Modal Homes

Modal Homes, operating legally as Modal Living, Inc. and accessible via livemodal.com, is a modular housing construction firm headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. Founded in 2019, the company focuses on designing, manufacturing, and installing modern, prefabricated accessory dwelling units (ADUs), tiny homes, and compact modular housing structures.

Modal was established to address urban housing density, flexibility, and affordable housing challenges by offering streamlined, factory-built living spaces. Their structures serve various purposes, including backyard guest houses, home offices, rental properties, aging-in-place housing for family members, and vacation cabins.

Core Business Model and Turnkey Services

Modal operates as a full-service, end-to-end provider for modular accessory dwelling units. Their primary value proposition is delivering fully finished homes built off-site in controlled factory conditions, significantly minimizing traditional on-site construction delays, weather risks, and neighborhood disruptions.

1. Feasibility and Permitting Modal begins projects by evaluating property zoning, setbacks, utility access, and local regulations. The firm handles the administrative permitting process with local municipalities, which typically takes between two and four months depending on jurisdiction.

2. Off-Site Manufacturing The housing units are engineered and fabricated off-site inside a climate-controlled manufacturing facility. Homes are built in compliance with the International Building Code (IBC) rather than simple HUD or RV standards, ensuring structural durability, energy efficiency, and compliance with permanent residential building codes. Factory fabrication generally takes approximately two weeks.

3. On-Site Preparation and Installation While the unit is being manufactured, Modal coordinates the necessary foundation work (such as concrete slab or helical piers) and utility trenching on-site. The site work typically takes two to three days. Once completed, the unit is shipped via flatbed truck and craned into position on the property in a single day. Final hookups for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems are performed shortly thereafter.

Product Lineup and Floor Plans

Modal offers three core standardized models designed with a modern minimalist aesthetic. Architectural highlights include floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, flat roofs, black timber siding, birch-clad interior walls, and space-maximizing layouts.

Modal 00 (Studio) - Layout: Open studio floor plan with combined living, dining, and sleeping areas. - Footprint: Approximately 338 square feet. - Features: Full-size bathroom, kitchen efficiency layout, built-in storage solutions, and large glass windows. - Intended Use: Backyard home office, artist studio, short-term rental unit, or single-occupant housing.

Modal 01 (One-Bedroom) - Layout: Dedicated private bedroom, separate living room, kitchen, and bathroom. - Footprint: Approximately 432 square feet. - Features: Private bedroom partition, full kitchen with integrated appliances, space for full-sized furniture or space-saving wall-beds, and high-end bathroom fixtures. - Intended Use: Long-term rental unit, guest suite, or independent living unit for family members.

Modal 02 (Two-Bedroom) - Layout: Two independent bedrooms, central living space, kitchen, and bathroom. - Footprint: Approximately 567 square feet. - Features: Efficient layout maximizing sleeping capacity without sacrificing central living areas, suited for small families, co-living setups, or dual-office arrangements. - Intended Use: Compact primary dwelling, multi-person rental property, or multi-functional backyard unit.

Inclusions and Features

Modal delivers its units 100% finished upon arrival. Standard inclusions across all housing models encompass: - Architectural finishes: Birch plywood wall cladding, black tile accents, high-durability exterior cladding, and thermal double-pane glazing. - Built-in Cabinetry: Kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and integrated storage closets. - Appliances: Refrigerator, electric range/oven, dishwasher, and microwave. - Climate Control: Integrated ductless mini-split heating and air conditioning systems. - Complete Utilities: Pre-wired electrical panel, plumbing fixtures, and lighting. - Space-Saving Furniture Options: Optional partnerships with specialized furniture suppliers (e.g., transforming Murphy beds, desk-bed hybrids, and integrated storage sofas).

Geographic Reach and Market Focus

While headquartered in Utah and serving primary markets throughout the Intermountain West and Western United States, Modal accepts projects across the continental U.S. on a project-by-project basis depending on site access, local zoning regulations, and logistics feasibility.