This page is revised from an article by the National Association of Home Builders' Modular Building Systems Council

1. Can You Explain The Modular Home Construction Process?

Today's modular systems are models of efficiency and quality assurance. The building process begins at the design phase. Most modular producers use state of the art computer assisted design stations which aid them in customizing floor plans and producing drawings and material requirement lists. Once designed, the building process begins. This process is similar to what you've seen during the construction of houses in your neighborhood. Material quality, care for detail, and the same building codes and standards are observed.

So what's different? Efficiency and quality control! Efficiency begins with modern factory assembly line techniques. Your home travels to work stations, with all the building trades represented. Work is never delayed by weather, subcontractor no-shows or missing material. Quality engineering and  modular construction techniques significantly increase the energy efficiency of your modular home. A quality control process provides 100% assurance that your home has been inspected for code compliance and workmanship. In-plant inspectors as well as independent inspection agencies inspect the home on behalf of your state and local government.

2. How Long Does It Take To Build A Modular Home?

Speed and consistent quality are two of the many advantages for choosing modular components for your new home. On the average, a home consisting of two modules will be factory produced in one to two weeks. Once the manufacturing process is complete, typically with interior finish right down to carpets and wall finish, the unit must be transferred to the building site and placed on its foundation. Final completion is usually handled by a local builder or general contractor and includes connection of utilities to the home, and a short list of finish work. Normally the home is completed in four to eight weeks.

3. I Get Confused When I See The Terms "Manufactured Home" and "Modular Home". What's The Difference?

Manufactured homes, sometimes referred to as mobile homes, are another type of building system and are constructed to a different building standard. This standard, the Federal Construction Safety Standards Act (HUD/CODE), unlike conventional building codes, requires manufactured homes to be constructed on a non-removable steel chassis. Many communities have restrictions on where manufactured homes can be located.

Modular and site-built homes on the other hand, are constructed to the same building code required by your state, county and specific locality and therefore are not restricted by building or zoning regulations. Your new modular home is inspected at the assembly plant during each phase of construction. Evidence of this inspection is normally shown by the application of a State or inspection agency label of approval.

4. What Do Modular Homes Look Like?

Modular homes look like any other home. Today's building technology has allowed modular manufacturers to build most any style of home from a simple ranch to a highly customized contemporary. And it doesn't stop with houses. Modular producers are busy building banks, schools, office buildings, motels and hotels. Chances are, you've been in many modular structures and probably never realized it.

5. Can I Design My Own Home Instead Of Using A Modular Manufacturers Standard Plan?

Yes. Most modular companies allow the customer complete design flexibility. But remember, every manufacturer is different. Engineering capabilities and product specifications will vary from company to company.

6. I Know That Modular Homes Are Built To The Same Codes As Site-Built Homes, But Is Financing Any Different?

There is no distinction between modular and site-built homes as far as appraisal or financing. Banks and lending institutions treat both types of construction the same. Likewise, there is no difference in insuring the modular property.

7. One Last Time, Review The Benefits Of Modular Construction For Me.

• Highly Engineered
• Constructed in Climate Controlled Environment
• Efficient Building Process & Material Usage
• Energy Efficient
• In-Plant Inspections
• Consistent Quality
• Speed of Construction
• Design Flexibility
• Constructed to Meet or Exceed Local Building Codes

  And One Last Item We Haven't Covered - COST.

When you add up all the labor, material and time savings inherent in the modular building process, you will find that the price of a modular home is generally lower than a traditionally built home of comparable size. And you will keep saving money year after year, as the energy efficiency of your home keeps your heating and cooling bills low.  

***This information taken from the National Association of Home Builders' Modular Building Systems Council brochure.