Common Modular Home Questions
Created: 5/2/2011
Is a modular home or modular office lower quality than traditional buildings?
No, modular buildings use the same materials as site-built homes. They actually have better quality since the pre-fabricated buildings are built in sections inside the controlled environment of a factory. Then shipped by truck to the building site where they are assembled by local builders who understand the local environment. All modular buildings meet or exceed the same local building codes as a regular home (site-built).
No, modular buildings use the same materials as site-built homes. They actually have better quality since the pre-fabricated buildings are built in sections inside the controlled environment of a factory. Then shipped by truck to the building site where they are assembled by local builders who understand the local environment. All modular buildings meet or exceed the same local building codes as a regular home (site-built).
What does a modular home look like?
A modular home's appearance is the same as any other house. There are countless numbers of designs to choose from and additional site add-ons so your modular home will look however you want it to look. Modular buildings are different in that they use a more efficient building process. They are the same in that they use the same materials and design types as regular homes. A modular home is different than a mobile home.
A modular home's appearance is the same as any other house. There are countless numbers of designs to choose from and additional site add-ons so your modular home will look however you want it to look. Modular buildings are different in that they use a more efficient building process. They are the same in that they use the same materials and design types as regular homes. A modular home is different than a mobile home.
What are the differences between manufactured and modular homes?
Manufactured homes are also known as mobile homes. They are built on a non-removable steel chassis (about the size of a flatbed truck) and must pass the federal HUD building code. Modular homes are constructed according to the state/local building codes. Modular homes can be any shape or size. They can be multi-leveled and can have basements. Modular homes are built in large segments at an off-site factory and then constructed together at your building site.
Manufactured homes are also known as mobile homes. They are built on a non-removable steel chassis (about the size of a flatbed truck) and must pass the federal HUD building code. Modular homes are constructed according to the state/local building codes. Modular homes can be any shape or size. They can be multi-leveled and can have basements. Modular homes are built in large segments at an off-site factory and then constructed together at your building site.
Is there a difference in the construction between modular homes and site-built homes?
There is almost no difference in the construction process for a modular home and a site-built home. The main difference is that modular buildings are constructed in a controlled environment, and are not affected by the weather and other environmental elements. Modular homes are delivered to the site in modules and then put together on site; thus saving months on construction time.
There is almost no difference in the construction process for a modular home and a site-built home. The main difference is that modular buildings are constructed in a controlled environment, and are not affected by the weather and other environmental elements. Modular homes are delivered to the site in modules and then put together on site; thus saving months on construction time.
How does a modular home save on cost and time?
There are several savings with modular homes.
There are several savings with modular homes.
1. Since modular home builders fabricate all the homes at one factory they are able to buy material in bulk quantities at reduced costs.
2. Fabrication is done in a climate controlled factory so no time is wasted on weather delays which means lower labor costs.
3. Since the fabrication is done in a central factory they can reduce material waste and the workers are more experienced at their specific tasks so they can complete them faster.
4. There are no vandalism costs since the fabricated pieces are secure in the factory until they are assembled.
5. Since the modular building can be completed faster due to the concurrent building process, there are savings on reduced loan interest.
Is finding a mortgage for a modular home hard?
It is the same as finding financing for a regular new home. Financial companies treat modular buildings and site-built aka regular homes the same way. The appraisal is the same process for both and insurance companies also treat them the same way.
It is the same as finding financing for a regular new home. Financial companies treat modular buildings and site-built aka regular homes the same way. The appraisal is the same process for both and insurance companies also treat them the same way.
How long does it take to build a modular home?
This depends on the size of the modular home and the complexity. Since all fabrication is performed in a climate controlled factory, there are no weather delays and work is done more efficiently (don't you work better when it is not too cold or too hot?). Also since the fabrication is done off-site, it can be done at the same time the building site is being prepared, saving even more time. As modules are finished they are shipped to a building site where they are assembled together on the foundation. The total building process can take anywhere from 1 to 6 months.
Modular Building Process Timeline
Modular buildings are similar to on-site building in appearance and performance. However one big advantage of modular buildings is the shortened timeline which delivers cost savings. This is because the pieces of the modular home are constructed in a climate controlled workspace which removes the possibility of weather delays. This working environment increases efficiency allowing the structure to be built faster and costing less. Also by having a separate workspace from the building site it allows for concurrent site preparation and building. In other words, while your building site is being prepared (ground leveled, foundation poured etc.) your walls and roofs are already being built in the climate controlled workspace. Listed below is a general timeline that will take 90 to 180 days for the entire project. Each individual modular home will be different.
- Financing Part I
Like most Americans you will need some financing for you building project. Your local banks and mortgage brokers can provide you with the construction loan. Before you talk to anyone about your finances make sure you are educated about the basics so you can ask smart questions. Look up your credit report (which is free to do once a year) and make sure there are no errors. Then look up the current mortgage loan rates. This will help you to estimate how much you can spend on your new home. Then start contacting banks and mortgage brokers to determine which will offer you the best rate.
- Decide what you want
What type of house do you want? Have you found your land? How many floors, bedrooms, bathrooms and how much square feet of space would you like? Where would you like to build this?
- Architectural Plans
Once you decide what you want, your next step is to choose the plan that fits your needs. Choose your add-ons to the basic plans. Based on your selection, the builder will prepare house plans and architectural drawings in about 4-8 weeks.
- Construction Costs
Once you choose the house plan, the cost of the local builder can be determined. This can take a few weeks to determine the costs and guarantee the scheduling with the local builders. You will need this information for your construction loan.
- Financing Part II
Once the costs are completed and you have blueprints you can go back to your lender that you had the preliminary home financing meeting with. The lender normally will require a copy of the final blueprint drawings and written construction bids before they will approve the loan.
- Building Permits
Once you have the necessary financing, you then need to work with your modular home builder to apply for any necessary building permits that are required by the state or local governments. Generally this will take 3-6 weeks for normal building sites. If you are in a historic area, environmentally sensitive or other protected zone it can take considerably longer.
- Site Preparation/Construction
Modular buildings enable you to experience a great time and cost savings by allowing your construction to commence while your site is being prepared. While your foundation is being created the modular building is being fabricated at an off-site location. It is then shipped to you in sections where it is assembled by the local builders and constructed on top of your foundation. This step will take 1 to 3 months depending on the size and complexity of your modular home.