A prefabricated or manufactured house is different from a conventional one not only in its manufacturing process but also in terms of price. Learn more about the prices of prefabricated homes in Quebec to make the right choice.
Some bungalow-style prefabricated houses can cost $150,000, while some cottage models can cost around $200,000. More luxurious models can cost up to $300,000 or more, depending on the quality of finishes chosen.
What are the different styles of prefabricated homes?
When you start looking for prefabricated house models, you’ll find that there are many choices available in completely different styles.
In fact, builders have created a variety of designs and styles to appeal to as many buyers as possible. Prices vary from one style to another.
The styles and types of prefabricated houses that are available are:
- Bungalow
- Cottage
- House with cathedral ceiling
- Cottage
- Country house
- Modern 2-storey house
- Luxury house
What style and model do you think would be perfect for you? Feel free to discuss it with one of our partners to help you with your project.
What is the starting price for a prefabricated house?
Before we talk about entry-level prices for turnkey prefabricated homes, you should know that the final price of your home may vary depending on:
- The city you live in
- The cost of your land and the necessary installations
- The time of year your prefabricated home will be assembled
- The interior finishes
- Method of purchase you choose for your prefabricated home
Here are a few examples that will give you a good idea of the current prices for turnkey prefabricated homes in Quebec.
Economy models: Buying an economy model at the lowest price for a manufactured home will cost you about $110,000. At this price, your modular home will have 2 bedrooms.
Although we are talking about an economy model, don’t think that these houses are of poor quality or that the design is not beautiful and practical. The insulation and waterproofing are optimal, and you can have an open concept house with an island in the kitchen, for example.
Single-storey: The entry-level price for a turnkey single-storey prefabricated home is between $125,000 and $130,000.
However, as mentioned earlier, the purchase price can go up depending on certain factors. For example, it is not uncommon to find prefabricated home models priced in the $150,000 range for the plans offered by the manufacturer.
The bottom line is that the Quebec manufactured housing industry offers a wide range of products to suit the needs and budgets of consumers, from budget packages to high-end homes.
It’s also important to remember that it’s not all about price and that there are many other advantages to buying a manufactured home in Quebec:
Following deadlines: It’s simple. The temperature does not delay the manufacture of your prefabricated house because it is built in pieces indoors.
Personalized service: You can choose a pre-engineered house model and then have the plan modified according to your tastes. You choose the materials and colors yourself and you can watch your house being built in the factory.
Product quality: Some of the advanced technologies used in prefabricated homes allow for higher precision and quality.
Here is a table showing you the starting price AND inclusions for a 2-bedroom prefabricated BUNGALOW under $300,000.
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1 bathroom Modifications on request according to your needs |
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1 bathroom Garage Laundry room |
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1 bathroom |
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Layout of the area according to your needs. |
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2 bedrooms 1 bathroom Laundry room The latest technology for energy efficiency | ||
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1 bathroom Choice of siding and kitchen |
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2 bedrooms 1 bathroom Structure Interior/exterior finishes Kitchen/bathroom cabinets Electrical/plumbing/ventilation modules Balcony Doors and windows Delivery (transport and crane) |
Electricity, plumbing, ventilation Basement finishing Excavation, foundation Decorations Joints, painting, etc…. |
All you need to know about BONNEVILLE prefabricated homes
onneville homes are certainly the first to come to mind and are among the most popular prefabricated homes. In Quebec, Bonneville homes have been known for quality for over 25 years.
What types of properties does Bonneville offer?
- The SINGLE-STOREY series
- The COTTAGE series
- The NATURE series
- The URBAN series
- The PURE series
- The TRADITIONAL CHALETS series
- MICRO-LOFT series
- The MODULAR LOFT series
Refer to the table below to see the different prices and series offered:
Property type | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
Starting price | $175,000-$300,000 | $250,000- | $325,000- | $400,000- | $475,000- | $550,000- |
Single-Storey series | X | X | X | X | X | X |
Cottage Series | X | X | X | |||
Nature Series | X | X | ||||
Urban |
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X | X | X | ||
Pure Series | ||||||
Traditional Chalet Series | X | X | X | X | X | |
Microloft series | X | X | X | |||
Modular Loft Series | X | X |
Fully-customizable homes
At Bonneville Homes, the price variations in the different levels can be explained by the fact that the homes are ENTIRELY CUSTOMIZABLE according to your needs.
Indeed, the dimensions, the choice of materials, and more can be modified according to your preferences.
Example of quotes for prefabricated homes
There are dozens, if not hundreds, of models of prefabricated homes in Quebec. Prices vary greatly from one model to another, but in order to give you an idea of the price you can expect to pay in 2024, we have obtained a quote from one of Quebec’s prefabricated home builders.
You will find here a comprehensive quote for a 2-storey cottage style house with a 25 by 33 feet square floor area. Please note that this quote is for information purposes only, and that no price guarantee is offered. If you wish to obtain more details, please fill out our free form below.
Comprehensive Quote – Prefabricated Cottage 25 x 33
Basic home kit | $220,000 |
Framework | $30,000 |
Cabinetry | $11,000 |
Cranes | $4,500 |
Electrical connection | $2,000 |
Plumbing fittings | $6,500 |
Joint drawing | $9,000 |
Painting (not included) | – |
Total Price | $283,000 |
** This quote is for information purposes only. No warranty offered. Get a personalized quote by filling out our form.
Is a prefabricated house cheaper than a constructed house on site?
Is a prefabricated house cheaper than a conventional house? The general answer is yes, and here are the reasons why:
Labour costs are lower. As Carole Thibaudeau points out in La Presse:
“A carpenter on the job site costs his contractor about $55 an hour compared to $25 in the factory for an experienced worker.”
The budget is followed to the letter. The price of your new prefabricated home is established at the beginning based tailored to your budget. Because of the controlled environment at the factory, the budget is followed. Contingencies such as bad weather or mistakes are virtually eliminated.
Volume savings are achieved because the manufacturer of your prefabricated house produces multiple homes that qualify for discounts from their suppliers.
The speed of execution of the work is superior in the factory, thanks to an efficient work organization and the use of advanced technologies.
Waste is reduced because of the automated process, materials are used to the maximum, with little waste produced compared to a house built on site.
Factors that influence the cost of a prefabricated home in Quebec
Several important elements have a direct impact on the price of a manufactured home. Among the most important factors are:
- House model
- Builder (profit margin)
- Area to be built
- Number of floors
- Presence of a cathedral ceiling
- Quality of interior finishes
- Price of wood at the time of construction
- Etc.
All of these factors will affect the final cost of your prefabricated home. Obviously, we recommend that you compare several quotes and take the time to speak with an expert.
What are the "ways to buy" a prefabricated home?
Did you know that there is more than one way to get the home of your dreams? Most companies offering prefabricated houses can offer you 3 “modes of acquisition”; as follows:
Self-build
Self-build is the most economical option of all! By taking complete charge of the installation of the house “kit”, you will be able to choose, manage, and pay your own subcontractors and take care of the finishing touches. Of course, if necessary, you will benefit from technical support and a quality inspector to assist and guide you in the realization of your project.
Shared Tasks
By taking part in the work, you could save BIG! You don’t have to do everything. Choose the work you want to delegate to professionals and those you can handle yourself! You could, for example, entrust the foundation work, the installation of the framework, and the insulation to professionals and do the other tasks. This way, you benefit from professional help and supervision while saving thousands of dollars!
Turnkey
If you have no knowledge or experience in construction or don’t have the time to self-build, you can choose a turnkey project. The big advantage of prefabricated homes is that professionals will be able to carry out your project from A to Z, thanks to their technical know-how. All you have to do is decorate and furnish your property as you see fit!
Here is a comparative table of the distribution of tasks according to the chosen acquisition method:
Category | Self-Build | Shared Tasks | Turnkey | |||
Materials provided | Installation | Materials provided | Installation | Materials provided | Installation | |
Carpentry | X | X | X | |||
Insulation |
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Ventilation/heating/air conditioning |
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Foundation |
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Plumbing/electrical |
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Masonry |
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Plastering |
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Paint |
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Floor coverings |
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Cabinets |
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Legend:
X: You have nothing to do
√: A task you might choose to do
Who are the biggest builders of prefabricated houses in Quebec?
There are many construction companies in the province but companies specializing in prefabricated houses are fewer in number.
Among the largest builders of prefabricated houses are:
- Laprise Houses
- Bonneville Industries
- Profab
- Master Builder Saint-Jacques
- Usinex
- Batitech
The industry also has several small players but the abovementioned companies dominate the market.
What is the cost of a crane to install a prefabricated house?
If you buy a prefabricated house, the structure of the building will be designed in the factory by the builder.
Subsequently, it is transported on platforms via trucks to the customer’s land. Generally, the cost of this transport is included in the purchase price.
However, upon arrival on site, the house often has to be lifted by crane to be placed on the foundations.
Based on usual bids for the cost of a crane, a budget of $4,500 is more than enough.
Tip: If you book the crane yourself, you could save big. Several clients have already obtained the services of a crane for their prefabricated house for $2,000.
The cost of the framework and site preparation for a prefabricated house
An important cost to plan for during a prefabricated house construction project is site preparation and framework.
How much does it cost to have the land prepared and the foundations built?
The cost of framework, foundation, and site preparation (12 hours of shoveling) is around $25,000-$30,000.
This includes the installation of an agricultural drain, a waterproofing membrane, and more.
How much are cabinets for prefabricated homes?
Depending on the model of home you choose, the budget and price of the base cabinets will vary.
How much do cabinets cost?
$10, 000-$12, 000 for a standard house
$15, 000-$20,000 for a luxury home
These are beautiful kitchens but made of standard materials that are economical in cost. If you want to do a high-end custom kitchen, you need to plan on doubling the expense.
How much does electrical work cost in a manufactured home?
The electrical connection for your manufactured home is done on site after it is installed on the foundation.
A master electrician will connect the electricity in the home.
The price of an electrical connection is approximately $1,750-$2,000.
This is the standard price included in most quotes. Shopping for your own electrician could potentially save you money.
How much does plumbing cost in a manufactured home?
Connections for the plumbing are done on site after the manufactured home is installed on the foundation.
A plumber will ensure that the water and wastewater are properly connected.
Plumbing is one of the biggest miscellaneous expenses, and the price will range from $5,500-$7,000.
It is important that plumbing works are done by a qualified plumber. Do not try to DIY the plumbing to save money because a water leak can cause a lot of damage.
What is the budget for grouting a two-story manufactured home?
Normally, prefabricated home builders will deliver the house to you once the joints have been pulled.
This leaves you with the painting and flooring stage. But how much does it cost to grout a two-story house?
The price for grouting a 2-storey house is approximately $8,000-10,000.
This does not include the joints in the basement. It is a good idea to shop around and compare quotes if you want to save money on this service.
Things you must check regarding the cost of your prefabricated home
Certain factors or requirements regarding the prefabricated house you want will dictate the final cost. When you sign a contract with a manufacturer, be sure to know the inclusions (what you are getting) and the exclusions (what extras you need to buy). Know what the manufacturer’s responsibilities are for labor and materials and what yours are.
Here is a list of important elements that can make all the difference:
- Land leveling
- The excavation
- The foundations
- The staircase outside the house
- The ventilation system
- Cabinets and counters
- PipeworkPlumbing
- Doors and windows (by the way, we recommend our article on the types and prices of doors and windows. )
Also establish clearly what the transport costs are, and if an additional amount will be charged to you in the event that your land is located more than X kilometers from the factory.
It is important to know these things to avoid unpleasant surprises regarding the final cost of your prefabricated house.
Get the best mortgage rate for a manufactured home
Many people make the mistake of going directly to their bank to apply for a mortgage.
Did you know that there are professionals who will work for you to get the best rate (and it won’t cost you a cent)?
That’s right! Mortgage brokers can help you find the lowest rates by comparing multiple lenders you can choose from. Unlike banks that grant you a loan directly, mortgage brokers put you in touch with the bank, credit union, or other financial institutions that can give you the best mortgage loan, depending on your situation.
Brokers don’t provide loans but guide and assist homebuyers in applying for a mortgage by giving them all of their options.
By using a mortgage broker, you will be able to compare the various possibilities offered by banks or private lenders so you can choose the best mortgage rate for a prefabricated house.
Find a good mortgage broker in Quebec fast and free of charge by using our short online form.
In Quebec, homebuyers can find various types of mortgage insurance contracts to protect their mortgage in the event of death.
The reason why these products are offered by banks is that the majority of Quebecers are not sufficiently insured, and it is better to be adequately covered even if it means paying a little more.
However, if you are one of those people who are always looking for the best deal and want to make sure you get the best product for the best price, know this:
Insurance experts recommend choosing term life insurance instead of bank mortgage insurance for your mortgage. Term life insurance gives you more benefits on top of mortgage protection.
Experts don’t remind bank mortgage insurance products because they are more expensive and pay the benefits directly to the lender. Your dependents will not receive any death benefits from the policy.
In contrast, term life insurance benefits will cover the mortgage balance and pay the excess benefits to your named beneficiaries.
Find out more about the benefits of life insurance for mortgage protection and get the best quotes by filling out the short form on this page.
What is the best home insurance for a prefabricated home?
The standard protections are essentially the same for a prefabricated home and a constructed home.
It is the additional guarantees that are likely to be different. Note, however, that the conditions may be different from one insurer to another.
If you opt for comprehensive home insurance, you’ll have the best protection as most risks are covered. However, some risks are usually excluded by insurers and will be specified in the policy.
You can enhance your coverage with additional protections to cover excluded risks but they will cost extra.
If you choose a named perils home insurance policy, you will select the risks you want to be covered for, such as
- Water damage (backflow, overflow, infiltration…)
- Fire, theft & vandalism…
- External impacts (tree, vehicle…)
- Bad weather: wind, storm, snow, hail, lightning…
- Explosion & smoke
Prefabricated homes are insured in the same way as conventional homes. The difference is the insurance requirements at the time of construction.
What is the price of home insurance for a manufactured home? This depends on several factors. Use the expertise of a professional to find the best solution for you!
Compare prices of prefabricated homes with free quotes
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