[kortex]

Also, we already have a cheap prefab solution which is optimized for house construction: modular homes aka trailers. They don't have the best reputation.

Home built with portable modular 8'x40' boxes made of wood: trashy.

Home built with portable modular 8'x40' boxes made of corrugated steel: trendy.

[throwaway984393]

We definitely don't talk about this enough. Trailer homes can be half the cost of a tiny home, but nobody wants them because of their reputation or appearance.

[Karunamon]

I've found the hard way that the reputation is entirely justified.

- Low quality materials (thinner walls, shittier insulation, etc.)

- Off-standard measurements make replacements difficult (everything from doorways to vent sizes are unique to mobiles)

- Both of these problems conspire to make inevitable repairs more expensive than they otherwise would be

- With the result that finding handymen to do work for you is challenging. A number of people simply refuse to work on them.

- Financing options suck (banks often won't finance them, leaving you to specialty lenders with downright extortionate terms)

- Trailer parks suck. (And also have a reputation that is not entirely undeserved)

They're cheap alright, but the truism "you get what you pay for" applies. I'd never buy a mobile home again, not even brand new.