Modular homes are similar to traditional
homes. The same type of building materials and craftsmanship
go into building a modular home. However, the way the home
is built is the main difference.
In traditional home building, a home is built on the site
from the ground up. Many factors determine when the home will
be finished, including weather. Modular homes are built in
a climate-controlled environment and are then transported
to the site for final construction.
This type of construction saves time and money for the home
owner, while producing a quality home that will last for years
to come.
How are modular homes built?
A modular home can be built from existing plans or generated
from your ideas of your “dream home.” There are
so many options to choose from. The modular home system uses
computer generated plans to meet all national, state, and
local building standards.
Framing for a modular home is the same as a traditional home
except that modular homes use 20 to 30 percent more material
to guarantee a safe trip to the site. Modular homes are built
in a climate-controlled environment using the same high quality
materials used in traditionally built homes. Quality control
is maintained throughout the building process.
Construction of a modular home follows the same path as traditionally
built homes. The floor is built first, with great care taken
to build a strong foundation, since this is what will carry
the weight of the rest of the structure. Next, the walls are
added with sheet rock already in place. Electrical, plumbing,
wiring, and insulation are next.
After this, the exterior, roofing, and siding are put in
place. And finally, windows, doors, bath and kitchen fixtures,
cabinets, and others are added. Once the construction is complete,
the structure is wrapped and shipped to the building site
to be put together by a local contractor.
What happens once my home reaches the site?
The local contractor will have completed the site work by
the time your home is ready to be shipped from the factory.
Excavation, foundations, and footings will be already in place
and ready for your home.
Great care is taken during this process to insure that exact
measurements have been made for installation of utilities
(electric, water, and sanitation).
Your home will arrive and be placed on the foundation. Once
in place, the home should be ready within 2 to 3 weeks.
Why should I buy a modular home?
Because modular homes are built in factories, you benefit
from the assembly line production process. Labor is used with
maximum efficiency, with skilled craftsman moving between
workstations on the factory floor. Superior quality control,
reduced waste, and faster completion (30-90 days versus 4-9
months for site-built construction) are primary benefits.
Other benefits include less maintenance and lower energy
bills, as well as the ability to design your own home with
all of the amenities you want. Plus, financing is easy, and
these homes really hold their resale value!
The real truth behind the myths about modular homes
Many people say that modular homes can be bought for just
a fraction of the price of a tradition homes. And, although
modular home are a bargain, you should be realistic in your
expectations. You should expect a savings in the price as
well as saving in maintenance and energy costs. But be alert
to something that sounds too good to be true. It probably
is.
Sometimes the myth that a small modular home is the best
buy can seem like a true idea. However, because modular homes
are a great value, the cost efficiency savings will increase
as the size of the home increases. The greatest savings in
a modular home comes from the materials and labor. It is logical
then to understand that the larger the home, the greater savings
on the materials and labor. However, your modular home builder
should be able to assess your needs based on your individual
lifestyle.
Finally, many people are under the assumption that modular
homes are more difficult to finance. This is untrue. In fact,
because of the popularity that modular homes have gained in
recent years, many financial institutions are excited about
financing a modular home. Visit our “Financing your
new home” section to learn more.
Other Frequently Asked Questions About Modular Homes
- How long does the building process take? Typically, a
home of two sections can be built in a couple of weeks.
This includes interior finishes, such as carpet and walls
treatments. Once the home is completed in the factory and
arrives at the site, the local contractor has a list of
tasks to complete. This takes normally 2 to 3 weeks.
- Are modular homes the same as manufactured homes? Modular
homes are not the same as manufactured homes. Manufactured
homes, also called mobile homes, are constructed according
to the Federal Construction Safety Standards Act (HUD/CODE),
and are required to be constructed on a non-removable steel
chassis. Modular homes are constructed to the same building
codes as traditionally built homes for state and county
codes. Approval by State or inspection agencies are required.
- What does a modular home look like? A modular homes looks
like any traditionally built homes, with styles ranging
from ranch to contemporary. And many modular home builders
are producing buildings such as banks, office buildings,
schools, and even hotels. You can design your own home to
customize it for your lifestyle.
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