in a factory before being transported to the site. Manufactured homes are constructed according to the HUD Code, a set of federal standards that focus on ensuring the durability, safety, and energy efficiency of manufactured homes.

Modular Homes hold clear advantages over both manufactured homes and even traditional stick-built homes in a number of areas, including the following:

Customization of Both Layout and Design: This is in contrast to manufactured homes, which are mass-produced and offer little customization of layout, exterior design, etc.
Structural Integrity: Modular homes possess greater structural integrity and durability (compared to manufactured homes).
Appreciation: Modular homes appreciate similarly to stick-built homes in contrast to manufactured homes, which are usually considered personal property instead of real estate and do not appreciate in the same way.
Cost: The cost of modular homes is less than that of stick-built homes, due to the partial assembly of modular homes in a factory.
Financing and Insurance: (similar to stick-built homes and in contrast to manufactured homes).
Financing: Modular homes are classified similarly to traditional homes when it comes to financing. In contrast to manufactured homes, modular homes are considered real estate, making it easier to obtain a mortgage with favorable terms.
Insurance: Insurance for modular homes is typically straightforward, similar to that for traditional homes. Standard homeowner's insurance policies can generally cover modular homes without significant adjustments.

Setting Up a Modular Home

Although many people are familiar with the time frame of building a house, few people know what time frame to expect for setting up a modular home.

The industry average prediction is about 6-12 weeks, but it is FAR lower than that at Trailhead Cabins!

Setting up a modular home only takes about 3 days at Trailhead Cabins – that’s right THREE DAYS! And as we have seen, the quality of a modular home is comparable to a stick-built home - without the hassle of building on-site!

Here are the steps for setting up a Modular Home from Trailhead Cabins:

After manufacturing, our modular homes are shipped to your site in sections.
The sections are then craned onto your foundation.
Then the sections are fastened to the foundation. (Designed to withstand winds of up to 115 mph and with roofs designed to carry applicable snow codes, these sections are very similar to those of a regular house.)

All of the Modular Homes produced by Trailhead Cabins go through a rigorous inspection process. They must be approved by our licensed engineer, a third-party reviewer, and then the state of their destination.

The bottom line?

With a Trailhead Cabins Modular Home, you get a house very similar to a stick-built house but partially constructed in a factory.

This greatly reduces the amount of build time that is needed.

As we said, 3 days after the beginning of setup, our customers are usually moving into their new home!

Trailhead Cabins Modular Homes

Because modular homes can be customized extensively and are built as normal homes, they can often closely resemble traditional, site-built homes in appearance and style.

Trailhead Homes are no exception.

Modular homes in general, and Trailhead Cabin homes in particular, offer extensive customization options.

At Trailhead Cabins, buyers can choose from a range of architectural styles (Trailhead Cabins: Laramie, Rancher, Homesteader, Cherokee), floor plans, and interior finishes. This flexibility allows for the creation of a home that meets specific personal tastes and functional needs.

Here is a list of the modular home models that Trailhead Cabins offers, with more about their features and selling points.

I. The Cherokee Model

Standard features include:

Details as shown on drawing (sizes listed for pricing are nominal)
Fully engineered and modular code compliant for state of destination
12-month limited warranty
40-year limited warranty metal roofing
Painted lap siding (upgraded log options available)
Porch with spindle railing
Insulated vinyl windows
Ductless HVAC with a head in Great Room, and each bedroom
Knotty Pine interior paneling, sealed and sanded smooth
Rustic Rough Cut Kitchen of your choice
Ceiling Fan in Great Room and each Bedroom
Vinyl Waterproof-Scratch Resistant Flooring throughout
All Light fixtures, and Plumbing fixtures installed
Plumbing and Electrical ready for Hookups
Free delivery and setup within 75 miles from Hopkinsville KY

The Cherokee is much wider then the Laramie, making this model a super-huge modular home spec sheet.

II. The Lariat - Luxury Tiny Home on a permanent foundation.

The Lariat Cabin is the smallest and the least expensive modular cabin that we build. This is the perfect tiny home to use as a second home in your backyard or as a multi-generational family unit for one or two people. Placed on your foundation, this cabin will provide a permanent dwelling for your loved ones, keeping them safe, and add real estate value to your property at the same time! We also have larger floor plan options for this model, up to 50' long. Includes:

15x36 Turn-Key Cabin - 1 bedroom cabin, 1 bathroom, rustic kitchen, with a 15x6 porch on the end, and 443 sq. ft. of living space.
Lariat 1536-A2 Price: $81,950
Link for the video: Lariat Video

III. The Lakota - Authentic cabin feel, at a lower price; The Lakota is the smallest and least expensive modular home that we offer, including a reverse gable for additional light and rustic authenticity. It has a comfortable screened porch on the end, allowing you to relax without being harassed by bugs. Built for the cabin enthusiast, this is an affordable solution for a small lot, for use as an Airbnb, or as a beautiful vacation resort. We also have 2 bedroom floor plans for this model and can add an optional upgraded flat dormer over the bedroom. The cabin includes the following:

15x50 Turn-Key Cabin - 1 bedroom, 1 bath cabin, rustic kitchen with a 15x10 screened porch on the end and 590 sq. ft. of living space, includes (2) reverse gables over the Great Room.
Lakota 1550-A1 Price: $101,950
Link for the video: Lakota Video

IV. The Pioneer - Affordable, practical, and very popular 2-bedroom cabin. Very practical, our least expensive 2-bedroom cabin features a nice side porch and a large kitchen. This is a popular choice as a retirement home for those wanting to downsize, as well as for a first-time home buyer wanting an affordable option. We have two floor plans available, one with a round shower in the bath and one with a tub/shower combo, and we also have a second bath option as an upgraded option on one of the models.

21x50 Turn-Key Cabin - 2 bedroom, 1 bath cabin with a 6'x50' porch on one side and 725 sq. ft. of living space.
Pioneer 1550-A2 Price: $103,950
Pioneer 1550-B2 Price: $103,950
Link for the video: Pioneer Video

V. The Mohawk - 2 bedroom, Spacious Ceilings, and Natural Light; The Mohawk is a small dwelling but still has the spacious feeling that is often associated with larger homes. With the Mohawk, you won't need to wonder if the sun is shining, you will feel it! This is a great choice for a retirement home. This floor plan is compatible with the Pioneer, which means that any of the Pioneer floor plans could be used for the Mohawk, and the Mohawk floor plan could be used for the Pioneer.

21x50 Turn Key Cabin - 2 bedroom, 1 bath cabin, with 9' 3" tall ceilings, and windows above. Has a 6'x50' porch along the side, and 725 sq ft of living space.
Mohawk 1550-A1 Price: $123,950

VI. The Durango - Small but comfortable with a wider footprint - This larger 2-bedroom option also has 2 bathrooms and a wider style. This comfortable 2-bedroom home is also a popular choice for first-time home buyers. We have two options of floor plans for this model, and each of those is customizable. And to top it off, we can add an upgraded reverse gable to this home, making the Durango a very nice home, with a comfortable front porch, and all the amenities you need. Still not big enough? The Rancher is a similar style but larger.

The Durango includes the following:

28x38 Turn-Key Cabin - 2 bedroom, 2 bath cabin with a 6'x38' porch on the side and 839 sq. ft. of living space.
Durango 2238-A2 Price: $125,950
Durango 2240-A2 Price: $130,950

VII. The Rancher - Roomy, cozy & attractive 3-bedroom cabin at an affordable price! This 3 bedroom home comes to you at an outstanding low price, is quality built, comfortable, & is our most affordable 3 bedroom floor plan. Learn why this is one of our more popular modular homes! A great investment home, or a perfect choice for a family with growing children. Very practical, it features an open kitchen, dining/living room design, and it has an attractive 8'-wide front porch. Just like the Durango, we can upgrade by adding a reverse gable with trap windows to this home, giving you that cabin look and the extra light. Includes:

30x52 Turn Key Cabin - 3-bedroom, 2-bath cabin with an 8'x52' porch on the side and 1144 sq ft of living space.
Rancher 2252-A2 Price: $152,950.
Link for the video: Rancher Video

VIII. The Laramie - Two-story with a real cabin look and lots of extras! This 1026 sq. ft. deluxe cabin features a second floor over the bedroom and bath area. Complemented by soaring ceilings, this cabin is stunning. This is our most economical 2-story home. It has an exposed stairway and attractive gable trapezoid windows. And the front porch is even taller, adding to the attractive appearance. And if you want to add the third bedroom, we have a lean-to bump-out option available that will even supply that added space.

23x50 Turn-Key Cabin - 2 bedroom, 2 bath cabin with an 8'x50' porch on the side and 1026 sq. ft. of living space includes high ceiling heights, three dormers, and beautiful exposed stairway w/ balcony for upstairs bedroom.
Laramie 1550-A2 Price: $179,950 Additional back lean-to is available for this model if you want to add another bedroom, office space, den, or extend your Great Room.
12x20 enclosed w/12x28 porch space, total size equals a 12x48.
Price $43,950 Add a gable over the enclosed end of the lean-to: Upgrade Price $2000.
Link for the video: Laramie Video

IX. The Homesteader - Larger, bigger, and a lower price! With over 1400 sq. ft. - and the lowest per square foot price of all of our models- this 3-bedroom home comes with airy ceilings of over 9' high throughout the house and bonus attic space accessible with a pull-down attic ladder. A nice, large Great Room on the end with plenty of windows looking out over the valley makes this is a place that you can call home and relax. For an alternative, check with us about a floor plan with the great room in the center and no hallway for even more space. Upgrade the front door to a decorative door with sidelights for that cozy entrance. Another available upgrade - a vaulted ceiling with triangular windows on the gable end if preferred.

36x50 Turn-Key Cabin - 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom cabin with an 8'x48' porch on the side and 1404 sq ft of living space. Includes spacious 9' tall ceilings and 5" pitch roof on the exterior.
Homesteader 2850-A3 Price $179,950 Additional back lean-to is available for this model if you want to add another bedroom, office space, den, or extend your Great Room.
12x20 enclosed w/ 12x28 Porch space, total size equals a 12x48: price $43,950
Add a gable over the enclosed end of the lean-to: Upgrade Price $2000.

X. The Cherokee "A" - Soaring ceilings, Indoor balcony, lots of Natural Light; This home is a decided upgrade from both the Homesteader and the Laramie. Wider than the Homesteader, and with huge soaring ceilings of over 20' high in the center, you will feel as if there is enough room to fly a kite! An exposed stairway very similar to that of the Laramie leads the way to the balcony overlooking the Great Room. This is a home large enough to accommodate all your friends and relatives, And if you need more space, we can always add our back lean-to option and give you that space you need. And then there is that large, unfinished attic, plenty of space to put to use for a den, or extra bedrooms. This home will satisfy the needs of a growing family. Includes:

38x50 Turn Key Cabin - 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom cabin with an 8'x48' porch on the side, and approx. 1650 sq ft of living space on the inside. It includes huge, spacious ceilings in the great room, 8.5" roof pitch, large trap windows on the gable, large reverse gable with trap windows for extra light, and exposed stairway going to large indoor balcony overlooking the spacious Great Room. Unfinished attic space behind the indoor balcony.
Cherokee 3050-A1 Price $269,950 Additional back lean-to is available for this model if you want to add another bedroom, office space, den, or extend your Great Room.
12x20 enclosed w/12x28 porch space for a total size of 12x48: price $43,950.
Add a gable over the enclosed end of the lean-to: Upgrade Price $2000.

XI. The Cherokee "B" - 2-story, huge, authentic cabin, & so many extras! This home includes many of the same features that the Cherokee "A" has, but so much more, including three large gable dormers, and large flat dormer on the back. This home is two stories, with two large bedrooms, and one Jack & Jill bathroom, all of this finished out completely on the second floor behind the indoor balcony. And the second floor has more room than is accounted for, since codes do not allow us to consider all of the vaulted second floor as square footage. Still not big enough for you, we can add our back lean-to to give you that extra bit of space that you still need. Or we can do 8' ceilings throughout the entire downstairs and give you a full upstairs. This is the largest modular home that we offer, and it will impress.

38x50 Turn Key Cabin - 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom cabin with an 8'x48' porch on the side, and approx. 2200 sq ft of living space. The Cherokee “B” includes huge spacious ceilings, 8.5" roof pitch, three gable dormers on the front, and a large flat dormer on the back for second floor ceiling height. Also includes a second floor, with stairs behind the hall bathroom, on the one end of the house with up to the indoor balcony.
Cherokee 3050-B2 Price $349,950 Additional back lean-to is available for this model if you want to add another bedroom, office space, den, or extend your great room.
• 12x20 enclosed w/ 12x28 porch space for a total size of 12x48:
Price $43,950. Add a gable over the enclosed end of the lean-to: Upgrade price $2000.

Additional custom Cherokee options - Among the numerous custom options for the Cherokee, is the Cherokee Value Plan. This includes a full upstairs, with 8' tall ceilings throughout in the first floor. With two large flat dormers on the back, this is a full-scale home, with over 2500 sq ft, and that is before adding the additional back lean-to, if desired. With the Cherokee, the options are many.

Process Specifics

A set of custom drawings for your house is available once you make your 1st payment. Here is our standard payment process: if you have a bank loan, we have options to accommodate draw requirements they might have.

25% Down Payment
25% Due when Structure is Framed and Roofed
25% Due upon Completion of Structure
25% Due on Delivery and Setup

Building a home can look like a large, daunting project, but it doesn't need to be this way. Choose from our popular and proven floor plans, color combos, and interior themes to create your custom home, and we will handle the rest for you.

Questions About Trailhead Cabins

Here are some common questions that Trailhead Cabins customers ask about our modular homes. Check them out and see if any of them are applicable to your situation and questions.

Q: Is delivery and setup included?
A: Yes, Trailhead Cabins provides the delivery and setup free on all sites located within 75 miles of Hopkinsville, KY. For outside of that range, delivery and setup fees may apply. Please ask your sales representative for a quote.

Q: Are the foundations included with Trailhead Cabins?
A: No, the foundations are not included, but we offer that service for our clients and can provide you a price for your foundation, to help you avoid the hassle of hiring another contractor. If the foundations are located farther than 100 miles from us, it might save you money to find a local contractor. If you hire your own contractor, we will provide you with the drawings and specs they will need to build the foundation.

Q: How does Trailhead Cabins deliver and set up their homes?
A: The Modular Homes are transported with a semi-tractor on a large trailer. Once we arrive to your site, we use heavy equipment to maneuver the sections to be craned onto the foundation. Depending on the situation, we may opt to roll the Home onto the foundation.

Q: Do you have any homes on your lot that we can buy?
A: We primarily build custom homes to order. This means that you can customize one of our many floor plans to fit your need perfectly. Once you make a down payment, the design process is started. Please refer to our Client Path for more information of what to expect throughout this process.

Q: How long does the Building Process take in the factory?
A: Most of the time we stay booked out about 6-8 months. This can vary, but once you make a down payment, we can provide you a Build Date. That is the date that your home will be complete, and ready to ship. At that time, we will schedule a delivery date with you, normally about within about two weeks, weather permitting. Please check with your Sales Representative for current lead times.

Q: What are your Financing Options?
A: Since our Modular Homes are code-approved, and we have complete sets of engineered drawings, bank financing is a good option. Most of our clients opt to work with their local bank, whom they know and trust, but if you need financing, please contact Trailhead Cabins for a list of banks that we regularly work with. We are often involved in the loan process, providing drawings and other documents that your Bank will need. We want to make your loan experience as simple as possible.

Q: Do I need to visit the Trailhead Cabins office to order my home?
A: No, Trailhead Cabins can take your order over the phone. We regularly work with our clients via phone and email. We do, however, encourage you to visit us prior to the beginning of construction to confirm the physical color samples and choices you make and see a hands-on color sample, since catalog pictures are representative only.

Conclusion

Modular homes also provide many opportunities for customization, greatly increasing your owner satisfaction. Also the adherence to local building codes provides a normal home ownership experience and means that you will have a much safer home for years to come.

And with setup only requiring 3 days from Trailhead Cabins, you can’t go wrong with our modular homes!

Check out all the Modular Home options at Trailhead Cabins today!