The Modular Home?

One of the smartest advantages of modular housing is the reduced move-in time from start to finish. Concurrent foundation utility work occurs at the home site while craftsmen are building the modular components in a climate controlled factory. Additionally, most framing, drywall, electrical and plumbing components, bath fixtures, countertops, cabinetry and even flooring are installed at the factory which greatly enhances affordability and saves valuable move-in time. The smaller amount of time required to complete a new home means more real savings in interest on a construction loan. How long will it take to move in?Generally in about 2-6 weeks after the home is placed on the foundation. The modular building solution enables the professional builder to reduce the number of subcontractor trades people required to complete a new home. This means significant reductions in overhead and time which all equals tremendous affordability. 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. The use of building systems is common in many different types of residential and commercial construction. A modular home is the culmination of one type of building system. Modular homes actually begin as components; designed, engineered and assembled in the controlled environment of a modern factory sometimes hundreds of miles away from their final destination. It is when these components come together on your building site and your builder completes the final finish, that the components become a home for you and your family. Tell Me More About The Modular Home Construction Process. Today's modular systems are models of efficiency and quality assurance. The building process begins at the design phase. Most modular producers use state of the art computer assisted design stations, which aid them in customizing floor plans and producing drawings, and material requirement lists. Once designed, the building process begins. This process is similar to what you've seen during the construction of houses in your neighborhood. The quality materials and care for detail, and the same building codes and standards are observed. 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 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 100% 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 & local government. I Get Confused When I See The Terms "Manufactured Home" and "Modular Home". What's The Difference? Manufactured homes, sometimes referred to as mobile homes, are another type of building system and are constructed to a different building standard. This standard, the Federal Construction Safety Standards Act (HUD/CODE), unlike conventional building codes, requires manufactured homes to be constructed on a non-removable steel chassis. Many communities have restrictions on where manufactured homes can be located. Modular and site-built homes on the other hand, are constructed to the same building code required by your state, county 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. Evidence of this inspection is normally shown by the application of a State or inspection agency label of approval. OK, You've Convinced Me! How Do I Buy One?  Most modular manufacturers market their homes through local builders or developers. This is because modular manufacturers are just that, manufacturers of components. They rely on the experience of builders in the local community to assist the homeowner in many areas including lot selection and site preparation. When dealing with such a large purchase it is always best to have expert advice. One Last Time, Review The Benefits Of Modular Construction For Me. Highly engineered Constructed in Climate Controlled Environment Efficient Building Process & Material Usage Energy Efficient In-Plant Inspections Consistent Quality Speed of Construction Constructed to Meet or Exceed Local Building Codes   And one last item that we haven't covered - COST. When you add up all the labor, material and time savings inherent in the modular building 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.