Can modulars be built on trusses, rather than joists? I’m guessing no. If you want a home with a finished basement that has a layout and feel similar to the above-grade areas, then it seems like modulars are at a pretty massive disadvantage with all the old school load bearing stuff and nasty ductwork soffits required with joists. Probably an advantage to site built stuff on trusses.
The modular and panelized manufacturers do make some pretty amazing stuff these days. There have been a couple of This Old House seasons in the past few years featuring both. The panelized home was pretty amazing - deep into the seven figures with finishes and design that you expect at that price point. The modular was a quick rebuild of a smaller Jersey Shore house destroyed by the hurricane, and it was very nice as well.
Outside of timeline considerations, I do have to say I don't understand the appeal of the off-site built stuff. Even if it is all built 100% plumb and level on a laser flat floor or table, the entire thing has to be subjected to the equivalent of many multitudes of earthquakes on the drive to the site. Can't image what that does to doors, windows, finish woodwork, tile work, etc. Eek!
