Product Comparison
Three related product families from one Irish builder — modular homes, pods and capsule homes — each suited to a different need, budget and planning situation.
Use this side-by-side comparison to decide which is right for your site, then book a free site survey and we will confirm it.
New Chapter Homes builds three related but distinct product families: modular homes, pods and capsule homes. They overlap more than most buyers realise, but each suits a different need, budget and planning situation.
Because we build all three, you can start with a pod and later move up to a full modular home — or add a capsule as a holiday let on the same land — without changing builders.
| Feature | Modular Home | Pod | Capsule Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical size | 45–120 m², 1–4 bedrooms | 10–45 m², usually one room | 20–60 m², 1–2 spaces |
| Best for | Permanent family living | Garden office, guest room, rental | Statement second home, holiday let |
| Permanence | Permanent dwelling (BCAR) | Movable / relocatable | Permanent but relocatable |
| Permanent dwelling | Yes — as a permanent home | Generally no | Often yes, depending on setup |
| Planning | Full planning permission | Often exempt under 45 m² rule | Usually required |
| Build time on site | 1–3 weeks after delivery | 1–3 days | 3–7 days |
| Price range | Higher — full home | Lower — single room | Mid — design-led |
| Can it expand later? | Yes — add modules | Limited | Limited |
A modular home is the right choice when you need a permanent dwelling — a family home, a downsizer, or a new build on your own land. It is built to the same standard as a traditional house, qualifies for a mortgage, and is treated as a permanent dwelling for planning and valuation.
A pod is the right choice when you need extra space — a garden office, a guest room, a granny flat, or a rental unit — and you want to avoid full planning where possible. Many pods under 45 m² fall under the planning exemption for ancillary use.
A capsule home is the right choice when you want a distinctive, design-led unit — a statement second home, a premium holiday let, or a standout tourism unit. Capsules sit between a pod and a full modular home in size and price, with a strong visual identity that performs well in marketing and listings.
Planning often decides which product fits your site. A full modular home needs planning permission; a pod under 45 m² for ancillary use may be exempt; a capsule usually needs planning. We advise on the right route for your county during a site survey — see our planning guide.
Book a free site survey. We will assess your land, advise on planning, and recommend the right product — modular home, pod or capsule — with a fixed-price quotation.
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