What is a Modular Home?
Modular(or prefabricated) homes are NOT mobile homes. These high quality, customized homes are built in a factory then transported to a site in large pieces. The pieces, or units, are lifted with a crane, placed on the foundation, and then fastened together.
Exceptionally durable, typically, 20% to 30% more lumber is used in the framing of modular homes. Modular homes are engineered for each specific geographic region, so our modular homes are designed for the harsh weather conditions of Massachusetts.
Difference Between Mobile, Manufactured and Modular Homes
Many mistakenly believe that these homes are all the same. In fact, they are all built differently.
Mobile Homes
Mobile Homes have actually not been built since 1976. They have steel I beam that runs along the underside of the home. These beams rest atop concrete blocks, wooden pillars or a concrete foundation.Mobile homes can be located inside a mobile home park or on an owner’s land.
Manufactured Homes
Manufactured Homes are mobile homes build to higher HUD safety standards. They are built in 10-12 foot sections shipped on a flatbed truck and then are joined at the site.
Modular Homes
Unlike mobile homes and manufactured homes, modular homes are built to the same standards as site built ( or traditionally built) homes but without the time and cost needed to build a complete home on-site, from scratch.
Modular homes look like any other house. Almost any style of home can be factory built …from a ranch to a contemporary design…of any size.
Why Choose a Modular Home?
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- Building time is reduced by months: Fewer delays due to weather and disappearing workers
- Building a modular home costs 10-20% less
- Better precision building and better quality control
- Easier to Finance
- Site built homes are exposed to elements and rain can cause the wood to warp or swell.
- Controlled costs- not subject to whims of suppliers and builders
- Lower home ownership costs due to precision engineering and durability
- Better resale value: modular homes better withstand the effects of age and weather.
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Choosing a modular home builder
Modular Homes are Stronger than Traditional (Stick-Built) Homes
Modular homes use the strongest construction methods based on a 2×6 platform framing system. In fact, modular home units are over-built in strength to withstand transport to the site. Modular construction is even sturdy enough to withstand the force of an earthquake!
Modular Homes Can be Easier to Finance
Financing modular homes is easier due to the predictability of the entire construction process. Because modular homes have pre arranged contract pricing throughout the project, the pricing in not subject to the whims of suppliers and contractors. With traditional building, supply/demand and severe weather can
The Process of Building Your Dream Home is Much Quicker
Building a home through the traditional “stick built” process can take anywhere from 6-9 months. From the time you place your order, your dream home can be delivered to your site in just 8 weeks or less. Once delivered, you may be able to move in to your beautiful new home in just weeks!
The Highest Quality
The purchasing power of a modular home manufacturer allows for the use of the highest quality and most durable products. Brands such as Anderson Windows(I need some Brands from you)ensure that your home will be built with the best products available for your home. In plant built construction is superior to on site built homes for many reasons. Precision equipment allows for superb results. State of the art equipment and tools like a $10,000 radial arm saw or a $100,000 component cutter are more precise and produce a better quality built home. These resources are simply not possible with on site construction.
Because modular homes are built in a modern, climate controlled facility, quality control is maintained by consistent inspection throughout the construction process. Modular homes are thoroughly inspected before they leave the factory. The quality control involved in building your modular home provides 100% assurance that your home has been inspected for code compliance and quality workmanship. In-plant inspectors as well as independent inspection agencies inspect the home to insure the home meets with Massachusetts building code requirements.
To insure a safe and secure trip to your property, modular homes are built exceptionally durable. Typically, 20% to 30% more lumber is used in the framing of modular homes. Modular homes are engineered for each specific geographic region, so our modular homes are designed for the harsh weather conditions of Massachusetts.
Modular Home Manufacturers Specifications
Energy Efficiency of Modular Homes
Click here to read more about the outstanding energy efficiency of modular homes built with the PBS or Preferred Building Systems.