Despite a slight decline in the number manufactured homes purchased in California over the last few, California remains a major market for manufactured homes. In 2022 alone, over 4,000 manufactured homes were purchased in California. So it should be no surprise that buyers have access to a range of builder options - supported by nine in-state home production facilities and many other builders throughout the Western U.S.

To help residents of the Golden State determine the best options for their project, we have put together a list of some of the top mobile home builders in California. The companies included on the list can serve buyers throughout the state including individuals in Los Angeles, San Diego, and the San Francisco Bay area.

Choosing the right mobile home builder in California is an important decision that can impact the quality and cost of your home. To help you make the best choice possible, we've compiled a list of the best mobile home builders in the state. In this article, you'll find information about each company's products and operations, along with estimated costs and links to further information. Keep reading to find out more about the top mobile home builders in California.

Best Manufactured Home Builders in California

Orbit Homes - (Malibu, California)
Different from many of the more traditional manufactured home builders on the list, Orbit Homes is a small manufactured home builder with headquarters located in Malibu. They build several high-end and contemporary homes that can be shipped throughout the southern half of the state.
Turn Key Cost Estimate for a Manufactured Home from Orbit Homes: $375 - $415 per square foot
For additional information, see our list of Orbit Homes floor plans with cost information.

ideabox - (Salem, Oregon)
ideabox is another unique option for individuals in California who are looking for an upgraded, contemporary manufactured home. They design and build unique, modern homes that are atypical in manufactured housing. Depending on your location and desires, ideabox can build homes to either HUD manufactured code or state modular building codes. Additionally, they can also develop fully-custom home designs

Turn Key Cost Estimate for a Manufactured Home from ideabox: $400 - $527 per square foot
For additional information, see our list of ideabox floor plans with cost information.

Cavco Homes - (Phoenix, Arizona)
Cavco Homes is a large, nationally recognized manufactured home builder with a distribution network throughout the Western United States. They are also the parent company for smaller brands like Fleetwood Homes and Palm Harbor homes. To buy one of their houses in California, buyers must work with one of Cavco Homes' 25 sales centers, many of which are based in Southern California. Architecturally, their homes tend to focus on ranch, craftsman, and cottage designs. Though, with over 225 floor plans to choose from, there are no shortage of options.
Turn Key Cost Estimate for a Manufactured Home from Cavco Homes: $88 - $113 per square foot
For additional information, see our list of Cavco Homes floor plans with cost information or our guide on where to buy a Cavco Homes manufactured house.

KIT Custom Homebuilders - (Caldwell, Idaho)
KIT Custom Homebuilders is a manufactured home builder that is based in the Western U.S. and focuses on both single-wide and multi-section manufactured homes. They offer models with upgraded design elements such as walk-in closets and en-suite bathrooms. To purchase a home, individuals must work with their retail location in Janesville.
Turn Key Cost Estimate for a Manufactured Home from KIT Custom Homebuilders: $75 - $115 per square foot
For additional information, see our list of KIT Custom Homebuilders floor plans with cost information or our guide on where to buy a KIT Custom Homebuilders manufactured house.

Palm Harbor Homes - (Addison, Texas)
Palm Harbor Homes is a large home designer and builder that specializes in a range of manufactured homes. They work on both single homes as well as larger community development and commercial projects. It is worth noting that they are an affiliate company of Cavco Homes, giving them access to a large manufacturing and distribution network. They offer over 250 different floor plans, with sizes ranging from 500 to 3,379 square feet. And while they are unable to accommodate custom designs, individuals can work with one of Palm Harbor's 5 California sales centers to determine home personalization options.
Turn Key Cost Estimate for a Manufactured Home from Palm Harbor Homes: $121 - $144 per square foot
For additional information, see our list of Palm Harbor Homes floor plans with cost information or our guide on where to buy a Palm Harbor Homes manufactured house.

Redman Homes - (Chandler, Arizona)
Redman Homes is a mid-sized manufactured home builder that focuses on entry-level manufactured houses. They tend to offer simple yet affordable home designs. And to buy a home, individuals can work with a member of their network of dealers throughout California.
Turn Key Cost Estimate for a Manufactured Home from Redman Homes: $110 - $150 per square foot
For additional information, see our list of Redman Homes floor plans with cost information.

Comparing California’s Manufactured Home Builders

		Orbit Homes	ideabox	Cavco Homes	KIT Custom Homebuilders	Palm Harbor Homes	Redman Homes
Year Founded		2018	2005	1979	1945	1977	1965
# of Homes Built		8	200+	500,000+	20,000	100,000	47,000
# of Floor Plans		11	14+	227	128	254	73+
Average Cost		$375 - $415+ per sqft	$400 - $527+ per sqft	$88 - $113+ per sqft	$75 - $115+ per sqft	$121 - $144+ per sqft	$110 - $150+ per sqft
# of In-State Retail Locations		1	1	25	1	5	12+
Reviews	Yelp	No Reviews	No Reviews	1.8 Stars	1.5 Stars	1 Star	No Reviews
Reviews	Google	No Reviews	4.6 Stars	1.8 Stars	1.5 Stars	1 Star	No Reviews

*For additional information on each manufacturer, see our complete company review.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of a manufactured home in California?

The average cost of a manufactured home in California was $126,000 in 2021 (according to a Census Bureau survey). Based on recent price increases in the Western U.S, however, this number is likely to be around $85,184 for a single-wide and $163,108 for a double-wide manufactured home in 2023. It is worth noting though, that these estimates do not include site work or shipping costs, which can vary from project to project.

What is the difference between a manufactured home and a mobile home in California?

When it comes to construction, there is no difference between a manufactured home and a mobile home in California. However, the distinction between the two is based on the date of their construction. Homes built before June 15, 1976, are classified as mobile homes, while homes built after that date are considered manufactured homes.

What is the difference between a modular and manufactured home in California?

When considering purchasing a new home in California, it's crucial to understand the difference between a modular and manufactured home. Manufactured homes are built to nationally-set building codes, while modular homes in California must comply with the same building codes as site-built homes. While both options may allow for customization and unique advantages, the type of home you build can impact your financing options and the home's value over time.

What are alternative options to working with the California manufactured home builders above?

While the California manufactured home builders mentioned above are popular choices for prefab construction, there are other options available to homebuyers. This includes modular homes in California, container homes in California, and tiny homes in California.