If you're still of the mindset that a modular home is a cheap cracker box thrown together and then carried to site on a truck you may want to think again. Although it may have been true many years ago that modular homes were of inferior quality compared to standard construction homes that is no longer the case. In fact many modularly constructed homes are far superior in materials and construction methods then homes of the same value and size constructed using standard or conventional construction methods.

Let's take a look at what modular actually means." Designed with standardized units or dimensions as for easy assembly and repair or flexible arrangement", using that definition let's take a closer look at how modular homes today meet a higher standard.

Setting the modules “Designed with standardized units", what that means is that every measurement, every piece of construction material, every method used in the modular home construction process is the same, they don't differ from one point of the process to another. The quality of the first boards nailed together is just as high as the last ones. Every angle every cut throughout the construction process is quality controlled usually in a climate controlled factory.

Construction is never hampered by inclement weather. The quality of lumber is never compromised due to the swelling caused by rain or high outdoor humidity or by its shrinkage due to high temperatures and sunshine. These two factors alone cause more inconsistencies in conventional construction than anything else. With modular construction these types of natural element construction hindrances . ... Entire Article Here

Modular Upgrade, Efficient, Economical Home Addition

In the past adding a new addition your home usually meant a long difficult process from start to finish of the project. A new concept in adding on to an existing home is to add a modular upgrade. Regardless of whether your home was originally designed and constructed modularly, it can more than likely be upgraded or expanded utilizing a modular addition

So you think you want to expand your existing home with a well planned out of addition. You’ve looked at all the possibilities, spoken to several contractors and gotten your estimates. But when you look at the figures on the page you instantly go into shock thinking there’s no way you’ll ever be able to afford the addition to your home.

Modular construction to the rescue, have you ever thought about contacting a modular home construction company to see if they can provide you with a modular upgrade to your existing home. What you find may surprise you. Most homes regardless of their original type of construction module or old school conventional construction can be expanded modularly if the right plan is implemented. Most modular construction companies are more than happy to work with existing home owners to make their

Implementing the right plan begins with you and your idea of what you want in a home addition. Once you have in mind how you want to expand your home and where you want the expansion to occur you need to make a few notes to keep the idea fresh. Now with the idea in hand you can contact modular home designer or a modular home construction company.. ... Entire Article Here

Hard Times and Modular Housing

This non recession recession we seem to find ourselves in, the one that some in government still don’t want to admit exists is impacting the housing industry quite hard. Some in high office still think that playing the nice and easy politically correct game will somehow lessen the impact of what they would term as an economic slowdown.

Even the mainstream press which normally follows suit with official government versions on the disaster of the day, heralds this as close to a global economic meltdown. So why it is so hard for those in powerful political office to admit that there is a problem. Maybe it’s time they wake up and smell what it is they are standing in and call it by its rightful name.

The housing industry was the first to show the signs, and has been hard hit by this “economic downturn”. Modular housing is no exception to the rule. Many modular home manufactures may have to close their doors and lay workers off until a rebound is felt. It’s a sure thing that conventional construction of homes in the US is at a near standstill.

James B. Lockhart, federal regulator for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac said recently that restoring home affordability was key to a turnaround in the housing market. Despite home prices being down by over 50% in some areas there are still many potential home buyers "on the fence." And most economists would agree that the cornerstone of bringing to an end this downturn is for the housing market to stabilize. Economists say affordability in the housing marketplace will bring back buyers. ... Entire Article Here

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Reasons to buy a Modular Home

There are many reasons to consider buying a modular home these days. Today people are looking for value for every dollar spent, and modular homes offer just that. With the improvement in quality of modular homes, they can be a better choice then conventional construction in most areas. And don’t think that modular homes can’t live up to that dream house of fantasy. Today modular homes are built to more varied specifications and architectural designs then ever before including multi level, split level, post modernistic and many traditional styles. If it can be envisioned, more then likely there is a company that can modularize its construction. Here are some of the reasons that modular homes are such a great value.

They can be completed Faster

Modular homes from start to finish can be built faster because the greatest portion of construction, including HVAC electrical and plumbing are completed under what are usually controlled climate conditions in a factory. Most every thing is completed at the factory including the installation of cabinets and doors. Most fixtures, plumbing and electrical are in place before the modular home leaves the factory. When the modular home arrives on site ready to set on its foundation, there is less for contractors and subcontractors to complete. This saves a lot of time due to weather and scheduling issues that always seem to arise with traditional construction. That means savings of time and as everyone knows, time is money, especially in home construction, which is reason number 2 in the list.

Saving on construction time saves big interest

With a typical construction loan, the first payments are basically interest. A common construction loan for a conventionally constructed home can be anywhere from 6 to 12 months long. With that in mind, consider how much will be saved in interest on the loan before it is converted to a conventional mortgage, if the construction time is cut from 6 months to 2 months. On bigger projects, the savings will be even greater. If you are required to carry the construction insurance modular homes can save even more. Because the structure is not exposed to acts of nature during critical stages of framing and construction, insurance rates are much more reasonable as well.

Less Wasted Material

Because modular homes are constructed under climate controlled factory conditions, material loss is kept to a minimum. On conventional construction sites, losses can add up to big dollars, due to poor weather, theft, and over all poor construction conditions, making modular home construction again more cost effective.

More durable construction

Because modular homes must be transported sometimes many hundreds of miles from the factory to where they will be placed on a foundation, they are held to a much higher standard in most areas of construction, to be able to withstand being moved. Better flooring which can be varied may include engineered floors on top of thicker nailed AND glued sub floors. Double and heftier constructed rim joists and thicker wallboard on ceilings and walls. Many of the added supports and bracing that are required for transportation can be left in place upon arrival which makes for a stronger more durable structure that holds up to the forces of nature better then do most conventionally constructed homes.

So if its time to consider a new home, its time to consider a modular home. The advantages are many the savings are great and the risks are few to none. Lending institutions are aware of modular home advantages and many times are more willing to process loans accordingly. Modular homes have come a long way since first conceived of. Do the home work, do the math, then do the right thing and look into that next home being a custom designed and built modular home.

Modular Homes Misconceptions and Myths

Many people mistakenly believe that modular homes are expensive, cost a lot to insure, are inferior to on-site homes, take longer to build, are lower quality, easily damaged, and that modular homes cannot be customized. That just is not true... more HERE

The Ultimate Choice base in New Homes is Truly Modular.

modular homes have progressed so much farther in the past decade that the old split-it-in-two type modular home is a distant relative of the modern custom designed and constructed modular homes of today. ...more HERE

Leading in Construction Innovations

Modular homes are becoming more standardized in their over all construction making them more appealing to potential buyers. This standardization, that makes...more HERE

Can I tell the difference between a Modular Home and one constructed onsite?

You can’t unless you see the house being constructed. There are no telltale seams, beams or lines, unless the builder used antiquated techniques. Modular builders use the same materials and used when constructing a site built home... more HERE

Luxury Modular Homes

Modular homes today can be built to any specification or size. From a one-and-a-half split level ranch to a grand 4000 sq. ft. luxury condo, the modular industry has a wide range of options. Amenities like granite-topped kitchen counter tops and hardwood floors are also available. In sum, modular-built houses can be every bit as luxurious as stick-built houses...More HERE New Modular Home

Why are Prefab Homes so Popular?

The current state of the economic strength is also a reason why many people are turning to prefab homes instead of having a home built or buying a home that is way out of their price range. Consumers are taking a cut in pay and with all of the other costs of living going up, they will have to choose between a home that is falling down and needs a lot of costly repairs or get a prefab house to fit their budget...More HERE