as we near the decisions on a retirement location and home we've considered a "kit" house and found a nice-looking (at least on their website one: imaginekithomes.com
HOWEVER, when I found one I liked of the size I wanted, the kit, with the things I wanted included, was $245k. That was JUST the kit. There were all kinds of "things not included":
This is my research from May, 2023.
Things not included (from their website)
Items Not Included – All Forms of Labor. Electrical Components. Plumbing Components. Kitchens & Bathrooms Internal & External Stairs, Balustrades. Any Personal Choice Items such as Flooring, Window Coverings, Paint – as well as any additional items not listed in the “Inclusions”
And this from their website FAQ:
How much will the total price of my home be?
As a guide, if you double the kit price plus 10% it will give you an indication of the total cost. Our costs are for the manufacturing and supply of the frame for your home. Your budget will determine the contractors and materials you can use which affects the total cost of the constructed home.
With that the cost of the kit ($244,092) * 2 + 10% = $537,002 JUST for the house if we used that particular kit.
There is still site prep and cost of property to be considered.
So even the kit houses are pretty darn expensive, IMO.