What’s the difference between a modular home and a prefab home?

• <div><p>Modular homes are a type of prefab home. Specifically, manufacturers first build modular homes in sections and then deliver them to the job site. The modules, or sections, are usually at least 70% finished before they arrive on your property.</p><p>In comparison, prefab homes arrive in panels or segments, and workers assemble them on-site. Generally speaking, modular homes tend to be more durable, and their consistent construction standards may mean you’ll have an easier time getting conventional home loans.</p></div>

Are modular homes worth it?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/custom-modular-homes-offer-more-options.htm">Modular homes</a> can be a great investment, especially for those who find the prices of stick-built real estate too high. Modular homes are usually much more affordable because they’re mass-manufactured and then assembled on-site or delivered mostly assembled. If they’re installed properly and by professionals, they can last for between 50 and 100 years, potentially making them an outstanding investment.</p></div>

Is it cheaper to build or buy a tiny house?

• <div><p>Due to the expansion of the tiny house movement, you can usually find tiny houses to buy in your state. Prices range considerably based on size, style, and type. If you’re looking for a tiny home that’s move-in ready, you may be able to find a good deal to buy or a prefab dealer near you. </p></div>

Get matched with top home builders in Empire, AL

Q: Do home builders need to be licensed?

• <div><p>Yes, home builders need to be licensed in every state and municipality in the country. The specific license required varies based on the location and the work, but most states require that the builder hold a general contractor&rsquo;s license at minimum. Some states and cities also require that plumbing, electrical, roofing, and sewage system construction require individual licenses, in which case the builder may subcontract the work. You can use Angi&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.angi.com/angi-license-check.htm">contractor licensing tool</a> to confirm that the builder you&rsquo;re considering holds all the proper licenses.</p></div>

Q: Can any house be called a cottage?

• <div><p>The term &ldquo;cottage&rdquo; is subjective, so there&rsquo;s no rigid definition, but it generally refers to a small home with simple and purposeful architecture that embraces nature and focuses on charm over everything else. Cottages are typically 1 or 1 1/2-stories tall, usually with gabled roofs, and are built out of natural materials that help make the structure a part of the surrounding nature rather than something that stands out from it. A big part of what makes a cottage a cottage is the decor, which includes natural materials from the nearby area.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Home Building pros in Empire, AL

*The Angi rating for Home Building companies in Empire, AL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Home Building needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Home Building companies in Empire, AL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Home Building needs.

Last update on December 01, 2025

Reviewed in November 2025
Taylor’s Services did an outstanding job painting an exterior building for us. He provided professional service, dependable and reasonably priced. We will definitely call for additional projects needed around our home.
Taylors Services LLC
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Reviewed in September 2025
Great pool installation company. Very professional and worked well with other contractors on site of new home build. Owner was/is responsive to all questions and request. Cost was competitive with other companies. Pool was custom inground pool with waterfalls. tanning shelf and zero entry with...
B & J Pools LLC
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Reviewed in August 2024
Contact was quick and came out same day to review project. Tree had fallen on storage building and home.
Redemption Outdoor Works
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Reviewed in December 2023
He gave me a really good price and did a great job building a wooden fence for me, he always made sure to communicate very well.
Quality Fencing & Contracting
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Reviewed in August 2023
Very professional and knows his craft. Only plumber that was able to successfully handle the job. Plan to use for our new build.
Premier Plumbing
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Reviewed in June 2023
We built our home 38 years ago, and have worked with many contractors, maintenance and professional companies through the years, and Rivera Home Builders is one of the best. They built a new deck, new retaining wall and stairs, new siding entire back of the house, replaced all rotten eaves,...
Rivera Home Improvements LLC
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Reviewed in July 2018
Horrible! They were a total nightmare! They didn’t like us asking questions,especially about money. They were not forthcoming and communication was awful! I recommend them to build a doghouse!
Cornerstone Restoration
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Reviewed in February 2014
We are very unhappy and will most likely drop Remax due to an agent named Francene Drexler. A real estate agent should want to help, not hinder. We have to contact her for information and assistance instead of the agent being pro active. Francene was great until we signed the papers for the new...
RE/MAX FIRST CHOICE
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Reviewed in June 2013
The builder proceeded to work on the project requesting $9,500.00 up front. He was not licensed to do this job and accepted the payment anyway. He lied to the building department, telling him it was a residential project. He was delinquent in terms of his responsibilities to attend to the...
Minard Homes
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Reviewed in January 2013
My home was destroyed in the April 27, 2011 tornando and Mike Tice with Tice Construction was going around the area assisting people....I talked with him about demolishing the rest of my home and building the new home on the same property. He was very interested and he began the process. His...
Tice Construction Inc
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Find Home builders in Empire

R&M Building and Remodeling

No reviews yet

R&M Building and Remodeling

No reviews yet

8 years of experience

We Provide High Quality Remodels, Repairs, and Renovations for Residential Homes and Commercial Properties. We also do Custom Deck Design and Construction. Privacy Fences. Patios. Sheds. Siding. Roof Repair. Retaining Walls and other Hard Scapes. We do it all!

Jones Valley Industries

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Jones Valley Industries

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10 years of experience

We specialize in many thing including Septic tank maintenance, repair and installation. We also provide services such as home building, remodel and repair. We even offer Excavation and acreage mowing and maintenance. We are an owner-operated and have been in business for more that 10 years and we thrive on serving others!

HomeSafe Roofing and Construction

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HomeSafe Roofing and Construction

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Free onsite estimate

We offer roof repairs, roof replacements, window replacement and siding. Inspections and estimates are always free.

Southern Roofing and Renovations

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Southern Roofing and Renovations

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Free onsite estimate

We do anything from new construction to simple repairs, with a focus on roofing. Owens Corning Roofing PLATINUM Preferred Contractor! Only contractor in Mississippi that offers an Owens Corning 50-year shingle warrantee! Proudly partnered with Ole Miss University! Give me a call today for all your residential or commercial roofing and building / home care needs, let's see how fast I can have a crew within your four walls!

L & E ROOFING INSTALLATIONS SERVICES

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L & E ROOFING INSTALLATIONS SERVICES

No reviews yet

We are a company with 10 years of experience and we have insurance. We work RESIDENTIAL & commercial. We specialize in ... installation & repair, Metal roof systems, Shingles, wood shingles, leak repairs, EMERGENCY REPAIRS, roof replacement. REPLACEMENT & REMOVAL QUALITY LOCALLY OWNER ALWAYS FAIR PRICE 100% warranty

We specialize in renovations & whole home remodels! We are a one-stop shop for all your needs - call for a free estimate today!

Armstrong Plumbing & Maintenance

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Armstrong Plumbing & Maintenance

No reviews yet

25 years of experience

ARMSTRONG PLUMBING & MAINTENANCE is Family Owned & Operated! More than 50 years of professional experience. Armstrong Plumbing and Maintenance provides residential and commercial service and repair throughout Alabama, North Alabama, Central Alabama, and South Alabama. As the homeowners’ premier provider of choice "Armstrong Plumbing and Maintenance is FAST, HIGH QUALITY PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AND GREAT PRICING." Armstrong Plumbing and Maintenance is Alabama's #1 choice for residential plumbing, heating, air, and gas.

Zion Construction Company, LLC

4.71(

)

Zion Construction Company, LLC

4.71(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 92% of Angi customers

Zion Construction Company, LLC.  Serving Birmingham and surrounding areas. With over a decade of combined experience. Our Skilled Craftsman and Master Electrician provide a wide range of construction solutions to our clients. Unwavering quality, integrity and reliability. Whether it be big or small.

"After much discussion and research, we engaged Zion Construction to build our retirement home. We were pleased with the overall process and final result. We found John to be an honest, effective and timely communicator. Even when issues arose during the process, we were able to communicate professionally with John to resolve each problem. We are very pleased with the quality of our new home and we highly recommend Zion Construction."

Christy M on February 2025

"After much discussion and research, we engaged Zion Construction to build our retirement home. We were pleased with the overall process and final result. We found John to be an honest, effective and timely communicator. Even when issues arose during the process, we were able to communicate professionally with John to resolve each problem. We are very pleased with the quality of our new home and we highly recommend Zion Construction."

Christy M on February 2025

Prestige Construction

4.50(

)

Prestige Construction

4.50(

)

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

With over 20 years of experience, Prestige Construction should be your first call for all of your building and remodeling needs. We specialize Kitchen & Bathroom Remodels, Room Additions, Deck Construction and General Remodeling. Call us today for a free estimate!

"Superb services; prompt, professional and very knowledgeable. So glad we found this company!!"

Aleisa B on November 2019

"Superb services; prompt, professional and very knowledgeable. So glad we found this company!!"

Aleisa B on November 2019

...

Showing 1-10 of 121

Home Building questions, answered by experts

Yes, home builders need to be licensed in every state and municipality in the country. The specific license required varies based on the location and the work, but most states require that the builder hold a general contractor’s license at minimum. Some states and cities also require that plumbing, electrical, roofing, and sewage system construction require individual licenses, in which case the builder may subcontract the work. You can use Angi’s contractor licensing tool to confirm that the builder you’re considering holds all the proper licenses.

Modular homes are a type of prefab home. Specifically, manufacturers first build modular homes in sections and then deliver them to the job site. The modules, or sections, are usually at least 70% finished before they arrive on your property.

In comparison, prefab homes arrive in panels or segments, and workers assemble them on-site. Generally speaking, modular homes tend to be more durable, and their consistent construction standards may mean you’ll have an easier time getting conventional home loans.

The term “cottage” is subjective, so there’s no rigid definition, but it generally refers to a small home with simple and purposeful architecture that embraces nature and focuses on charm over everything else. Cottages are typically 1 or 1 1/2-stories tall, usually with gabled roofs, and are built out of natural materials that help make the structure a part of the surrounding nature rather than something that stands out from it. A big part of what makes a cottage a cottage is the decor, which includes natural materials from the nearby area.

Modular homes can be a great investment, especially for those who find the prices of stick-built real estate too high. Modular homes are usually much more affordable because they’re mass-manufactured and then assembled on-site or delivered mostly assembled. If they’re installed properly and by professionals, they can last for between 50 and 100 years, potentially making them an outstanding investment.

Due to the expansion of the tiny house movement, you can usually find tiny houses to buy in your state. Prices range considerably based on size, style, and type. If you’re looking for a tiny home that’s move-in ready, you may be able to find a good deal to buy or a prefab dealer near you.

The Empire, AL homeowners’ guide to home building services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Scott Dylan Westerlund
•
Oct 20, 2025Oct 20, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Stone House? [2025 Data]
The cost to build a stone house is pricey. Learn why you need specialized workers to build the house to a level that’s good enough for you and the city.
Mariel Loveland
•
Oct 22, 2025Oct 22, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Yurt? [2025 Data]
The average cost of a yurt is $35,000, but the price can vary depending on the size, building materials, and number of add-on features.
Angi
•
Aug 14, 2025Aug 14, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Greenhouse? [2025 Data]
Discover the cost to build a greenhouse. Learn about average prices, key cost factors, and how to save on your greenhouse project.
Lawrence Bonk
•
Dec 2, 2024Dec 2, 2024
How to Hire a Home Builder to Build Your Dream Home
Building your dream home starts with hiring a builder. Here is how to find a builder who understands your needs and preferences for your brand-new home.
Melissa Graham
•
Feb 22, 2025Feb 22, 2025
5 Questions to Ask When Building a Custom Home
Consider these questions when building a custom home. Your answers can help you determine who should build your dream home, one brick at a time.
Deane Biermeier
•
Jul 3, 2024Jul 3, 2024
Foundation Requirements for Adding a Second Story
Learn the essential foundation requirements for adding a second-story addition to your home, how much it costs, and other considerations.

Get matched with top home builders in Empire, AL

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Verified Reviews for Home Building pros in Empire, AL

Find Home builders in Empire

R&M Building and Remodeling

R&M Building and Remodeling

Jones Valley Industries

Jones Valley Industries

HomeSafe Roofing and Construction

HomeSafe Roofing and Construction

Southern Roofing and Renovations

Southern Roofing and Renovations

L & E ROOFING INSTALLATIONS SERVICES

L & E ROOFING INSTALLATIONS SERVICES

N & J Contractors

N & J Contractors

Full house renovation

Full house renovation

Armstrong Plumbing & Maintenance

Armstrong Plumbing & Maintenance

Zion Construction Company, LLC

Zion Construction Company, LLC

Prestige Construction

Prestige Construction

The Empire, AL homeowners’ guide to home building services

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Stone House? [2025 Data]

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Yurt? [2025 Data]

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Greenhouse? [2025 Data]

How to Hire a Home Builder to Build Your Dream Home

5 Questions to Ask When Building a Custom Home

Foundation Requirements for Adding a Second Story

Get our Angi-powered app

Get matched with top home builders in Empire, AL

Enter your ZIP and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your home building project in Empire, AL?

Find a Custom Home Builder

Addition to Existing Structure Building Service

Architectural Service

Verified Reviews for Home Building pros in Empire, AL

Find Home builders in Empire

R&M Building and Remodeling

R&M Building and Remodeling

Jones Valley Industries

Jones Valley Industries

HomeSafe Roofing and Construction

HomeSafe Roofing and Construction

Southern Roofing and Renovations

Southern Roofing and Renovations

L & E ROOFING INSTALLATIONS SERVICES

L & E ROOFING INSTALLATIONS SERVICES

N & J Contractors

N & J Contractors

Full house renovation

Full house renovation

Armstrong Plumbing & Maintenance

Armstrong Plumbing & Maintenance

Zion Construction Company, LLC

Zion Construction Company, LLC

Prestige Construction

Prestige Construction

The Empire, AL homeowners’ guide to home building services

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Stone House? [2025 Data]

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Yurt? [2025 Data]

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Greenhouse? [2025 Data]

How to Hire a Home Builder to Build Your Dream Home

5 Questions to Ask When Building a Custom Home

Foundation Requirements for Adding a Second Story

Find Home building Pros in other cities near youNot finding what you are looking for in Empire? Check surrounding areas for Home builders.

Which Home building task are you tackling?Find Empire Home building services on Angi who specialize in any of these tasks