Gladwin Real Estate Information
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, the 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 the 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 the difference between a Modular Home and one constructed onsite?
You can't unless you see the house being constructed. There are no telltale seams, beams or lines, unless
the builder used antiquated techniques. Modular builders use the same materials and used when
constructing a site built home. When a home is completed you cannot distinguish between the two.Aren't the
walls and materials lower quality?Absolutely not. Modular homes are constructed with 2x6 walls, and
stronger materials so that the home can tolerate the rigors of being transported hundreds of miles. Most
modular home factories use national brand name products to further enhance the quality of the 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 the elements. Modular homes are built in the controlled environment
of the factory. This protects building materials from the harsh outdoor environment and enables laborers to
work in comfortable environs improving the quality of their work. The second reason for the better quality of
modular homes is the 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 the building of a modular home. In theory this is what your builder is
supposed to do in the 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 the assembly line, once
more by a third party independent inspector required by the state in which the home is to be built, and lastly
by the local building inspector - for quality, as well as form, fit and accuracy.
Can modular homes be customized?
Yes, they can. Essentially the 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 the design and customization of a
home. We often develop plans with the customer "from scratch" - starting with an idea of the number of
bedrooms, bathrooms, and general concept of what the 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 the same way the 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.
How long does it take to build a Modular Home?
Modular home construction is much faster than site built homes. The typical rule of thumb for the building of
a site built home is 4-6 months from ground breaking. A modular home can be completed in 1-2 months.
There are several reasons for this. All of the trades required to build a site built home are employed at the
factory so there is a reduced number of tradesman. Secondly many different tasks can be going on
simultaneously in the factory. Lastly, some of the site work, like excavation and the pouring of the foundation
are done prior to the time the house is delivered to the construction site.Compare this to the site built home
where most tasks must be done sequentially. In total a few weeks is all that will be required to complete the
modules that comprise a modular home. Once delivered on site the builder may have another few weeks to
complete the finish work. Typically, customers can expect that it will take 4-6 weeks from time of order to time
of delivery, and from time of delivery to completion, another 4-6 weeks.
Are modular homes difficult to finance?
No. That used to be the case, but the sheer number of modular homes being constructed, as well as the
lending community's understanding of the quality of modular homes has all but eliminated any previously
existing prejudice.
Do modular homes offer energy efficiency?
Modular homes are often able to achieve extremely high energy efficiency ratings, with some manufacturer's
offering extremely high standards in their products. Expect to see R-19 to R-21 or better in walls, R-38 to
R50 in roofs, and Low-E windows are almost standard in the modular industry. Talk to your builder to find
out what features are standard, and which are options.
Are there differences in the permit requirements between site built and modular homes?
No, there are no differences. A modular home must conform or comply with the local building requirements
of where the home will be placed. Mobile homes, in contrast, do have substantially different permit or code
requirements - but these do not pertain to modular homes. Modular homes may cost less for permits
because they are pre-inspected at the factory before ever arriving on the construction site. When you are
looking at new homes, talk to a company that specializes in modular homes. They can answer questions as
they pertain to your community and local codes.
Conclusion
There are many good reasons why you should explore the option of a modular home. These reasons
include: time savings, design flexibility, quality, cost savings, shorter-term construction loans (less interest
paid) and brand name products. With the decreasing pool of skilled laborers, modular homes are appearing
in subdivisions nationwide in larger and larger numbers. Seek a builder with expertise in
modular homes, and you'll find quality, beauty and affordability in less time, often with warranties of up to ten
years. It's an option you are seeing more and more.
About the Author
Nancy is happily constructing new homes for customers in Wisconsin and guiding them through the mortgage, construction
and home equity process. She is a specialist in modular home construction, ADA compliant, and Universal Design for
Accessibility.
Article provided by GoArticles.com
b-9
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, the 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 the 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 the difference between a Modular Home and one constructed onsite?
You can't unless you see the house being constructed. There are no telltale seams, beams or lines, unless
the builder used antiquated techniques. Modular builders use the same materials and used when
constructing a site built home. When a home is completed you cannot distinguish between the two.Aren't the
walls and materials lower quality?Absolutely not. Modular homes are constructed with 2x6 walls, and
stronger materials so that the home can tolerate the rigors of being transported hundreds of miles. Most
modular home factories use national brand name products to further enhance the quality of the 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 the elements. Modular homes are built in the controlled environment
of the factory. This protects building materials from the harsh outdoor environment and enables laborers to
work in comfortable environs improving the quality of their work. The second reason for the better quality of
modular homes is the 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 the building of a modular home. In theory this is what your builder is
supposed to do in the 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 the assembly line, once
more by a third party independent inspector required by the state in which the home is to be built, and lastly
by the local building inspector - for quality, as well as form, fit and accuracy.
Can modular homes be customized?
Yes, they can. Essentially the 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 the design and customization of a
home. We often develop plans with the customer "from scratch" - starting with an idea of the number of
bedrooms, bathrooms, and general concept of what the 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 the same way the 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.
How long does it take to build a Modular Home?
Modular home construction is much faster than site built homes. The typical rule of thumb for the building of
a site built home is 4-6 months from ground breaking. A modular home can be completed in 1-2 months.
There are several reasons for this. All of the trades required to build a site built home are employed at the
factory so there is a reduced number of tradesman. Secondly many different tasks can be going on
simultaneously in the factory. Lastly, some of the site work, like excavation and the pouring of the foundation
are done prior to the time the house is delivered to the construction site.Compare this to the site built home
where most tasks must be done sequentially. In total a few weeks is all that will be required to complete the
modules that comprise a modular home. Once delivered on site the builder may have another few weeks to
complete the finish work. Typically, customers can expect that it will take 4-6 weeks from time of order to time
of delivery, and from time of delivery to completion, another 4-6 weeks.
Are modular homes difficult to finance?
No. That used to be the case, but the sheer number of modular homes being constructed, as well as the
lending community's understanding of the quality of modular homes has all but eliminated any previously
existing prejudice.
Do modular homes offer energy efficiency?
Modular homes are often able to achieve extremely high energy efficiency ratings, with some manufacturer's
offering extremely high standards in their products. Expect to see R-19 to R-21 or better in walls, R-38 to
R50 in roofs, and Low-E windows are almost standard in the modular industry. Talk to your builder to find
out what features are standard, and which are options.
Are there differences in the permit requirements between site built and modular homes?
No, there are no differences. A modular home must conform or comply with the local building requirements
of where the home will be placed. Mobile homes, in contrast, do have substantially different permit or code
requirements - but these do not pertain to modular homes. Modular homes may cost less for permits
because they are pre-inspected at the factory before ever arriving on the construction site. When you are
looking at new homes, talk to a company that specializes in modular homes. They can answer questions as
they pertain to your community and local codes.
Conclusion
There are many good reasons why you should explore the option of a modular home. These reasons
include: time savings, design flexibility, quality, cost savings, shorter-term construction loans (less interest
paid) and brand name products. With the decreasing pool of skilled laborers, modular homes are appearing
in subdivisions nationwide in larger and larger numbers. Seek a builder with expertise in
modular homes, and you'll find quality, beauty and affordability in less time, often with warranties of up to ten
years. It's an option you are seeing more and more.
About the Author
Nancy is happily constructing new homes for customers in Wisconsin and guiding them through the mortgage, construction
and home equity process. She is a specialist in modular home construction, ADA compliant, and Universal Design for
Accessibility.
Article provided by GoArticles.com
b-9