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About Us
Modular
vs. Conventional
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- How long does it take to complete
a modular home in the factory?
The average modular home takes approx. 5 days
to build. This can depend on the size and complexity. It
takes another day or so to wrap and make the modular home
ready for transport with all the loose materials packaged
needed to complete the house. A more important question
to be asked of the factory is how long will it take to get
my modular home in production. Once the home is delivered
to the site the modules need to be placed and/or erected
by a crane on its foundation. Final completion can be by
a modular dealer who is a local builder or a general contractor
hired by the owner. The owner can act as the general contractor
if he/she has the time and the acquired expertise. The general
contractor hires the subcontractors that handle all the
scheduled finish and site work. This consists of making
connections from the utilities to the home and a list of
site finish work. This can be completed in six to eight
weeks and depends on the amount of work necessary to finish
the job. The completion time is affected by the coordination
of these specialties. Return
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- How long does it take finish a
modular home on site?
The buttoning up or trim out process is usually
handled by a local builder or a general contractor and includes
connection to all of the utilities. What needs to be questioned
is the general contractor's schedule and what needs to be
accomplished. The specific building schedule is determined
by the amount of necessary site work. If an assortment of
site work is required to be finished like a deck, garage,
finished basement and/or a finished second floor, this finish
time can be considerable. The set is where the modular units
(boxes) are craned and put in place. This usually requires
between half to a full day of work depending on conditions
on site and the number of boxes to be positioned.
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- Are prefabricated homes the same
as modular, and what are panelized homes?
Prefabricated homes whose components work in a
mechanized fashion to expedite the building process. This
includes modular, panelized and other methods of construction.
Panelized process consists of trusses and framing walls
minus the finished walls, plumbing and electric. The panelized
home is then finished like any other stick built home. Building
systems are methods of building through the use of components
that come together to produce a structure. These mechanized
systems of building fabricate segments and or building components
in a highly efficient and cost effective method. The use
of building systems is a widespread process utilized by
manufacturers of modular homes. Today this process is utilized
in a host of different types of residential and commercial
construction. A modular home is the culmination of building
components that are combined to create an efficient building
system. Prefabricated structures are assembled components
in a controlled high tech factory environment in a systematic
fashion. This is similar to the technological revolution
of the assembly line that Henry Ford designed. The modular
units (boxes) are assembled on your building site with the
use of a set crew, heavy equipment and the necessary expertise.
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- Are there any differences as
far as building codes and does that affect
re-sale value?
A modular company builds to the highest building
codes in the area the factory delivers to. This way the
modular homes are always in code and production costs are
standarized. As far as appraisals are concerned, modular
and conventionally built homes are on equal footing. Modular
homes and conventionally built homes are equivalent as far
as equity evaluations are concerned. Since conventional
homes are more expensive to build and modular homes are
less expensive to produce, there is significantly more equity
in a modular built home. Taking into consideration the cost
of both methods of construction, there is a cost savings
that can be passed down to the modular customer. Everything
equal, I'd rather be in a modular home in a hurricane for
one critical reason, structural integrity. Return
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- Can people tell the difference
between modular and conventionally built homes? Are there
any structural differences?
Modular homes have come a long way in the last
fifty years. Employing the latest innovations in technology
with the newest superior materials makes a powerful combination.
This process creates a superior home on a consistent basis.
With attractive designs encompassing gables, rooflines and
bump outs, it is virtually impossible to differentiate between
conventionally and modular built homes. Structurally modular
homes use up to 35% more lumber than conventionally built
homes. Each unit has to be structurally sound enough to
be transported and moved in place as individual units. Each
modular unit is built to be transported large distances
and structurally strong enough to be craned into place.
Design proficiencies refined by C.A.D. (computer aided design)
have permitted modular manufacturers to build almost any
style of home from a simple design to a highly customized
contemporary home. Modular manufacturers are actively building
hospitals, banks, office buildings, motels, hotels and any
other structures that can utilize a modular building system.
There is a likelihood you have been in several types of
modular structures and never aware of it. Return
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- What kinds of foundation are used
with a modular home and are these prefabricated?
Most modular homes need to have access to the bottom
of the unit to hook up the mechanics. This includes the
plumbing and electric and excludes the use of a slab. Other
traditional methods are employed such as block and poured
cement into a form. Crawl spaces can be utilized as long
as there is enough room to access and connect the mechanics.
Prefabricated foundations are becoming more and more popular
due to their convenience of use. They can be assembled in
inclement weather and be customized to any size. With high
insulation factors, it can be an efficient and economical
choice. The studs are nailed or screwed into the wooden
basement frames of the sections of the wall. Prefabricated
foundations are efficient, reliable and save time.
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- How much does a modular homes
cost and what should I know about pricing?
Pricing varies greatly in the modular industry.
Modular homes are built in various price ranges from starter
houses to very intricate expensive houses. What increases
the price of a modular home besides the obvious size and
quality are the numerous upgrades. Options can be: flooring,
windows, ceiling height, plumbing fixtures, upgraded cabinets
in the bathroom and kitchen. These options can be numerous
and should be prioritized to ensure you stay within your
budget. Keep in mind that options and upgrades can always
be done in a cost effective manner at a later date if properly
planned for in advance. This means by creating space in
the attic, basement and garage you can make future improvements
reasonable and uncomplicated. For example, by planning on
a future fireplace much of the work can be accomplished
in the plans. The framing dimensions can be done in the
factory; the location of the fireplace can be planned so
there will be no obstructions in the installation. Due to
those previous decisions there is no hindrance to installation
of the fireplace and venting is accomplished easily. At
a later date by making use of forethought you can achieve
your future goals in highly cost efficient way. The best
cost effective technique to add value to your modular home
is to increase your home's size. Options can increase the
prices of modular houses significantly and cost factors
should be understood. A general rule is the closer you stay
within the manufacturers standard equipment packages the
more value you get in return. Fewer design changes and less
site work required can minimize costs. By decreasing the
up front expenditure the residual value increases. The delivery
price should include the transportation, erecting, buttoning
up, and crane costs. The site work that is required should
also be calculated and added to the delivery price to get
an approximation of final cost. Adding 5% to the total price
is a cautious approach to approximating possible cost overruns.
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- What kinds of warranties are on
modular homes?
Modular homes come with a warranty from the manufacturer
and usually can be extended. Modular homes can be warranted
from one to ten years depending on the manufacturer. A one-year
warranty is fine, for the simple reason that what needs
to be fixed will most definitely become crystal clear within
a year. Modular homes in general carry a more comprehensive
warranty than a conventional built home. In addition modular
home warranties are more comprehensive and can be transferable.
Appliances, fixtures and heating components carry the standard
manufacturers warranty and can be extended according to
the discretion of the consumer. Custom work from a contractor
usually carries a year warranty, as does any additional
site work. Additional warranties are available but one needs
to weigh the need. Return
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- What other expenses can be expected
in addition to the modular home?
The final cost will depend on the size, design
and the necessary site work that needs to be completed.
This will entail siding, completion of deck(s), garage,
sheet rocking areas that will be joined (access areas for
the mechanics), interior stairs, moldings, plumbing and
electric. The final hook ups for the water, sewer and electrical
have to be made to their particular outside connections
to the home. Excavation is the process of clearing land,
digging holes for the foundation, sewer, (possibly electric)
and water. This is usually a set price but can become surprisingly
expensive if you strike ledge and need to blast. Unexpected
events cannot always be anticipated and sometimes the only
way is to proceed with the building process. The use of
a backhoe might be the only way to determine if heavy equipment
alone can accomplish the mission. Blasting can add signifnantly
to the expense of your building project. Being adaptive
and flexible could be the solution to your dilemma. This
might lead to the use of large amounts of clean fill or
a decision to go without a basement. Unexpected obstacles
can happen and all possible solutions should be considered
before making a decision. These factors can play havoc on
your budget and can be unforeseeable. A general rule is
that cost overruns can be expected; having 5% in reserve
is prudent strategy. That's better than the 10% in reserve
for a conventional home that experts say you need. The above
information should help you formulate a plan in case of
cost overruns. Being cognizant of the possibility of cost
over runs and making the right decision can go a long way
in smoothing out the building process. This information
should be helpful to you on how to estimate your final cost.
A contingency plan can be an essential tool for coping with
the unexpected. If the reserve money is not utilized it
can be used for furniture, landscaping and or a well deserved
vacation. Return to
top
- Can I design my own house or
modify plans from a modular manufacturer?
Modular manufacturers can have a variation of interior
plans using the same or similar exterior. Choices and/or
a variation differ depending on the particular manufacturer.
You can employ your own architect and devise an original
plan or modify existing plans. The most cost-effective procedure
is to explore what the manufacturer charges for design changes
before hiring an architect. This can be a nominal price
depending on the manufacturer. There are design limitations
in building modular homes in regards to transportation restrictions.
The most cost effective way to limit cost over runs and
limit extra expense is to find a building plan close to
what the manufacturer has available. Making a modular home
larger is a good investment and effective way to stretch
your dollar. Considering all things equal, modular homes
are cost-effective especially if you limit expensive options.
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