1. Limited Number of Subcontractors.........So You SAVE TIME and MONEY
Generally, the modular builder contracts with a limited number of subcontractors. Since the majority of construction is performed in the factory, the modular builder has limited responsibilities. At Midwest Homes all our subcontractors are licensed, insured and bonded. Most modular builders will subcontract out the foundation construction. In addition, the crane company and installation crew are usually subcontractors. This eliminates the possibility that your builder will have delays from a “no-show” subcontractor.
2. Manufacturer Responsibility.........Better Protection for You
Since most of the work is performed in the factory, the manufacturer is responsible for all of the construction of the home only in the manufacturing facility. When a problem results from work done in the manufacturing facility (which is rare), the manufacturer corrects the problem. Consequently, ongoing problems with modular homes are relatively unheard of.
3. Regulation & Inspection.........Quality Construction Regulated by the State
As a result of intense regulation and inspection of the home during construction, it is extremely rare that a home leaves the factory with a defect in design or manufacturing. The third party inspection services see to this and assume liability for their plan review and inspection responsibility. Additionally, since modular construction is regulated by the state, the state is typically involved in correcting the problem.
4. Superior Construction.......Saves you MONEY with Higher Quality Lumber
The larger quantity of construction material used in the modular home results in enhanced structural stability. The material that is used is also often of higher quality than what a site built builder uses and the material is stored indoors until needed. Additionally, better construction techniques and higher control techniques greatly reduce the chances for unforeseen defects. This includes problems such as mold that could arise from moist lumber. Modular construction is tighter and stronger compared to stick-built or traditional methods. On average a modular home will use 20% to 30% more lumber, producing a more energy efficient home. Modular homes are over engineered in order to withstand the transportation to the home site.
5. Reduced Construction & Assembly Time........3 month vs 9 month Construction, which will SAVE you lots of TIME and MONEY
The modular home is completed in the factory in approximately one-third of the time it takes a stick build home to be completed. This eliminates the possibility of an on-site construction related fire or other problems. The factory controlled conditions also eliminate the possibility of bad weather delaying the completion of your home. Furthermore, a modular home is not subject to delays from back-ordered materials or unreliable subcontractors. Once the home is delivered it is closed and sealed within days and the remaining on site work is completed very quickly. Within weeks, the home is available for the buyer to move in. Consequently, the neighborhood children won’t have a chance to play in your uncompleted home and there is no chance for vandals to damage the interior of your home.
6. Skills & Specialized Training of Modular Builders & Installers....We only deal with EXPERTS that are INSURED
Modular Manufacturers do not choose to deal with builders that are under-skilled and poorly capitalized. Manufacturers have a set list of builders they deal with and are in constant communication with these builders to update them on new techniques and changes in the industry.
7. Affordability.......SAVE 10% to 30% over site built homes
Since the houses are built in a factory by a stable work force under controlled conditions with more predictable raw material inventory and supply, assembly is much more efficient, resulting in structures less expensive than stick-built housing by at least 10% to 30%. Because modular homes are constructed faster, costs are controlled and kept at a minimum which enables modular home producers to pass these savings along to you.
8. Reduced Waste.....for a "GREENER" world
Waste materials are minimized, and the waste generated is much more easily reused and recycled in a factory environment. Everybody is talking, “GREEN” today and many modular home facilities around the country are starting to utilize recyclable materials into their homes.
9. Less Site Impact .....Happier Neighbors.
Since the site schedule is compressed, far fewer materials are stored on-site, fewer workers are on-site for less time and make less noise, and there is generally no need to have large dumpsters sitting around for extended periods--if at all. This all makes for happier neighbors.
10. Financing......Easy Financing to SAVE you TIME and MONEY
Modular Homes are financed in the same manner as conventional homes. Modular homes qualify for all mortgage programs. The same mortgage rules and regulations apply to purchasing a modular home as to a onsite stick-built home. New construction loans are typically shorter, saving homeowners interest payments.
11. Residential Appeal........Your Neighbors Will Love Your New House
There is no difference or distinction between a modular home and a traditional stick-built home when it comes to design, style or residential features.
12. Energy efficient........SAVE MONEY on Your Energy Bill
Modular homes are over engineered using the latest construction technology with 20 to 30 percent more lumber compared to stick-built homes. True modular homes are designed to be energy efficient, which will save you money on bills in the future.
13. Design flexibility........Customize to What's Important to You.
A wide variety of house plans are typically available from true modular home producers. Whether you’re interested in capes, ranches, split level, two-story, three-story homes, townhomes or commercial buildings.
The Basis of Modular Construction
1. Modular Home: A modular home is a home constructed in multiple sections in a factory. It is built to the same building code used by conventional site-builders and is transported to the new home site where it is placed on a permanent foundation.
2. Modular Manufacturer: A company that constructs modular homes in multiple sections inside a controlled factory.
3. Modular Builder/Contractor: The company that sells the home to the homebuyer and is responsible for ordering the home from the manufacturer. The modular builder constructs the foundation for the permanent installation of the home and is responsible for some finish work after the home has been installed.
4. Modular Installer: A subcontractor who specializes in the installation for the modular home on the foundation.
Modular Homes vs. Site Built Homes
1. Modular Homes Are Quicker To Build. From the time you place your order, even when the factory is busy, you can get a two module home delivered to your site in eight weeks or less and you can move into your home within a few weeks. From the time you place you order, the average site built home takes six to nine months to complete.
2. Modular Homes Appreciate In Value The Same As Site Built Homes. All things being equal (location), Modular Homes appreciate in value at the same rate as site built homes.
3. Modular vs. Stick Built. A very easy analogy to draw is the one between the home you’re building and the automobile you drive. You’d never think of calling Detroit or Japan and asking a big automaker to ship you all the parts for a car so that your mechanic could put it together in your backyard. You want your vehicle built in a controlled environment by experienced people, with engineers on site and continual testing and quality control being done.
A car will lose value over the life of it, which may be four or five years and is a small investment compared with what you could be spending on your home. Your home, on the other hand, may be worth anywhere from five to twenty times the cost of the car. Your home will gain in value and becomes, potentially, a very significant part of your net worth. Doesn’t it make sense to have it built under the same type of conditions as your automobile? We build your dream inside our factory, in a controlled environment, where the materials we use are never subjected to water or snow damage and we never lose time when the Midwest weather sends the site builders home. We have engineers on site and have vigorous quality control standards for every house we build.
Modular Homes vs. Manufactured Trailers
"Manufactured homes," often referred to as mobile homes or trailers, represent an entirely different type of building system than a modular or a stick built home. A modular or a stick built home is constructed to state, local or regional building codes at their destinations.
The standard a manufactured home meets is the Federal Construction Safety Standards Act (HUD/CODE), rather than to building codes at their destinations, which requires manufactured homes to be constructed on a non-removable steel chassis. Building inspectors check the work done locally (electric hook up, etc.) but are not required to approve the structure. Many communities have placed restrictions on where manufactured homes may be located.
"Manufactured Homes possessed poor ability to withstand the high wind loads generated by Hurricane Andrew in 1992” Quote from FEMA Publication
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