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What Does Modular Home Set Include?

A modular home is built in sections known as modules, which are often done in an indoor, quality-controlled setting. These units are then transported to the designated construction site where they are assembled and installed into the foundations. They are built using a method known as permanent modular construction to be equal to or exceed the standards of stick homes built on-site. Just like any new home construction, a modular home is required to conform to the local residential building codes as they are technically assembled on-site. This article discusses everything that is included in a modular home set and how they are assembled.

  • Structural Frame
modular home set
A structural frame over which the rest of the parts are assembled supports modular units of the building. The structural frame can be made of steel or hardwood and typically features six sides. However, steel is one of the most preferred materials for the structural frame of a modular building as it offers greater strength and high durability in the long-term. Modular structures made of steel can be stacked up a few inches high compared to those built of hardwood. Steel is also a safer choice because steel is a non-combustible material that reduces the risk of severe structural damage caused by fire.

  • Exterior Finishes

Exterior finishes are often the last to be completed in traditional construction. However, things are slightly different in modular construction since the exterior finishes are handled much earlier in the process. Some of the exterior finishes include the installation of windows and doors, exterior light fixtures, and siding. A protective wrapping can be added later once the whole building process is complete to safeguard the quality of these finishes through transportation and installation phases. Other exterior finishes include shutters and decorative trim to add to the curb appeal and resale value of the house.

  • Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Systems

After the exterior finishes are set in place, other utilities that are added to the unit include plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. This is done before working on interior finishes so that any loose pipes or wires can be concealed into the structure to leave a neat and streamlined surface to work with. They are then sealed properly in preparation for transportation before minor fixtures can be fitted on-site. Prefabricated plumbing and electrical systems can guarantee time saving of up to 60 percent when assembling installations in the building.

  • Interior Finishes

Typical aspects such as countertops, walls, and flooring are some of the components that make up the interior finishes of a modular building. The beauty of modular construction is that it offers more customization options that go beyond the standard finishes of traditional construction. Full-service modular manufacturers ensure specific features such as furniture and appliances installed in each unit before it can be transported on-site. The interior finishes of a modular building can be provided with standard and cost-effective finishes or with elaborate custom designs to meet customer requirements and specifications.

  • Marriage Joints

Another major component of a modular structure that holds the units together is known as marriage joints. Although these connections may not be visible, they are responsible for ensuring modules remained fastened in place to those around it to form a coherent building. Construction crews make sure that each unit of a modular building is secure as they are often lifted during transportation and lowered into place once they reach their designated location. Marriage joints allow the modular building to attach its utility systems during transportation and installation stages.

  • On-site Foundation

Just like traditional construction, modular homes need to be installed on an on-site foundation even though the other parts of the structure are constructed off-site. Every modular building incorporates some elements of on-site construction to ensure ground stability or prevent the structure from shifting in place. Some of the processes done on-site include excavation, footings, and foundation. It contributes to the overall efficiency of modularization while other components are assembled in the manufacturing facility. Careful preparation is done on-site to ensure the installation process can be done within the desired period.

Once the modular building has been completed off-site and the foundation is ready, it is transported to the designated on-site location for assembly. The installation process takes a shorter time compared to traditional construction since most of the work has already been completed off-site. It is still possible to add other modules to the modular home after it has been installed making it a less expensive option compared to traditional construction methods of expansion and remodeling.

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