Modular Homes Section

Common Modular Home Questions

Have a question about building a modular home? We've probably already been asked it and answered it. Here is a collection of the most common questions consumers have about modular homes and buildings. If you have a question that is not on this list feel free to contact us. We take pleasure in helping others avoid costly mistakes and clarifying the large amount of confusion there is out there about modular homes.

Is a modular home or modular office lower quality than traditional buildings?
No, modular buildings use the same materials as site-built homes. They actually have better quality since the pre-fabricated buildings are built in sections inside the controlled environment of a factory. Then shipped by truck to the building site where they are assembled by local builders who understand the local environment. All modular buildings meet or exceed the same local building codes as a regular home (site-built or stick-built home).


What does a modular home look like?
A modular homes appearance is the same as any other house. There are countless numbers of designs to choose from and additional site add-ons so your modular home will look however you want it to look. Modular buildings are different in that they use a more efficient building process. They are the same in that they use the same materials and design types as regular homes. A modular home is different than a mobile home.
What are the differences between manufactured and modular homes?
Manufactured homes are also known as mobile homes. They are built on a non-removable steel chassis (about the size of a flatbed truck) and must pass the federal HUD building code. Manufactured homes are normally single or double wide and have a low roof. They are single floor buildings and do not have basements
Modular homes are the same as an old-fashioned home. They are constructed according to the state/local building codes. Modular homes can be any shape or size. They can be multi-leveled and can have basements. Modular homes are built in large segments at an off-site factory and then constructed together at your building site.
Is there a difference in the construction between modular homes and site-built homes?
There is almost no difference in the construction process for a modular home and a site built home. The main difference is that modular buildings have a "head start" in the building process and are built off-site in a factory. They are then shipped in segments to the building site where they are assembled the same way that an old-fashioned home would be. They use the same materials and must pass the same regulations as old-fashioned homes.
How does a modular home save on cost and time?
There are several savings with modular homes.
  1. Since modular home builders fabricate all the homes at one factory they are able to buy material in bulk quantities at reduced costs.
  2. Fabrication is done in a climate controlled factory so no time is wasted on weather delays which means lower labor costs.
  3. Since the fabrication is done in a central factory they can reduce material waste and the workers are more experienced at their specific tasks so they can complete them faster.
  4. There are no vandalism costs since the fabricated pieces are secure in the factory until they are assembled.
  5. Since the modular building can be completed faster due to the concurrent building process, there are saving on reduced loan interest.

Is finding a mortgage for a modular home hard?
It is the same as finding financing for a regular new home. Financial companies treat modular buildings and stick built aka regular homes the same way. The home appraisal is the same process for both modular and site built homes and insurance companies also treat them the same way. Manufactured homes also known as mobile homes have a difficult time with financing.
How long does it take to build a modular home?
This depends on the size of the modular home and the complexity. The more complex a structure you choose the more modules it will require. Since all fabrication is performed in a climate controlled factory, there are no weather delays and work is done more efficiently (don't you work better when it is not too cold or too hot). Also since the fabrication is done off-site, it can be done at the same time the building site is being prepared saving even more time. As modules are finished they are shipped to building site were they are assembled together on the foundation. The total building process can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months.