We've heard the term "Building System." How does it differ from a Modular Home?
A modular home is one of several forms of factory built homes that fall under the general category of (and also known as) "building systems" (or system-built homes). A modular home is constructed by combining pre-engineered components such as roof trusses, sheathing, shingles, walls, cabinets, doors, floors, and so on, into a cohesive structure and done so in a controlled and weather protected environment. Actually, a modular home is only "modular" during the assembly and transportation phases. After all of the home's multiple modular units have been constructed and placed on its foundation and tied together, it is no longer "modular" - from that point on, it is a completely integrated and monolithic structure, and one that compares very favorably to a "stick-built" (or site-built) building.
Is a "Manufactured Home" the same as a "Modular Home"?
No! They are built to entirely different specifications. Many communities have zoning restrictions as to where manufactured homes can be placed, whereas modular homes are generally accepted in any community because they are constructed to the same (or greater) codes as site-built (conventional) homes. Manufactured homes are built to a HUD code that requires them to be built on a nonremovable steel chassis.
How do I go about buying a Modular Home?
Modular home manufacturers sell their products through a network of dealers simply because there is some on-site work activity that must be performed, which is best done by hiring local contractors. Manufacturers have determnied that it is not cost-effective to have the manufacturer's work crews transported from the plant to all the job sites where homes are purchased. It is more economically feasible for a dealer, or some other project manager (including the buyer), to arrange to have the on-site work completed.
Does a Modular Home cost less than a conventional home?
This comparison is always difficult because of cost and quality variations between modular manufacturers but also exacerbated by the even greater cost and quality differences between conventional builders. However, if we were to compare a typical modular home manufacturer's cost of a given home with that of reasonably adept conventional home builder, the modular home would most likely be less costly. But in addition to lower hard costs, one must also take into consideration the added value inherent in modular homes due to increased structural integrity, reduced construction loan costs due to shorter build times, and greatly reduced jobsite theft, vandalism and waste.
How long does it take to build a Modular Home?
From the time an order is submitted to the factory, it takes approximately 3 months to complete the house for occupancy, depending on how much on-site work is needed for site preparation, foundation, and modular home build-out (garages, decks, porches, brickwork, etc.).
Can the manufacturer's standard plans be modified? Can you build to a plan I found somewhere else? Can I design my own home?
In general, the answer is yes to all these questions. However, you must address them with your dealer.
Contact us in Akron, Ohio, at (888) 350-9534 for more details about
our modular homes.
