Modular Housing: An Introduction to a Smarter Way to Build
By Noah Topp, Business Development Manager, Nexus Modular.
*This article was originally published in the fall 2025 edition of The Key magazine.
Modular housing is changing the way homes are built across British Columbia. They have come a long way from the mobile homes and trailers of yesteryear; with modern modular homes being fully code-compliant, energy-efficient, high-quality dwellings, manufactured in climate-controlled facilities. They meet the same (and often higher) building and energy standards as traditional site-built homes and are designed for year-round living.
The demand for affordable, efficient, and quickly deployable housing has brought modular solutions into the spotlight, and modular builders across BC are leading the charge.
While modular construction currently represents about 4-5 per cent of new housing builds in British Columbia (according to Modular BC), that share is growing rapidly. New zoning legislation has opened the door for backyard suites, houseplexes, and multi-unit developments, all areas where modular excels.
Modular builders are paving the way in this space, focusing on purpose-built construction—from rental garden suites and apartments to full-scale family residences. Modules are built off-site to exacting standards, then delivered and installed in a fraction of the time traditional construction requires.
There’s a prevalent misconception that modular homes are low-quality or “cookie-cutter” in design, but modular builders in the industry are working hard to change that narrative. Many modular homes use premium materials, meet BC Building Code and Energy Code standards, and are designed to blend seamlessly into existing neighborhoods.
Another myth is that modular homes can’t be customized—but this isn’t necessarily the case. Many modular builders have the capacity, and desire, to build bespoke modules! These modules are done custom specifically for the client, and offer flexible floor plans, customized aesthetics, and high-end finishes tailored to client needs.
The Benefits of Modular Housing
Rental Income
One of the most appealing uses of modular housing is the creation of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)—also known as garden suites. These units are ideal for long-term renters, aging parents, or adult children, and they comply with municipal zoning bylaws across many BC municipalities.
With the rising cost of living and growing demand for affordable rental stock, a modular garden suite can quickly become a smart financial asset for property owners, with the average monthly rent for a garden suite in BC being between $1,500-$2,500 per month.
Increased Property Value
Installing a modular home or suite on your property, whether as an ADU or primary residence, can substantially increase resale value. It is easy to find modular homes that are built to last, are fully code-compliant, and are attractive to buyers looking for multi-generational living or rental potential.
Because many modular builders take care to match architectural details and finishes to the surrounding home or neighborhood, the result feels like an intentional extension of the property, not an afterthought.
Minimal Neighborhood Disruption
Modular construction drastically reduces on-site noise, traffic (both foot and vehicle), and general disruption. Modular builds are often completed to a near-turnkey state in climate-controlled facilities where they undergo constant quality control without unnecessary exposure to weather delays or construction site chaos.
Site work is often limited to site services and foundation preparation, typically lasting only a few weeks. This is a major benefit for homeowners living on-site or in densely populated residential areas where traditional construction might be too invasive or disruptive.
No Compromise in Quality
Many upscale modular builds are now indistinguishable in quality and appearance from site-built houses. In fact, the factory-controlled environment can result in better build quality due to stricter oversight and minimized exposure to moisture and seasonal elements.
Modern modular builders can meet or exceed BC Energy Step-Code and BC Building Code requirements, with review from a structural engineer and energy consultant being a standard part of every build. Homeowners can expect beautiful, durable structures built to last decades.
Customizable Design
While modular often evokes images of rigid, mass-produced layouts, there are often many options for customization. Homeowners can choose from a variety of floor plans, layouts, exterior styles, and interior finishes. Many modular builders can even design/build something completely custom for the client, working to ensure the design meets both functional needs and aesthetic preferences.
Cost Efficiency
Because construction happens in a controlled environment, there are fewer delays, change orders, and material costs are managed more efficiently.
While finished costs vary depending on size and customization, savings can be significant. Compared to traditional construction, time, labour, and material cost reductions associated with modular building can represent savings in double-digit percentages.
Speed (Efficiency & No Weather Delays)
One of the strongest selling points of modular construction is the build timeline. While traditional homes may take 8 to 18 months to complete, modular builders can deliver a completed garden suite or single-family home in a fraction of that time. Often measured in weeks, not months, from start to finish.
Factory construction happens alongside site prep, meaning the overall project moves much faster, and with fewer scheduling surprises due to rain, snow, or trade availability.
Reduced Waste
Modular building naturally lends itself to sustainability. Materials are used more efficiently, off-cuts are recycled, and there’s less risk of weather damage during construction. These factors lead to a considerable reduction in construction waste, reducing the environmental footprint when compared to traditional builds.
This lower environmental footprint is particularly important in British Columbia, where eco-conscious development is a growing community priority.
Permitting, Planning, and Municipal Collaboration
Building modular housing in British Columbia still requires a thorough understanding of local zoning, permitting, and utility connection requirements. Each municipality has slightly different rules for garden suites and primary/secondary dwellings. Luckily, modular builds constructed to CSA A277 standards should be allowed in every municipality in BC.
Many modular builders will offer clients full support throughout the permitting process, including site assessments, design adjustments, permit submissions, and inspections. Helping homeowners benefit from reduced paperwork and quicker approvals.
Modular builders work not only with individual homeowners but also with developers, municipalities, and non-profits. Their teams are well-versed in multi-unit developments and pilot programs designed to address the housing crisis.
As British Columbia continues to encourage infill development and gentle density, modular construction companies are poised to become valuable partners for local governments seeking rapid, sustainable housing stock.
Looking Ahead
There is no doubt that modular housing will play an increasingly important role in meeting the housing needs of British Columbian’s (and Canadian’s as a whole) over the coming years. As modular building practices continue to grow and evolve, legislation favours efficiency and affordability, and local municipalities continue to see the benefits of modular housing in their communities, it will only be a matter of time until modular building is commonplace.
Modular housing is no longer a fringe solution—it’s becoming a mainstream answer to BC’s housing crisis.
From financial benefits like rental income and increased property value to practical ones like build speed, quality, and sustainability, modular construction checks all the boxes for modern homeowners. As zoning laws shift and municipalities embrace new forms of housing, those looking to add value, flexibility, and livability to their properties would do well to consider the modular path.
Nexus Modular is a Vancouver Island-based Modular builder delivering innovative, award-winning modular building solutions. With decades of experience, the team works closely with clients, designers, and engineers to create beautiful, unique, long-lasting projects. Committed to supporting local economies, Nexus Modular sources materials from Canadian suppliers and partners with trades across Vancouver Island. From pre-construction planning to project management, Nexus builds smarter—right here at home in British Columbia.
Learn more at www.NexusModular.ca or contact Noah Topp at Noah@NexusModular.ca