FAQs

Question 1: Why Modular?

Two of the many advantages of choosing to build a modular home are both the amount of time saved and the consistent quality produced doing construction. Using manufacturing processes, each home is built in sections within a climate-controlled factory. Therefore, the construction of your new home will not be delayed or damaged due to adverse weather conditions. The result is consistent, high-quality home manufacturing that is both efficient and affordable.

Question 2: What Is A Building System?

A building system is a highly engineered method of producing buildings or building components in an efficient and cost effective manner. Many different types of residential and commercial construction use building systems.

Question 3: What Is A Modular Home?

A modular home is the culmination of one type of building system. Modular homes actually begin as components. These components are designed, engineered and assembled in a controlled environment of a modern factory sometimes hundreds of miles away from their final destination. When these components come together on your building site and your builder completes the final finish, you have a dream home for both you and your family.

Question 4: What Is The Construction Process For A Modular Home?

Today's modular systems are models of efficiency and quality assurance. The building process begins at the design phase and most modular producers use state of the art computer assisted design stations. These aid in the customization of floor plans and the production of drawings and material requirement lists. Once designed, the actual 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, along with building codes and standards, are observed. So what's the difference? Efficiency and quality control!

Question 5: Are Modular Homes Efficient?

Efficiency begins with modern factory assembly line techniques. Your home travels to workstations, with all the building trades represented. Because of this, work on your home 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 and local government.

Question 6: How Long Does It Take to Build A Modular Home?

Construction of a modular home usually takes only a couple of weeks. On average, a home consisting of two modules will be factory produced in six or seven days. Once the manufacturing process is complete, typically with interior finish right down to carpets and wall finish, the unit must be transferred to the building site and placed on its foundation. Final completion is usually handled by a local builder or general contractor and includes connection of utilities to the home, and a short list of finish work. Depending on the design, your home can be ready for you in just three to four weeks after its delivery.

Question 7: What's The Difference Between A "Manufactured Home" And A "Modular Home"?

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-renewable 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.

Question 8: 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. And it doesn't stop with houses. Modular producers are busy building banks, schools, office buildings, motels and hotels. You've probably been inside many modular structures and never even realized it.

Question 9: Can I Design My Own Home Instead Of Using A Modular Manufacturer’s Set Plan?

Yes. Most modular companies allow the customer complete design flexibility. But remember, every manufacturer is different. Engineering capabilities and product specifications will vary from company to company.

Question 10: What's The Difference Between Financing A Modular Home Compared To A Site-Built Home?

There is no distinction between modular and site-built homes as far as appraisal or financing. Banks and lending institutions treat both types of construction the same. Likewise, there is no difference in insuring the modular property.

Question 11: How Do I Buy A Modular Home?

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 inspection and site preparation. When dealing with such a large purchase, it is always best to have expert advice.

Question 12: Can You Review The Benefits Of Modular Construction?

Highly engineered
Constructed in a Climate Controlled Environment
Efficient Building Process & Material Usage
Energy Efficient
In-Plant Inspections
Consistent Quality
Speedy Construction
Design Flexibility
Constructed to Meet or Exceed Local Building Codes

Question 13: What About 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.

Question 14: Where Can I Get More Information On Modular Systems?

Before you buy a modular home, choose a Modular Systems council member to provide you with the outstanding dedication, commitment and professionalism you deserve. Our members sponsor research, training and marketing programs committed to raising modular industry standards, as well as promoting modular structures as smart, viable and attractive forms of residential and commercial construction. Working together, our members are dedicated to providing the public with quality services and products.