There's a new look for manufactured homes being built in Austin -- single family homes that are affordable, energy efficient and ready for move in. The new modular houses are nothing like mobile homes.

One new frame house in the 1100 block of Nickols offers what many homeowners want -- energy efficiency.

"His average utility bill is about 20 percent less than what he was paying at another home that was about the same size,” said Patrick Easter, a realtor and developer, of the new owner.

But what makes the house unusual is how it was constructed.

The homes were lowered by crane onto their permanent foundations after being entirely built in a local factory. Each home was delivered in at least two parts -- with crews making sure everything fit.

Efficiency in construction kept costs down.

"That home behind us was built in three days in a controlled setting,” said Easter.

The factory-built method also reduces waste at the building site and ensures green building standards are met.

“So you have that guarantee of local management, local government, green building here in Austin to make sure that it is done properly,” said Bob Hinman of Discovery Custom Homes.

The homes in East Austin are off of Webberville Road and have three bedrooms and two baths -- with price tags ranging between $170,000 and $190,000.

Although they are pre-fabricated, Easter said they are as solid and safe as any traditional home and should not to be confused with mobile homes.

"Once it is fixed to that permanent foundation it becomes real property so the home will always be here," said Easter.

The neighborhood also benefits from this type of home -- it no longer means months of loud noise and disruption that come with traditional home construction.

"These neighbors left today and when they get home, these houses will be here,” said Easter.

By the end of the week, the homes were set to be ready for move in.

About 60 to 70 Discovery Custom Homes have been built in the Austin factory in the past four years.