A modular house and its benefits
A modular house is one that is built in the factory-like setting after which the finished products are transported to the site and later assembled by the builder. These homes are also called factory-built, system-built or prefab. But once assembled and laid on the foundation, these houses cannot be moved from that place. So modular houses cannot be referred to as mobile houses. It is crucial that modular homes conform to specific rules, guidelines and building codes which often exceed those of traditional on-site homes.

How are modular homes assembled?

• The construction of the house starts as sections that are being built in a controlled environment
• The finished products are then shipped to the building site and then assembled with cranes.
• This process is similar to a child building blocks.
• Once placed and set on foundations they cannot be moved.

Does a modular home have an inferior quality compared to traditional structures?

• No, because the same materials are used in modular buildings and site-constructed houses.
• In fact, they have a better quality because the pre-fabricated buildings are built in sections within the controlled surroundings of a factory.
• They are then shipped to the construction site by truck where they will be assembled by local developers who understand the local environment.
• The same local building codes as used in the regular home are also met or exceeded by all the modular buildings.

How do modular home save on cost and time?

• Since the modular homes are fabricated at one factory, the builders are able to buy the required materials in bulk at a reduced cost.
• As the modular houses are constructed in a climate controlled factory there is no wastage of time because of weather delays, which leads to low labor cost.
• The material wasted is low as it is built in a central factory and the workers are more skilled at their specific tasks.
• There is no wreckage cost because the fabricated pieces are secured in the factory until they are not assembled.
• The modular building is completed faster because of the concurrent building process which saves on loan interest.

What questions to be asked when looking for a new modular house?

• How do you get pricing?
• Where do you save when using modular home construction approach vs. a 100% site-built approach?
• What if you need to do some of the finishing work yourself?
• Can you really customize your modular home?
• What types of exteriors are available?
• Will you be able to get a garage with your modular homes?
• Which kind of foundation can you have with your modular homes?
• Can modular homes be built so as to withstand hurricanes?
• Is there any warranty on your modular homes?
• Is financing easy for modular homes?

What are the facts you need to know about modular housing?

• A modular house can be customized.
• A modular house has various designs and styles.
• Modular houses can be constructed for easily accessible living and for future conveniences.
• Modular houses are considered as a form of green building.

How can you recognize a modular home?

• Every modular house must have a small metal tag on the outside of every segment, or in kitchen cabinets and bedroom closets.
• If you are unable to locate those, you must be able to find information about the house in the electrical panel field.
• The tags also include the date of manufacturing.
• Prefabricated homes are built on a non-detachable metallic chassis.
• If you think the home is a prefab one but the markers have been removed then look for small holes in the structure wherein the markers must be present.