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How Are Modular Homes Built?

If I may be so bold as to say – a modular home is better than a stick-built home. The reason for such a bold statement is the process. If you’re here and you’re reading this, then you’re already curious about the process and we’re happy to take you through each stage.

First of all, a modular home is built in a factory versus on-site. It offers a controlled environment for specialized workers. The home is created in sections and once finished, it is transported to the property for construction and installation.

Typically, a modular home is treated just like a stick-built home in terms of construction purposes, appraisal, and financing. While each module is prefabricated, it isn’t until they reach the construction site that it is all brought together.

view of a modular home kitchen

Ultimately, the building process is the same as it would be if it was being carried out on a building site. The difference being the controlled environment the factory offers. Building homes in a factory requires preparation and an eye for detail. They build multiple homes at one time and deal with varying sizes and degrees.

The Beginning

Like anything, it all begins with the seed of an idea. You know it’s time for a new home and you’ve been thinking about the dream. You jot out a list of ideas in terms of what your family needs. Then you start looking at real-life examples of what you’d like. Then, you dream a little and consider what you want in your home. You take your dreams online and browse. This will give you a rough idea of the floor area you need and help you work out a budget.

The Design

Once you have a rough idea of what you want, you can reach out to a modular home manufacturer to find the right home. There are plenty of options available, whether you want to buy a standard modular home, hire the manufacturer as your construction crew, or opt for a complete turnkey number. The important thing is you find the right design to work for your needs. While there are standard models, there is always the option to customize in whatever way you need.

It’s also worth noting that the length of time it will take to construct your modular home will depend on the size and your customization options. Generally speaking, it takes half the time as a stick-built home to build. There’s more good news, if you’re environmentally minded, you can opt for a green design, too!

The Build

This is a big choice, but it doesn’t need to be a complicated one. Once you have the manufacturer on board, you can arrange contractors like plumbers, electricians, etc. A general contractor will be able to arrange everything for you and you’ll deal with one person instead of multiple different people.

It can take around 12 weeks to build a home, but this will depend on the architecture and engineering required. The house is broken down into basic components during this stage, with each component being carefully designed. Designers consider ventilation, plumbing, and electricity as they work and view it as essentially a 3D puzzle.

While the build is underway, the site itself can be prepared in any way necessary. Timing is important, so it’s vital that you have a strong contractor to lead the way in terms of laying the foundation. If for some reason the final foundation is different from the design, one must be changed as soon as possible.

The Final Countdown

Production is the shortest stage of the process (except for transport). Once production begins the process can take less than a week. Once it’s finished, it can be transported to the site. When it arrives on site, the modular home can be assembled. How long this takes will depend on factors such as size and manufacturing of the home. A single-family home can be ready within days, but others can take a week or so.

Then it’s time for the technical installation. This is when the plumbers, HVAC, and electrical contractors come in. How long will this take? That depends on each contractor, but the job is made easier by the manufacturer as there is less to do than in a stick-built home.

Of course, it doesn’t end there because now it’s time to finish the interior!

Before you take the keys, the contractor will take you on a walkthrough for a final inspection. You’re now a new homeowner in possession of a freshly built beautiful modular home. Congratulations!

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