Unparalleled Innovation in Modular Housing

Modular housing refers to structures built using a process in which a building is constructed off-site, under controlled plant conditions, using the same materials and designing to the same codes and standards as conventionally built facilities – but in about half the time. Buildings are produced in “modules” that, when put together on-site, reflect the identical design intent and specifications of the most sophisticated site-built facility – without compromise.

No. ARCbuild is not a mobile home company. An ARCbuild housing unit is a factory-built, steel modular home manufacturer producing a product very similar to a traditional real estate property meeting all state codes. Our housing sits on an installed concrete foundation, we use durable, high-quality construction materials, and we have permanently connected utilities. Unlike mobile homes, which do not have permanent foundations, they use fewer durable materials and, as such, depreciate in value over time. Modular homes appreciate in value over time.

No. ARCbuild housing is not manufactured homes. Our housing is prefabricated, steel modular units that can be permanently attached to a permanent foundation, making it real property that appreciates like any other real estate. Manufactured homes typically have no foundation and have a chassis permanently attached to their base so they can be moved in the future. Manufactured homes depreciate in value.

“Prefab” is a term used with a wide variety of meanings, so the answer depends on what you mean. ARCbuild Homes are not prefabricated kits of parts assembled on-site, which some people call prefab. ARCbuild housing is not mobile homes or manufactured homes. Our housing is permanent, modular structures using advanced engineering to meet or exceed local building code requirements. ARCbuild housing is built using our patented modules, which offer several advantages over any other building method.

No. Shipping containers are very poorly suited for residential construction. Among the reasons is that shipping containers are engineered around the assumption of metal walls being part of the structure. Remove the walls, which are required for windows, and allow realistic floor plans (you probably don’t want to live in 8’ wide rooms with almost no windows), and the structural integrity goes away. Shipping containers are also extensively treated to work for years in an ocean environment, which means large amounts of hazardous materials must be stripped away before they are suited to residential living. This is not cost effective or environmentally wise.

ARCbuild homes are among the most sustainable products on the market. They are built with sustainable materials (no wood) and designed to integrate with a full suite of clean technology, allowing them to be fully grid-independent (water, sewer, and power). This makes remote locations and disaster recovery housing possible.

ARCbuild redefines how homes and other types of housing structures are constructed by building faster, cheaper, and sustainably by integrating grid-independent, clean power generation, and clean water system technology into the underlying infrastructure. Given our factory-built, steel modular approach, each housing unit is highly configurable in one or two stories. We build high-quality and disaster-resistant structures, which are California building code compliant, in our assembly facilities in Mexico. This innovative building process allows for tighter control during construction, as well as reduced costs and waste. Our modules come with insulated structural wall panels, roof, plumbing and electrical systems, windows, doors, cabinets, and various finishes, which significantly reduces construction time on-site. An ARCbuild home can be built and delivered in less than 90 days.

Unlike traditional construction companies that build housing on-site, ARCbuild housing is constructed in a factory using prefabricated components and is partially assembled. The entire structure is shipped partially assembled and delivered to the site ready for rapid assembly, leaving only minor installation and connections on site. Our sustainable, carbon-negative housing is assembled significantly faster and more efficiently than conventional homes. ARCbuild’s off-site construction strategy shortens build time, resulting in significant savings. In certain instances, kitchen and bath elements can be completed in a sub-assembly facility closer to the unit’s final location. (ARCbuild offers local job training programs to help reduce costs and provide job opportunities for the local labor force.) A major value proposition resulting from this innovative process is improved control of the project. Typical delays resulting from weather, lack of skilled labor, or availability of materials all disappear. For example, framing requires multiple inspections before it can advance to the next stage. This process relies on the availability of the inspector, remedial construction for non-compliance, and the payment of inspection fees. Modular building allows each frame to be inspected and approved at the factory, shipped to the jobsite, and assembled, further reducing the number of third-party inspections. Inspections are focused on the connections of the steel frames to one another, allowing for the next step in the process to occur quickly. Additionally, ARCbuild is set apart from the competition by offering the only true grid-independent housing. Our integrated, clean technology delivers state-of-the-art power generation and clean water recycling into the underlying infrastructure. By reducing the environmental impact and creating affordable, sustainable housing, ARCbuild projects are not subject to the delays associated with permissions and entitlements that often derail projects.

No. ARCbuild uses the term “housing units” to describe our product line. Based on the unique nature of our cost-effective manufacturing process, the materials we use, our strategic partnerships, and how our units assemble, we are able to meet a broad range of requirements. Our buildings range from traditional style Homes, Emergency Shelters, ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units), Tiny Homes, Hotels, Mixed Use Hospitality, Villas, Camps, Employee Housing, and Affordable Residential Communities. Our buildings range in size from as little as 160 SF to 3,500 SF and up. And while our housing can connect to standard infrastructure such as power, water, and sewer, integration of our clean technology allows us to build grid-independent structures that generate power and recycle gray and blackwater water for true sustainability.

ARCbuild offers the most advanced clean technology solutions offered by the most innovative companies across the globe. Taking a “Swiss army knife approach” allows customers to choose their clean technology systems. This enables ARCbuild to produce homes in any remote location and under all market conditions, resulting in net zero homes at a fraction of the traditional cost. Our clean tech has been tightly integrated into the underlying infrastructure of our housing units to deliver true, grid independence. Our advanced wastewater system recycles gray and blackwater, reducing water consumption by 45% and reducing wastewater emissions by 50%. This reduces the carbon footprint, saves energy, and uses water twice. Our grid-independent power system delivers close to a 40% reduction in power usage and allows our housing to run on 100% clean energy. Our solar-driven, passive battery backup can deliver off-grid power for months.

ARCbuild structures can be fully grid independent. Our integrated, clean technology delivers state-of-the-art power generation and both gray water and blackwater recycling into the underlying infrastructure. By reducing the environmental impact and creating affordable, sustainable housing, ARCbuild projects are not subject to the delays associated with permissions and entitlements that often derail projects.

Yes. ARCbuild has teamed up with several of the most innovative clean tech suppliers in the world to deliver full “grid independence” with respect to power, water, and sewage. We offer solar-driven, passive, battery back-up that can deliver off-grid power for months.

Our structures will meet and/ or exceed current energy codes. Our product has the ability to continuously improve for better energy code compliance via ongoing product design control.

Our housing units are comprised of individual modules which are assembled to create our finished product. Our standard module measures 8 feet wide by 20 feet long, resulting in a 160 square foot module. Our finished housing units are named after the number of modules used to assemble each. For example, our 960-square-foot housing unit comprises 6 modules and is designated as a “P6.” Module height can vary from 8-10 feet, measured from floor beams to ceiling.

Our product works with all standard concrete foundation types: slab, footing, perimeter foundation, to cinder. Additionally, in keeping with our commitment to innovation, ARCbuild was one of the first companies in the U.S. to deploy a prefabricated foundation system and receive STET Compliance.

Yes, to both. ARCbuild partners with local developers and local governments to build traditional style Homes, Emergency Shelters, ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units), Tiny Homes, Villas, Camps, Employee Housing, and Affordable Residential Communities. Our buildings range in size from as little as 160 SF to 3,500 SF and up. And while our housing can connect to standard infrastructure such as power, water, and sewer, integration of our clean technology allows us to build grid-independent structures that generate power and recycle gray water and blackwater for true sustainability. Based on the nature of prefabricated, modular construction, the quality of our housing units is substantially higher than in typical homes.

ARCbuild will allow for some customization. We suggest you think of our approach like you would think about ordering a car – you can change the colors and some of the options, but you can’t change the wheelbase or the location of the engine. Here are some general rules: 1. We ask that you work with our existing set of floor plans 2. Once you find a plan that works, we can work with you to discuss what can be modified. We will provide a detailed fit-out sheet that describes the standard options in your home. Most customizations will involve finishes, flooring, fixtures, windows doors, and appliances. ‍3. Kitchen and bathroom locations and layouts cannot be changed in terms of location.

Yes, although we prefer not to complete one-off projects as these often require that we bypass our proven design and manufacturing process. Detached accessory dwelling units (ADU) range from 160 SF to 1,600 SF.

It depends on whether the building is a single- or two-story structure. Our single-story structures have a standard ceiling height of 8 feet to 9 feet. Two-story structures have the same range of 8 feet to 9 feet for both floors.

No. ARCbuild can provide the architectural and structural drawings necessary to get your structure permitted and approved by the local jurisdiction having authority.

ARCbuild offers 8 configurations. Custom configurations are available for larger projects.

ARCbuild housing currently supports two stories with engineering and design plans underway for a third in the near future.

Yes. Our structural integrity is unique in its ability to handles earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes as a result of our unibody structural system. And since our structures are non-wood, they are rated as fire defensible.

With the exception of some extreme climates, such as during a hurricane, tornado and volcanic eruption, ARC Build homes can be installed in any climate. Modular homes can be installed in any season as well. The quickness to time of installation and set up for the homes is one of the best reasons to purchase an ARCbuild home.

Each build has four phases: design and architecture, assembly, shipping, and installation. The design and architecture phase, during which structural drawings are completed, typically takes 1 to 2 weeks. Assembly can range from 1-2 weeks as well. Shipping is based in large part on location and can take from 1-4 weeks. The final installation phase ranges from 4-7 days. These timelines can be impacted by local permitting and inspections, any required site preparation, and the complexity of finishes. In highly regulated areas, like those needing coastal commission review, you can expect a longer approval process. In addition to assuring the highest quality and safety of our finished product, our objective is to coordinate all activities from project launch to finish in as timely a manner as possible. Typically, this will range between 4-5 months.

Depending on the size, complexity, and finish of the structure, ARCbuild housing can typically be quickly assembled on-site by a team of 4 – this should be seen as a rule of thumb. There are three options in for on-site installation. The first is to have ARCbuild to complete the work. The second is for ARCbuild to train an on-site team of your choosing. Once trained, the team can assemble an unlimited number of our housing units. The third is for ARCbuild to supervise an on-site team of your choosing. As part of our ongoing efforts to support local communities, ARCbuild offers local job training programs to help reduce costs and to provide job opportunities for the local labor force.

A building constructed using modular building process methods will last as long (if not longer than) a traditional site-built structure. Again, the building is constructed to the same building codes and must meet the same wind, snow, and seismic conditions.

Standard housing and building permits remain the same. One notable difference is that most of the construction inspections and approvals occurring at the factory. Later process inspections of the actual installation of the modules occur on site.

No. Davis-Bacon rates and state prevailing wages laws typically are limited to the work performed “at the site.” By definition, work done in a modular factory is “off-site.” That said, there are many considerations and nuances to understand about the applicability of prevailing wages. Often state laws vary on this subject, so when in doubt, seek a legal opinion.

ARCbuild maintains primary assembly facilities in Mexico, with plans for additional facilities underway Thanks to our proprietary manufacturing and assembly processes, and unlike other companies, our prefabricated, modular housing does not require a complex factory environment to produce our product at scale, saving time and money.

ARCbuild housing units are shipped across the U.S. and worldwide from Mexico over land via flatbed trucks or, when required, in standard shipping containers by sea. We can ship “Ikea-type” components, or our modules can arrive on-site partially assembled.

No. However, we are happy to recommend and work with a landscape architect so that the design of decks, hardscape and softscape can be coordinated. This is actually our preferred approach because everything can be envisioned as a unified whole.

Costs will vary based on the model and size of the structure, the clean tech options selected, the final finish, and specific site conditions. For additional details, contact your ARCbuild Representative.

Base pricing includes the steel frame structure, exterior wall panels, rough electrical, rough plumbing, window rough openings, and door rough openings. Finished pricing includes builder’s grade fixtures inclusive of, but not exclusive to appliances, lighting, windows, doors, plumbing fixtures, interior finish, and exterior finish. Essentially, the housing unit is ready for occupancy. All site prep, foundation, shipping and logistics, land, furnishing, and upgraded finishes are the responsibility of the customer. A complete Bill of Materials is provided as part of the final pricing and attached to the Sales Agreement.

Yes. You can purchase a standard homeowners insurance policy to protect your investment. Because there aren’t any specific insurance risks for modular homes, the coverages are the same as those for a traditional home.

ARCbuild has built over 14 prototypes in California and two showcases in Baja California, Mexico. Visits can be scheduled upon request.

ARCbuild has plans underway for several types of affordable residential communities in 2025. Working with our partners in clean tech, we are pushing the envelope and plan to build game-changing, sustainable communities.

We offer a one-year workmanship and labor warranty on all projects in the US.

If history is any indication, we will see a significant shift towards modular and off-site construction techniques over the next five years as greater numbers of the skilled labor force retire. The construction industry will (and must) evolve into a more industrialized and automated process – it’s just inevitable. Every major industry has undergone this same transformation. The construction industry is the last holdout while clinging to a lost cause. The companies that build modular now and build it into their strategic plans will be more successful sooner. In North America, the movement has begun. We are seeing some large general contractors and developers establish partnerships with modular manufacturers like ARCbuild.