Panelized Home Kits Explained: Delivery Timeline, What’s Included, and How They Differ from Modular

What this episode covers

Show Notes:Thinking about a panelized kit home but not quite sure what you actually get, how it’s delivered, or how it differs from modular and prefab? This episode walks through the practical basics. Steve explains typical delivery timelines (about 4–5 weeks after permits and plans are done), how Landmark can stage multiple deliveries for tight sites, rural locations, and even islands, and what’s included on the truck: the complete wood structure—sill plates, floor system, sheathed wall panels with framed openings, roof trusses, roof sheathing, sub‑fascia, and connectors—ready for your local crew to assemble. He contrasts that with what you don’t get (roofing, windows, mechanicals, finishes) and why Landmark’s biggest value isn’t just lumber, but the full design stack behind it: architectural plans, structural engineering, energy calcs, and site‑specific layouts that align with zoning, setbacks, and permit requirements. You’ll also hear how “standard” floor plans are just starting points that Landmark can fully customize—even down to unusual details like floor‑to‑ceiling closet doors—and how panelized construction fundamentally differs from modular and HUD‑code prefab, while still giving owner‑builders control over their project, budget, and labor. Transcript: Steve Tuma: And that’s the advantage — our customers are owner‑builders, so they’re able to act as a general contractor or do a lot of the work themselves. We have had a lot of customers where their families are in the trades and they literally build the whole house. Interviewer: Howdy everybody, and welcome to Episode 83 of the Panelized Prefab Kit Home Building Show. With me today, as he always tends to be, is the President and Founder of Landmark Home and Land Company — a company which has been helping people build their new homes where they want, exactly as they want, nationwide and around the globe since 1993 — Mr. Steve Tuma. Steve, how’s it going, buddy? Steve Tuma: It’s a great day. You know, it always seems to be a great day when we’re helping people build homes — especially in springtime right now, the weather is pretty beautiful. It’s a good time to build a home. Interviewer: Yeah, you know, a lot of people get going in spring to start the projects in fall — the actual design and details and get it going through permitting so that when it is springtime, they’re ready to go. Steve Tuma: Yeah. Interviewer: So I thought today we would go back to something we’ve been doing over the last few episodes, and that’s get down to some of the basics of panelized homebuilding. And some of these questions — I know, Steve, you’re very patient — but sometimes I have to come up with these questions that are so basic they seem a little… a little juvenile. It’s important. You know, I know I’m not the only one that’s asking these questions. So let’s start off with: how long does it take from the time you get your design done to have a home, kit home, delivered to your build site? Steve Tuma: Well, we can basically get it delivered in four to five weeks from when a customer says, “Hey, put it in production.” Now, generally we put it in production after the plans are done and permits are issued. Then we say it’s four to five weeks. But what’s amazing about it is customers always ask us how quickly they can get it done — and we can do it a lot quicker than they expect. But the reality is, is they have to get the foundation and prepare the site.