Let’s cut through the noise. Everybody wants to know: what’s it going to cost me to build a tiny home or ADU? You’ll see “tiny house kits” online for a fraction of the price of a custom build, and modular ADUs advertised as drop-in ready. It looks like a bargain — until you understand what you’re actually paying for.
Here’s the key distinction: not all prefab is created equal. Trailer Made and The Tiny House Experts are a licensed modular manufacturer in Colorado. That means our ADUs and tiny homes are code-approved, engineered, and built to last. But there’s another side of prefab — the bargain kits and flat-pack units you’ll see online. Those are cheap up front, but they’re not engineered for long-term living, highway travel, or compliance with state housing codes.
The real choice isn’t prefab vs. custom. It’s cheap prefab kits versus engineered modular ADUs on custom trailers.
Modular ADUs: Why They Look Cheaper
Modular ADUs are built off-site, trucked in, and set on your lot. For the right buyer, they can be a quick solution. You’ll see prices under $50,000, sometimes even less for stripped-down models.
But what nobody tells you is this: the trailers under those units are almost always generic. They’re not engineered for long-term living loads, highway travel, or decades of stability. Steel is thinner, axles are lighter, and welds aren’t built for the stresses tiny homes actually endure.
That’s why modular can advertise as “cheap.” They save money by cutting corners on the foundation. And when the trailer starts to flex, crack, or sag, the rest of the home goes with it.
Engineered Modular ADUs: Prefab Done Right
A Trailer Made Custom Trailer is not an afterthought — it’s the backbone. Every beam, weld, and axle is engineered specifically for tiny homes and ADUs. These aren’t repurposed RV frames.
When you pair our custom trailers with our licensed modular builds, you get the best of both worlds:
- Factory precision and efficiency.
- Code-approved modular certification in Colorado.
- Frames engineered to last 30+ years with proper care.
- Long-term value, stability, and resale potential.
Yes, you’ll invest more upfront — $10,000–$20,000 depending on size and specs. But you’re paying for decades of reliability, not a short-term shortcut.
The Hidden Costs Nobody Talks About
That $40,000 prefab ADU kit? By the time you add:
- $3,000 for shipping and crane setup,
- $1,500 reinforcing the undercarriage,
- $4,000 in early repairs or adjustments…
You’re already over $50,000, and you still don’t have a code-approved, engineered foundation. Compare that to starting with a Trailer Made Custom Trailer — no surprises, no patchwork fixes, just a foundation you can trust.
Why ADU Builders Choose Trailer Made
Experienced ADU builder know the truth: the trailer is the backbone of the home. Skimp there, and the whole project fails. That’s why Trailer Made is the go-to ADU builder foundation partner — we’ve guided hundreds of successful builds across the country, helping clients avoid costly mistakes and ensuring their modular homes meet state housing codes.
Bottom Line: Investment vs. Expense
- Cheap prefab kits are marketed as “affordable,” but often end up being disposable.
- Engineered modular ADUs with Trailer Made Custom Trailers cost more up front, but deliver decades of value, safety, and code compliance.
The smart choice isn’t the cheapest sticker price. It’s the foundation that holds up for life.
👉 Ready to build an ADU or tiny home that lasts? Start with Trailer Made Custom Trailers — the trusted modular manufacturer and ADU builder in Colorado.
FAQs
1. Are tiny homes prefab?
Yes. All tiny homes are prefabricated in some capacity. The difference is whether they’re built as cheap kits or engineered modular units that meet code.
2. What kind of trailer is best for a tiny home?
An engineered custom trailer designed specifically for tiny homes and ADUs — like the ones built by Trailer Made.
3. How much does a custom trailer cost?
Most range between $10,000–$20,000 depending on size and specs.
4. What’s the lifespan of a modular ADU on a custom trailer?
30+ years with proper care. Cheap prefab frames may only last 7–10.
5. Why choose Trailer Made over a prefab kit?
Because we’re a licensed modular manufacturer, not a kit reseller. Our trailers and homes are engineered, stamped, and built to code.