What's the difference?
Modular homes are built using a method of producing buildings or building components in an efficient and cost effective manner. The home is built in a factory and then transferred by sections to the site where it is assembled by a local builder.
Manufactured houses are not the same as modular houses. Manufactured homes are required to meet the Federal Construction Safety Standards Act (HUD/CODE), which requires homes to be constructed on a non-removable steel chassis. Many areas have restrictions on where manufactured homes can be placed.
Modular homes are built to the same building code required by your state, county, and specific locality and are not restricted by building or zoning regulations. The quality control process provides one-hundred percent assurance that your home has been inspected for compliance with code and workmanship. Your new modular home is inspected at the plant during each stage of construction.
What are the benefits to a modular home?
The modular home building system is a fast-growing form of construction gaining a growing recognition of its increased efficiency and ability to apply updated technology to the needs of the market.
You benefit from the assembly line production process since modular homes are built in factories. Maximum efficiency is used with the labor, with skilled craftsman working between workstations on the floor of the factory. Excellent quality control, reduced waste, and quicker completion (30-90 days vs. 5-12 months for site-built construction) are the main benefits.
The factories buy large amounts of lumber, sheet rock, carpet, paint, and other building supplies. For this reason, they pay much less for each, and you get the savings.
When you take into consideration all the labor, material and time savings that comes with the modular home building process, you will find that the cost of your home is generally less than a traditionally built home.
The better efficiency of construction results in greater value for the homeowner. Work is not delayed by weather, subcontractor not showing up, or missing materials. Bad weather never touches the inside of your house.
Is a modular home a better value for my money?
Modular housing is growing at almost 10% rate over the last six years. Forecasters see modular housing increasing its market share by 13% annually well into the next millennium.
You will keep saving money year after year, as your energy efficient home keeps your heating and cooling bills low.
Repair bills can really add up quick. A modular home is a home that is easier and less costly to maintain. Additional factory insulation and precision building techniques make the modular house an efficient energy conservation home. And of course this cost saving lasts every year you're living in the house. And it increases your resale value, too!
Modular homes are precision built at the factory, and they're built to last. Your modular home requires less maintenance and your energy bills are lower than your neighbors. When it's time to sell your home, you'll be glad it's a modular.
Don't all modular homes look alike?
Not at all. Unless you were there to see the house delivered and assembled, you might not guess it's a modular home. Modular home manufacturers can take any home plan and use computer software that will enable them to make a modular home from it. They can take your specifications and turn your ideas into reality.
It is true that some modular homes resemble mobile homes but the two are built in two entirely different ways.
Be sure to ask questions about flexibility if you would like to design your own home since each manufacturer is different.