Are Modular homes different from other homes?

Yes and No. Modular homes are different because they are built in the controlled environment of a modern factory rather than outdoors. This is called modular construction and it has many advantages over on-site construction.

However, modular construction uses the same basic materials to produce homes that are indistinguishable from site-built homes. Modular homes adhere to the same building codes, and are available in an endless variety of floor plans and exterior treatments… just like site-built homes.

What is the difference between a Modular home and a Manufactured home?

Manufactured homes, sometimes referred to as mobile homes, are another type of building system and are constructed to a different building standard. This standard, the Federal Construction Safety Standards Act (HUD/CODE), unlike conventional building codes, requires manufactured homes to be constructed on a non-removable steel chassis. Many communities have restrictions on where manufactured homes can be located.

Modular and site-built homes on the other hand, are constructed to the same building code required by your state, county and specific locality and therefore are not restricted by building or zoning regulations. Your new modular home is inspected at the assembly plant during each phase of construction. Evidence of this inspection is normally shown by the application of a State or inspection agency label of approval.

Are Modular homes better than site-built homes?

Modular homes are better because they are more efficiently built. This is because they are constructed in a controlled, indoor environment by full-time craftsman who are constantly supervised by quality control experts at each stage of the construction process.

What is meant by “More efficiently built”?

Indoor modular construction is never delayed by poor weather. Outdoor construction can come to a halt for weeks on end because of rain or other adverse conditions. That’s wasted time. Also, with modular construction, building materials are stored indoors and aren’t subject to bad weather for very lengthy periods of time. Indoor storage of materials also eliminates theft and vandalism common at outdoor job sites. Eliminating these costly, unnecessary problems saves the home buyer money.

Do Modular homes meet standard building codes?

Yes, all modular homes meet or exceed all state and local building codes. In addition to full time quality control engineers, each modular is also inspected and approved by an independent state licensed agency to ensure that local and state building codes are met. This independent third party’s seal of approval appears on each home that leaves the manufacturer’s plant.

What happens after the factory has finished with my home at the manufacturing plant?

Your home leaves the factory 95% finished on specially modified trucks for transport to your home site. It will be carefully installed on the foundation that Willow Pond Homes has prepared in advance. Utility hookups are then completed along with the finish carpentry. Within four to six weeks of installation, your beautiful new home should be ready for occupancy.

Does the home come with any kind of guarantee?

Absolutely, every modular home comes with a full one-year structural warranty as well as manufacturer’s warranties on all appliances, heating, and cooling systems.

What about bank financing for modular homes?

Modular homes are just as easy to finance as site-built homes. Long term mortgage loans including FHA (Federal Housing Authority), VA (Veteran’s Administration), and FmHA (Farmers Home Administration) are all available to qualified buyers of modular homes.

Why aren’t all homes built the way modular homes are built?

Someday they probably will be. More and more people every day are discovering the advantages of modular construction. The quality of construction, the variety of floor plans, the ability to alter floor plans easily, speed of construction, and the beauty of the finished homes are convincing more and more people that a modular home is a wise investment.

What about the modular construction process itself?

Modular construction is a model of efficiency. The plants in which construction takes place are designed to allow the craftsmen to work without wasting time or energy. The home moves smoothly through the plant on rollers to various work stations. At each station a team of specialized craftsmen, supervised by full-time quality control engineers, work on their phase of the project. This allows the factory to build beautiful, solid custom homes in a matter of days. The same house built on-site might literally take six months to complete and still might not be as tightly built.

Why are modular homes so tightly built?

Because modular homes are “over built” in order to be strong enough for truck transport to the job site. With on-site construction most people just nail the floor joists. Modular floor joists are glued with industrial adhesives and then nailed. The same is true of drywall. Modular craftsmen glue and nail all walls and ceilings to ensure flat true surfaces.