Modular Homes
Modular homes are prefabricated houses assembled in an environmentally controlled factory and driven to the home site 90% completed. A modular home is built to meet the same state, local, and regional building codes that homes built on site are required to meet. The sections of a modular home are driven to the home site on flat bed trucks and then joined together by a contractor using similar construction methods that stick-built, or site-built homes use.
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Some people confuse modular homes with mobile homes or manufactured homes yet the two are very different. Manufactured homes are built in a factory as well but only conform to HUD code, or Federal building codes. The manufactured home is built on a steel chassis that supports wheels in order to transport the home to the site. After the sections are transported on their own wheels they are joined together. Manufactured homes are typically less expensive than a modular home or built on-site homes and they sometimes decrease in value unlike modular homes which tend to appreciate in value.
New modular home plans come in a variety of sizes and designs including custom modular homes, modular log homes, and multi-level modular homes. True modular homes are built in an efficient cost-effective way making the modular home prices lower when compared to comparable site-built homes. The homes are built an environmentally controlled place so the weather is not a factor in the time required to complete the majority of the building process. The speed of construction of modular homes helps to lower the cost. Materials on modular homes are less costly because the builder can order larger amounts of materials and bargain costs of supplies due to the large number of homes being produced in one location.
Modular homes are also typically stronger homes than site-built homes. Because the modular home is built to be transported it is imperative that the home be built strong so that it can be moved without damaging the structural integrity. Modular homes usually have more wood and materials to help support its transport to the home location. Site-built homes don’t have the concern of transport and don’t need to be as structurally sound.
When considering if a modular home is right for you contact a modular home builder to have all of your questions answered and walk through modular home display models. Look for quality construction and see if a modular home meets all of your expectations.