FAQ's about Modular Homes
What is a Building System?
Simply put, a building system is a highly engineered method of producing buildings or building components in an efficient and cost effective manner. Modular homes actually begin as components; designed, engineered and assembled in the controlled environment of a modern factory. Today’s modular systems are models of efficiency and quality assurance. Modular homes use state of the art computer assisted design in customizing floor plans and producing drawings and material requirement lists.
So What's Different?
Efficiency and quality control! Efficiency begins with modern factory assembly line techniques. Your home travels to workstations, with all the building trades represented. Work in the factory is never delayed by weather, subcontractor no-shows or missing material.
Quality engineering and modular construction techniques significantly increase the energy efficiency of your modular home. A quality control process provides assurance that your home has been inspected for code compliance and workmanship. In-plant inspectors as well as independent inspection agencies inspect the home on behalf of your state and local government.
How Long Does it Take to Build a Modular Home?
Speed and consistent quality are two of the many advantages for choosing modular components for your new home. On the average, a home can be built and delivered in two to three months. Once the manufacturing process is complete the units are transported to your building site and placed on your foundation. Final "button-up" can be handled by the homeowner or by a local builder or general contractor and includes connection of utilities to the home, and a short list of finish work. Normally the home is completed in one to two months after it is set on the foundation.
The Terms Manufactured Home and Modular Home are Confusing. What’s the Difference?
Manufactured homes, sometimes referred to as mobile homes or "double-wides", are another type of building system and are constructed to a different building standard. Many communities have restrictions on where manufactured homes can be located.
Modular homes, like site-built homes, are constructed to the same building code required by the state and specific locality and therefore are not restricted by building or zoning regulations. Your new modular home is inspected at the assembly plant during each phase of construction.
What Do Modular Homes Look Like?
Modular homes look like any other home. Today’s building technology has allowed modular manufacturers to build most any style of home from a simple ranch to a highly customized contemporary. Chances are you’ve been in many modular structures and probably never realized it.
What Are The Overall Benefits?
When you add up all the labor, material and time savings inherent in the modular process you will find that the price of a modular home is generally lower than a traditionally built home of comparable size. And you will keep saving money year after year, as the energy efficiency of your home keeps your heating and cooling bills low.
Can I Finance Modular Construction?
Yes! Construction financing for modular homes is available through a number of banks and mortgage companies. Please click here for more information about modular home construction loans.