Modular Home: The Ultimate Buying Guide

A modular home is a type of home which involves putting together manufactured segments to form a home.

These parts are usually made by a firm that fully specializes in making modular homes.

Afterwards, upon an order, the segments undergo a process of installation on the preferred site.

In lay man’s language, it simply involves assembling parts of a house to form a home.

What Modular Homes Look Like?

Modular homes are not any different from normal homes.

The structures and designs are formulated to suit the need of owning a home.

They come with a range of styles too.

You can as well suggest a house design you wish to own and it is customized to your liking.

Whether, it’s a modern, tradition or even an ultra-modern home, the builders will be sure to attend to your need.

Moreover, these homes are not that much different from the built-on site ones.

Just like a built on site home, you can incorporate utilities such as kitchen drawer, toilets bathrooms and the likes.

Factors such as neighbourhood region, lot size, norms, budget available and customer need greatly contribute to putting up a modular home.

Most of modular manufacturers work hand in hand with architectures to help deliver beautiful modular homes.

How Modular Homes Are Made

If you have seen how car parts are assembled to bring forth a car, then modular homes are no new news to you.

A modular homes has its parts transported to the preferred site of residence.

This majorly done by a large size truck to accommodate the materials.

With the help of the manufacturers and cranes, a house is put together to form a home.

It is quite an easy process to understand.

However, the real work draws much work and efforts.

Benefits of Owning a Modular Home

Modular homes bear a number of benefits. These are;

· Modular Homes have a Shorter Time to giving you a Home

A modular home is faster because its parts are readily available and they just need to be put together.

In a matter of weeks, you can have your home ready for moving in.

· Modular Homes Speak Quality

A modular has its parts made from strong materials.

This is true featuring the fact that during their transport, they arrive while intact.

Moreover, you are bound to live in an air quality proof home.

This is because the materials used are not exposed to bad external conditions like rains.

· Modular Homes Save you Money and Time.

Unlike a home built on site, a modular home is likely to be far way more less costly.

Both financially and time wise.

With a modular home, most of the materials are under bulk purchase.

This means that you will receive a wholesale price for your materials.

Moreover, unlike when you decide to opt for construction, a modular home saves you time.

In fact, a modular home is a good option for someone who wishes to settle in quickly.

· They are Environmentally Friendly

Modular homes are made in factories.

Hence there is little to no waste products lying all over the compound.

In fact, the remainder materials mostly underdo recycling.

· Material Efficient

Most modular home builders know the exact material required in putting up the home of your desire.

Hence saves you the hustle of buying excess or inadequate materials for the construction.

· They have More air Quality Materials

Most build on site houses suffer poor air quality due to accumulation of moisture during construction.

Modular homes eliminate this factor due to their enclosed construction area.

· They offer Flexibility

Modular homes allow you to customize your home to your liking.

Moreover, you are allowed to even disassemble and assemble it all over again.

Modular Home vs. Manufactured Home

A manufactured home is similar with the modular home in that both of these types are manufactured at factories.

However, the difference comes in the final product.

For a modular home, its part is delivered to the site of set up then an assembling team puts it up together.

For a manufactured home, the house is delivered while complete.

It mostly comes in a steel chassis or fitted with wheels.

It is then placed at your choice of residence.

For a manufactured home, it is less expensive compared to the built on site ones.

The same factor applies to modular homes. However, the financing of these two types of homes is different.

For a modular home, the financing is usually almost the same as those for the built on site homes.

The financing of a manufactured home is treated in the same way as owning personal property.

Hence taxation and consumer rights protections guidelines are applicable for this type of home.

Moreover, as modular homes are required to meet the requirement of house codes, manufactured are free from such obligations.

Modular homes are also much more expensive compared to the manufactured homes.

When it comes to customization, modular homes make it easier for the owner to make certain alterations.

Manufactured homes rarely offer the pleasure of working with your space once it is ready.

Did I mention how manufactured homes allow you to move.

Yes, with your entire house.

They come with the possibility of mobility.

The modular homes are more similar to build on-site homes.

They do not come with the laxity of portability.

It is best to define your preferences weighing both the pros and cons of these two homes.

This is because both these homes are different. It all comes down to the type of home that can comfortably accommodate you.

You should also be comfortable with the financial capabilities of owning either a modular or manufactured home.

Downside of Modular Homes

Modular homes carry a few drawbacks.

These are;

· They Suffer Stigmatization.

Modular homes have been there for the very longest time.

Yet, they still remain the least on the purchase list.

People tend to get confused with the mobile homes.

Modular homes are designed to serve the same purpose as the built-on site.

· Need for Renovation.

This applies to most modular homes.

This is because most of these are already built.

Renovations such as paint and some finishing which you as a customer desire.

On the bright side, when these renovations are done, you would not be able to tell it apart from the built-on site.

· Modular Houses do not Come with Land

Yes.

This is probably one of the major drawbacks of modular homes.

Before purchasing a modular home, it is advisable to choose your ideal site and purchase it early in advance.

What modular homes are responsible for is delivering your modular home to where you wish to set up your home.

· They are not all Price Inclusive

This means that you will have to ensure that you have sort out your electricity plans.

This also applies to having a plumbing plan, setting up your septic tank, and other utilities needed to set up.

Due to their nature, some financial institutions are adamant about offering loans to modular homeowners.

Modular Home Standards and Zoning Considerations

A number of factors account for when setting up a modular home.

The main aspects of being the zoning and standards of modular homes.

The zoning simply represents the region where the modular home is being set up.

Areas prone to hurricanes, snowy effects and any other environmental hazard to affect your home.

For standards, modular homes take into consideration the following four aspects;

• Building strength
• CE marking
• Surface and finishes
• Regional differences such as climate, demography and local housing architecture

· Building Strength

The current modular homes incorporate a building strength that incorporates modern designs.

For example, in the case of using nails, modular homes opt for screws.

The joints use glue and there is even an 8-10% increase in the use of lumber compared to conventional housing.

Surprisingly, these aspects prove to make a stronger house compared to those built on site.

Their strength is also evident when transporting the materials.

· CE Marking

Here is where as a user, you are given a guarantee for mechanical resistance and strength.

The persons responsible for the materials used to make your modular home are kept under a record.

This is in order to allow for easier tracing in case of complaints.

These records cover the following;

• The suppliers responsible. They should be bare certifications.
• Recordings of all the materials used in the manufacture of the modular home in batches
• Quality of the elementary products
• Management of the assembly team and the quality of its job
• An overall standards unit check to affirm the quality of your modular home.

Most factories have a set database that ensures that the above recordings are keenly recorded and are up to date.

· Surface and Finishes

It is advisable to choose the ideal space to set up your modular house.

For most, modular houses set up in areas prone to floods, come with stilts.

You can also opt for a crawl space or even the standard slab and full basements.

Did you know you can also set up a storey building of modular?

Well, now you know.

Some countries like Australia allow for more than 24 floors and even more.

When it comes to finishes, this can be done in the factory or even on the site during set up.

However, for the brick and stone veneers, field finishes are applicable.

For the roofs, the finishing’s commenced at the factory, then the final event takes place at the site of residence.

· Regional Differences such as Climate, Demography and Local Housing Architecture

Climatic conditions such as winds, snowy places, hurricanes, and floods, all affect the way you put up your modular home.

The finishing should be customized in such a way they provide extra strength to withstand harsh climatic conditions.

For demography, this mostly depends on the way people have embraced modular homes.

Local housing architecture as well plays a role in this.

Most people will set up a home depending on the prevalent design in their local area of residence.

Hence the reason for the vast range of modular house designs, from traditional to modern designs.

Modular Home Cost

As earlier mentioned, modular homes are less costly compared to the built on site ones.

As much as they save you on time, they offer you a very price friendly aspect.

Here is a breakdown of how much you will spend on your modular home;

· You will need to Purchase a Piece of Land.

Modular homes need a place where they can be set up.

Land prices range with the size and location you wish to set up your home.

This mostly will resonate with your seller.

A good piece of land will fall under the price range of about $14,000 for an ideal three-bedroom mansion.

· You are also Required to Make Site Preparations

This majorly encompasses clearing any bushes and trees that hinder your modular set up ventures.

It also involves making way for proper drainage.

Leveling your land will also be advisable.

This will not be very costly.

On average the price ranges at $7,500

· Setting up a Foundation

This means that you easily choose the type of basement to set up.

Whether it is a full basement or just one accommodating a crawl space.

For a full basement, you might incur a little more costs to help give you a more needed space.

However, if you are comfortable without the extra space, a regular foundation will do you just fine.

· The Setup Cost

This will arise from your manufacturer.

This is majorly the total cost of setting up and mounting your home.

For the earlier mentioned type of home, the price will range to about $94,000.

The price is not inclusive of customizations.

Also this price will differ depending on the design and type of house you are purchasing.

· Customizations

You will want to make your home feel like a real home.

Customizations such as use of more moderns and strong finishes for the doors and windows apply.

You might also want some alterations made to your kitchen and even the garage area.

All these customizations depend on the choice of the buyer and how flexible your manufacturer can be.

They can cost you up to a total of $31,000 or even more depending on your choice of customization.

· Delivery Fees and Taxes

As the buyer, you will be accountable for the cost of transporting the materials to put up your modular house.

Most of the modular factories offer trucks which in turn allow you to pay for the transportation cost.

Hence this price will be clearly defined by your manufacturer

You Will also Have to bear the Costs of the Finishing Works.

Usually it Ranges at About $15000 or even Less.

These majorly accounts for the final touches to your modular home.

You will also Have to Obtain Permits to Allow you to Set up your Modular Home.

The prices definitely are different depending on the region where you decide to live in.

Some of the permits you need to obtain include

• Building permits
• Mechanical permits
• Pre-plan review fee
• Certificate of occupancy

Hence, setting aside an average amount of $2,500 will allow you to have a hold of the permits you need to live in your new modular home.

Without even attracting unnecessary attention from the authority.

· Utilities Cost

This includes the septic tank and the electricity set up, and plumbing services.

An average amount of $2,500 will have you good to go for your utilities.

With the above price ranges, a total of not more than $200,000 dollars will have you set up a nice home with three bedrooms.

A home that comes with a full basement plan, two bathrooms, hardwood floor plans with a beautiful kitchen.

Popular Modular Home Styles to Consider

Modular homes offer a wide range of building styles that are able to satisfy a vast number of customers.

Below are some of the styles available for modular houses.

· Ranch Homes

Ranch home style is among the most common styles used for modular houses.

Maybe they are easy to set up or just have a laxity different than the others.

I guess you will have to ask your manufacturer about all the fuss in modular homes opting for the ranch style.

They are rectangular in shape.

Thus they are wider that they are vertical.

Its finishing is less on ornaments yet it is able to present a modern view.

Surprisingly, this style accounts for more than 60% of modular homes do far purchased.

· Log Cabins

From the name, you can easily tell what these homes are made off.

Log of course.

They are designed to feature a cabin and to offer a rustic feeling for such homes.

If you are looking for a design that will offer you that natural feeling, the log cabins are what you need.

·  Contemporary Homes

The most modern yet technically designed designs of modular houses continue with changing designs with time.

They account for the largest prefabricated homes with a vast growth.

However, they are yet to be commonly embraced with only a 12% total purchase of this type of design.

· Chalet

This design incorporates the use of wood for its construction.

They come with a gently sloping roof with wide eaves which are supported to form a right angle shape at the front.

It is a design that can comfortably give you a nice home for living.

· Cape Cod

This design represents those traditional house designs that date back to the 17^th century.

However, the steep pitched roofs with oversized chimneys has managed to be on trend over the time.

It is becoming common with time.

The Cape cod design is also available as a modular home in case you need one.

· Colonial Style

From just the name, these style of modular homes originates from the 16^th to 19^th century.

It comes fitted with centrally positioned chimneys with steep double hipped roof tops.

They are also fitted with rich exterior ornamentations.

A perfect design for your ideal modular home.

· Two –storey home

It is a traditional modular made home.

It comes with two or even more storey.

The basement is separate from the storey levels.

· Modular Home Mansions

A mansion, unlike the other homes, can accommodate several rooms that seek to satisfy recreational activities.

For a regular built on site mansion, it will take up a space of about 7000 square meters.

For the modular ones, 5000 square feet would fit a mansion of modular style.

· Green Homes

A green home is one that its buildings put into consideration the aspect of providing a resource-efficient living.

This is a style that all modular home manufacturers comfortably put under consideration following the nature of homes they produce.

Getting a green home is much easier for a modular home.

· Duplex-multifamily Homes

From the name, this type of home comes with two separate living areas.

They completely do not share the entrance neither is there a common indoor space.

They are designed to accommodate more than one family.

They range from apartments, man camps, lodges, hotels, townhouses and even oilfield housing.

Similarities and Differences of Modular Home vs. Built-on-site home

A modular home and a built on site home all serve the purpose of providing one a home to live in.

However, as much as they bare similarities, they both are different.

Below are some of the differences between a modular home and a built on-site home.

· Time

They both differ when it comes to the length of time you get to have your home ready.

It is much faster if you are looking forward to getting a modular home, rather than a built on-site one.

This is because, a modular home more or less involves assembling the parts to make a home.

A built on-site home requires time to set up.

· Environment Friendliness

A modular home is more environmentally friendly compared to the one built on site.

This is because a modular home is built in an indoor space.

Moreover, most of the left over materials can easily be recycled.

A built on site home doesn’t offer the luxury of recycling waste materials.

· Quality

Modular homes are now offering a more quality home compared to most built on site homes.

This is because the environment in which they are made in are not affected by external weather conditions.

In fact, they are able to provide a top air quality house compared to the built on site.

Last but not least, Modular homes have a set of guidelines and rules that they must adhere to that does not conform much to the built on site homes.

Modular homes and built on site homes are as well incomparable after set up.

They are similar in the following ways

• The prices of these type of homes appreciate and depreciate in value the same way.
• Financing of modular homes in terms of loans and taxation is no different compared to the built on-site homes.

Modular homes also allow you to apply for homes to help in financing your home.

• Modular homes are available in different designs and styles as outlined earlier.

The same case is in the built on-site homes.

They both allow you to customize your home to your liking.

• Basements and crawl spaces are not limited in a modular home and a built on site home.
• Just like built on-site homes, you can adjust your modular home or even add more accessories to make it more accessible and environmentally friendly.

Modular Home vs Mobile Home

A mobile home is mostly referred to as a manufactured home.

Like a modular home, it is built in a factory.

Later it is mounted on a steel chassis and placed to the new place of residence.

Unlike a modular home, a mobile home is portable.

A modular home will arrive to your new place of residence in pieces.

The assembling process takes place on the site.

This is quite different for a mobile home.

A mobile home comes tour place of residence when it is full complete.

The full manufacturing process takes place in factory.

Much more like the modular home, the mobile homes are placed in land which belongs to the buyer.

Thus you will be required to have land whether on rental or yours to help you set up your new home.

However, unlike the modular home, the mobile allows you to move your home to a new preferred location when the need arises.

When it comes to financing your new home, these two types of homes are treated differently.

A modular home has the privileges of financing your home like a built on-site home.

However, for the mobile home, it is treated in the same way as an individual property.

Hence mortgage loans are not applicable to these type of homes.

Hence financing them might be a little costly.

If you are looking forward to settle between in either a modular or a mobile home, it is best to weigh the pros and cons of these two designs.

Your preference will be a key factor on what home to settle with.

Materials used to Make Modular Homes

The following materials are highly used when constructing a modular home

· Concrete

Precast concrete has become the new modern concrete used in the construction of most modular homes.

Precast concrete offers quality material.

It allows for the possibility of providing alterations like suiting as projects aesthetic among other structural requirements.

Apart from being cost-effective, precast concrete allows for fast design and saves construction time.

· Wood

Most modular houses are made from wood.

This is because wood serves best as an insulator.

Its ability to shrink and expand in the presence of moisture makes it an ideal strong material for modular homes.

Additionally, since its construction is in a controlled space, the wood provides a home that guarantees air quality.

· Steel

Steel offers a wide range of benefits. It is no doubt that the material is being used in the construction of a modular home.

As earlier mentioned, one of the reasons that modular houses are better is because they incorporate the use of quality materials in the construction.

Steel has a high resistance to corrosion.

Moreover, steel guarantees quality and durability.

This material is quite ideal for putting up a fire-resistant home.

For interior furnishes, wooden- frame floors are much in modular homes.

Moreover, for the kitchen, granite floors are highly put in use.

However, as a buyer, you can suggest your preferred style of finishes.

They also offer a steel chassis in which you can mount your home on.

Design Considerations for Modular Home

Below is a few considerations to accommodate when settling for a design for your modular home.

· Layout

What is the purpose underlying the set up of your modular home.

It may range from either a hotel, a home, workshop or even an office.

All these ideas will affect the design of your modular home.

· Dimensions and Space

This is critical in that you should provide room for your social amenities like the septic tanks, piping and wiring.

With all these in place, you also need to define how you want your interior space should be.

After putting all these aspects into consideration, then its safe to make the next consideration.

· Realistic

The design you present to your manufacturer should be producible and something achievable.

That’s why it is best to consult with your manufactutrer on the design you wish for yourself and confirm if they can deliver.

· Time

Well, if you need the modular home and time might be a constraint, it is best to discuss with your manufacturer.

· Budget

It is best to opt for a design that you are comfortable financing.

· Materials

Putting together the modular home of your choice requires the right materials.

This also invilves keeping in mind the kind of climate you are living in.

· Laws

It is important to ensure that you are adhering fully to modular home guildelines.

This involves getting the right building codes for your modular structure.

· Future Modifications

As you design your home, allow rrom for flexibility.

This involves allowing room for future adjustments for your modular home.

How to Customize your Modular Home

When it comes to customization, it all depends on one’s perspective about it.

For some it might represent making modifications to an already existing model of a house.

At times, it might mean making your home to your preferred design.

For a modular home, customizations range from attaching garages, converting bedrooms to study or family rooms.

You can also update your kitchen designs and other luxuries like, luxury bath options.

Most manufacturers have a package which they incorporate to accommodate such and even more customizations.

How Long it takes to build a Modular Home

Modular homes are really efficient when it comes to setting up.

Modular homes have a process in which you follow from the planning to the complete set of your home.

It will only take up the least 20 weeks and at the very most, 83 works.

However, most constructions take between 20 to 40 weeks.

This is about 6 to 9 months’ time frame.

A time that is more efficient compared to the built on-site which usually takes longer than this time frame for modular.

Financing Options for your Modular Home

Modular homes are much similar to build on-site homes.

This means that even when it comes to financing through the banks, mortgages are applicable to modular homes as well.

As a result, the following loan options are available for modular homes.

· Construction Loans

These loans are issued with an intention of financing the construction process.

It is usually estimated to be between 4 to 6 months, after which the loan is converted to a permanent loan.

· Cash

You can also opt to pay cash.

It is the best way since it saves from you from interests’ charges form loans as well as closing costs and appraisal fees.

If you are looking forward to apply for a mortgage, ensure;

• You have a good credit score
• You have work references
• Your previous bank statements in place
• And a personal financial statement

Ways to Prepare for your Modular Home

• Prepare for the cost

It is important to work within your budget and if possible avoid any unnecessary costs.

• Contact your local planning office, for zoning rules and building regulations

You wouldn’t want to bump with the authority every now and then concerning misconduct of the law.

• Design with all your requirements in mind i.e. adequate lighting, safe and warm flooring, color, roofing design etc.

This will help you avoid any set of misunderstandings between you and the manufacturer concerning your home.

• Inspection, inspect the Modular Home before purchase, assembly and installation

This will help in ensuring there is quality in your work and that your house is as you wanted.

It is also necessary in order to point out any mistakes or damages of the modular house for early fixation.

• Understand the limitation of a Modular Home

Modular Home Assembly Process

The process follows each other as outlined below;

• First and foremost, the floor is set up
• The walls then follow up
• Then the roof and ceilings are put up
• At this point, the modular home is in place. The plumbing and water systems are then set up.
• Electrical wiring the follows up.
• Drywall finishing then takes up followed by insulation and sheathing processes
• Last but not least, the doors and windows are put up and your modular home is complete.
• Additional customizations according to the buyer`s preference follow suit.

Useful Facts to know about a Modular Home

• Modular homes are set up on a permanent foundation
• The financing of modular homes is not that different with the building on site financing
• Modular homes can be accommodated on crawl spaces as well as basements
• They are fast and time-saving to build compared to build on-site homes
• Their designs differ in size and style
• They appreciate in value. They do not depreciate.
• Most companies of modular homes now use computer-aided design technology.

Modular Home Warranty

Modular homes offer good quality home design.

For this reason, they offer a 10-year home warranty on their homes just to prove how good these homes are.

The warranty comes with an additional two-year warranty for mechanical system