FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. What are the advantages of modular versus typical site built construction (also known as stick-built construction)?
A. There are numerous advantages. Briefly however the advantages start with building your home in climate controlled facilities. Your home is not exposed to rain, snow, or mildew during its construction. Modular homes are built to the highest possible standards in order to meet the most stringent building codes. On-site independent third party inspection insures that the home meets, or more likely exceeds, the building codes for your state. Your home is built by highly experienced craftsmen – many of whom have decades of experience. A modular factory can buy materials often for a fraction of the price a stick builder pays – and can pass along savings to you wherever possible. And finally, due to the production planning and use of modern technically advanced modular techniques, the odds of cost over-runs is dramatically reduced.
Q. What is the difference between the term “Manufactured Home” and a “Modular Home”?
A. Manufactured homes, often referred to as “mobile, single or double wide homes”, are constructed to a different building standard. The standard is the Federal Construction Safety Standard or HUD code. Unlike conventional building codes, it requires manufactured homes to be constructed on non-removable steel chassis. Many communities have restrictions on where (and if) these homes can be located.
A Modular home (even though it is “manufactured”) and site-built homes are constructed to the same building code as required by your state and local authorities. Building and zoning regulations do not therefore restrict where they can be constructed.
Q. Is modular less expensive than site built construction?
A. The many advantages of modular construction can often lead to lower pricing than stick built homes. Construction costs are known to the factory up-front. The factory buys in volume, lowering our materials costs. The factory does not have weather delays because the homes are built in climate controlled production facilities. A modular home has less material loss, damage, pilferage and vandalism – again all due to modern modular techniques and indoor construction. All of these factors help lower the cost. Shorter construction time means you will lower your financing costs during the construction period.
Q. Can I make changes or design my house plan?
A. Yes you can make changes. Plans can be modified, enlarged, or you can design your own modular plan.
Q. Can I visit the Modular Home Factory?
A. Yes- factory tours are available
Q. How does financing work for modular home?
A. Modular homes are built to the same codes as site-built homes. Financing a modular home is similar to financing any new construction. We have local lenders that have financed hundreds of modular homes for the construction loan and permanent financing. The disbursement schedule is different because most of the construction is completed when it arrives. For more information see “Financing Help” on the web site home page.
Q. Do modular homes have basements?
A. Almost every home that we have done has a full basement. The basements can be concrete block, poured concrete or Superior Walls by Northeast Precast. To learn more about the advantages of Superior Walls you can visit their website at www.northeastprecast.com. We have also done homes on pilings, typically for the shore areas, and on crawl spaces.
Q. Can you do a modular addition to a site built house?
A. We have done many modular additions. We can do the addition on the side or the rear of your home. If you are looking to do the addition on the second story, (on top of your existing house), an engineer or architect should check your home to be sure that the structure can hold the modular. A modular has more lumber and has additional weight in the center and additional support might be needed on the first floor and in the basement or crawl space.
Q. Can Modular Homes be built to Energy Star requirements?
A. Yes – There is an energy star ready program designed to work with your local energy star rater.
Q. What type materials or specifications can I expect when I purchase a modular home?
A. When you order the home a detailed specification sheet will show in detail the materials, and specifications in the home.
Q. How long does a modular home once it has been delivered?
A. The home is usually set the day after it is delivered. The average set is one or two days. An average two story home can be completed in 90 days. This depends on the customization and options. There are final site plans that have to be completed and final inspections by the municipality. Also the time of year and weather conditions play an important factor.
