Can factory-built homes put a dent in the housing shortage?

SALT LAKE CITY — America has a housing shortage of 3 million to 5 million housing units. Some companies are taking steps to combat this issue by manufacturing homes in factories.

Factory-built homes can potentially reduce production time and costs, making housing more affordable and accessible. Because of this, the option is growing in popularity.

Companies like ZenniHome and Stack Homes use indoor facilities and assembly lines to build smaller single-resident or single-family homes. The homes are then shipped to different states.

Building sustainably 

Factory-made homes are not only cheaper but better for the environment. According to both ZenniHome and Stack Homes, the units are built with sustainable products. 

Factory-built construction methods significantly reduce waste compared to traditional methods, which produce approximately 40% of landfill waste. Additionally, on-site construction has a greater output of carbon emissions. 

Utah’s housing shortage

During a recent press conference, Gov. Spencer Cox said affordable housing is an issue that Utahns are specifically struggling with.

“Because if you can’t afford a house here, you’re not going to be able to live here ten years from now,” said Cox. 

According to the state’s “Guiding our Growth” survey, six out of 10 Utahns are for developing new housing.

Since the homes can be built in a fraction of the time and cost of onsite construction projects, factory-built homes are an attractive alternative for consumers.  

Related reading: Utah ranks 45th in the country for affordable housing