From China to Your Backyard: Who Does It Take to Bring a Prefab Home to America?

The Manufacturer

Everything starts at the factory. Ask for exact specifications, drawings, dimensions, material information, packaging details, and engineering documents. Confirm what is finished and what requires local work. An independent pre-shipment inspection can provide valuable protection. We want manufacturers who answer questions and stand behind their products.

The Freight Forwarder: Your Home's Travel Agent

A freight forwarder coordinates international transport, potentially including factory pickup, port delivery, ocean shipping, and logistics. Compact expandable designs can sometimes ship more efficiently than fully assembled structures.

The Customs Broker

A licensed customs broker helps with entry paperwork, product classification, and duties. Different structures may have different tariff treatment. Verify the costs before the unit leaves the factory. Calling it a giant Amazon package won't make customs paperwork disappear.

The Trucking Company

After arrival, the structure needs to reach your property. Shipment size, weight, road clearances, driveway access, and turning space can affect feasibility and cost. Figure this out before the truck arrives.

The Architect and Engineer

A factory's ability to ship a house doesn't prove that your town will approve it. Design professionals may need to evaluate drawings, structural loads, foundations, and local code requirements. Field House wants manufacturers willing to provide the technical documents American professionals need.

The Foundation Contractor

Even a tiny house needs an appropriate base. Soil, drainage, frost depth, wind loads, and the structure's connection to the foundation may all matter.

The Crane Operator

Some homes require a crane or specialized positioning equipment; others do not. Equipment capacity, lifting plans, access, and safety need to be arranged in advance. And yes, the lift makes excellent video footage.

The Local Contractors

Electricians, plumbers, HVAC installers, general contractors, and specialized crews may be needed for assembly, connections, finishing, and inspections. A factory-finished unit and an unfinished shell require very different levels of local work.

The Building Department

Contact the relevant authority before ordering. Confirm zoning, intended use, permits, structural requirements, and inspection procedures. A backyard office, seasonal cabin, and permanent residence may face different rules.

Where Field House Fits

You find the dream. We help you find the people who can make it happen.

We're not promising a turnkey solution or pretending every project is the same. But we believe having access to the right people, asking the right questions, and knowing where to start can save buyers an enormous amount of time, frustration, and potentially money.

That's why Field House is building relationships with manufacturers and professionals who understand the different pieces of the puzzle. As our network grows, we want to open up our Rolodex to buyers, helping connect them with relevant vendors and qualified professionals who can assist with their projects.

Finding the perfect prefab home is exciting. Finding a customs broker, freight forwarder, architect, engineer, trucking company, crane operator, and installation crew? Not quite as exciting.

We're Building the Rolodex So You Don't Have To

All these professionals already exist. We're working to connect the pieces, explain the process, and help buyers discover promising overseas products. We aren't claiming to be the builder, importer, engineer, or permitting authority for every project.

Your Dream Home Might Be Closer Than You Think.

General information only — not legal, engineering or financial advice.