Just what is a Modular Home?Modular homes are any home in which 80 to 95% of it is built in a factory. It is constructed in sections or modules. These modules are transported to a building site, placed on conventional foundations and assembled, where construction is completed. Unlike stick-built or site-built homes, modular building techniques are used,
on-site builders involvement is limited to excavation, final grading, construction of a suitable foundation, interior and exterior wall finish, HVAC hookup and connection to utilities.Modular Homes are NOT trailer homes, or mobile homes. Modular Homes are built to local building codes, not to less stringent HUD code used by mobile home companies. There are no axles or telltale signs to indicate that a home is modular.
Can I tell difference between a Modular Home and one constructed onsite?
You can’t unless you see house being constructed. There are no telltale seams, beams or lines, unless builder used antiquated techniques. Modular builders use same materials and used when constructing a site built home. When a home is completed you cannot distinguish between two.Aren’t walls and materials lower quality?Absolutely not. Modular homes are constructed with 2x6 walls, and stronger materials so that home can tolerate rigors of being transported hundreds of miles. Most modular home factories use national brand name products to further enhance quality of finished product.
Can a modular home have a Basement?
Yes, and most of them do – often with 9’ high sidewalls, walk-out basements, and expanded living areas on lower levels – but that is up to you, and your modular home builder.
Are modular homes are of inferior quality when compared to site built homes?
No - and arguably modular homes are of better quality. The two primary reasons for this are supervision and weather. Site built homes are subject to elements. Modular homes are built in controlled environment of factory. This protects building materials from harsh outdoor environment and enables laborers to work in comfortable environs improving quality of their work. The second reason for better quality of modular homes is quality control programs used by modular manufacturers. Few builders who construct site built homes have a quality control manual or program in place. Modular builders do. Furthermore, regular inspections occur during building of a modular home. In theory this is what your builder is supposed to do in oversight of his subcontractors. In practice however these types of inspection are not done frequently or as well as it should be. Modular homes are inspected once on assembly line, once more by a third party independent inspector required by state in which home is to be built, and lastly by local building inspector – for quality, as well as form, fit and accuracy.
Can modular homes be customized?
Yes, they can. Essentially same design flexibility exists that you would have with a site built home. If you buy a site built home in a development you will have limited customization options. Similarly there are some modular manufacturers who offer a limited selection of models from which to choose.Conversely, there are modular builders, as there are site builders, who allow total discretion in design and customization of a home. We often develop plans with customer “from scratch” – starting with an idea of number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and general concept of what house is to be – whether it is a ranch, rambler, cape cod style, two story, split level or something in between. Special needs, such as ADA compliance, with wider doorways, lower counters, roll-in showers, and other accessibility features are very important to customers in same way fireplaces, French doors, and spa style tubs are. If there is a feature in a stick built home, it can be built in a modular home.
