What is a Modular Home?

Modular homes are the fastest-growing segment of the home building industry today. A modular home is simply a home built to local building codes in a controlled, environmentally protected building center using precise and efficient construction technology. The finished units or "modules" are then transported to the site for final assembly.

Skilled and experienced craftsmen construct each modular home one piece of lumber at a time to the same state, county or other specific local building codes as any site-constructed home. These homes are inspected throughout every construction phase for strict quality conformance.

At the site, the finished units or modules are lifted by crane or rolled over a permanent foundation and secured. Once erected, modular homes are indistinguishable from site-built homes in appearance, appreciation and performance.

Erected on a permanent foundation, modular homes typically cannot be distinguished from site-built homes in appearance, appreciation, or appraisals.

Why are Modular Homes better Quality than traditionally built homes?

The protected construction environment in which the homes are built insures that no building materials are ever compromised by rain or other weather damage.

Home components are assembled using advanced technology to insure square and precise framing.

An extra engineered combination of fastening, steel strapping and advanced adhesives are used to permanently secure the modular home to the foundation with strength that site-built homes simply cannot match.

How is a modular home built?

A modular home is constructed of standard building materials in a controlled factory setting by specially trained workers. The factory setting allows manufacturers of modular homes to use highly automated and technologically advanced systems and machinery in an assembly line fashion. This ensures the highest possible quality of workmanship and greatly reduces both construction time and materials waste normally generated by new construction. Modular homes are built to the state/local building codes of the jurisdiction where the home is going to be sited. These are the very same building codes to which site builders adhere.

Modular home builders can build the home of your choice, however product specifications will depend on the flexibility of each manufacturer. The typical modular home consists of two or more modules, or "boxes." and consists of the same materials found in site-built homes. Plan reviews and in-factory inspections are done by certified plan approval and engineering firms before each home can receive its final seal of approval. In many jurisdictions this exceeds the requirements of conventional home builders. This rigorous inspection process ensures that the home was built to the highest possible standards, and makes certain it was built in compliance to the building code set forth by the state.

Once built, the home is then transported to the home site where installation occurs and the home is completed. Manufacturers rarely sell directly to the consumer, but instead work with an independent local builder or general contractor in the area. Once the home arrives at the construction site, the modular home components are craned onto the permanent foundation that has been prepared, and are securely placed using proper construction methods. This is usually accomplished in less than a day.

Once the components are set, the builder is then responsible for finishing any remaining items such as utility hook-ups, interior finish work, and anything else that needs to be completed before the move-In date. Prior to occupancy by the buyer, a final inspection is conducted to ensure once more the newly-installed home meets building standards.