Tidewater Custom Modular Homes Blog

Although the concept of modular construction seems relatively new because of the increasing interest, it has been around awhile.  The concept of modular construction is confusing for new home buyers mainly because it is confusing trying to discern the information you do come across about modular homes, the modular construction process and modular home manufacturers.

We would like to help clarify these myths and help you make a good educated decision for your personal situation.
Modular homes are built in factories to specifications created by the manufacturer and the state and local building codes. The design can be standard or it can be enhanced by the customer/new home owner.

A General Contractor, such as Tidewater Custom Modular Homes, works with the manufacturer. The General contractor coordinates the construction of the home in the factory and the delivery and assembly of the home on the site.

The general contractor provides and coordinates the site work (foundation), plumbing, electrical, and licensing and permits. This is why they are called the general contractor. Once you select a GC, you don’t need to do anything else regarding the construction of the modular home.

Many people think that modular homes are cheap or inexpensive. As compared to the cost per square foot of a stick built home, they are less expensive. However, modular homes are an expensive investment especially depending on how large a home you build. They do, however, generally cost 10-35% less to build than traditional homes. When you are comparing new home construction prices, make sure you are comparing the same type of house i.e square footage, amount of bathrooms, etc.

Modular homes appreciate and gain value the same way traditional homes do. Once a modular home is built, it is near impossible to tell the difference between it and a stick built home.

Modular homes can all be customized. Each modular home manufacturer or contractor has different designs to choose from. Those designs can be further customized. Additionally, you can easily customize the windows, doors, siding, colors etc. Modular homes make it very easy to have a custom home at an affordable price.

Having a modular home built is one the most cost effective ways to build a new home. The floor plans are easy to view, and there are many options to choose from when it comes to picking the perfect floor plan. Whether you need a floor plan for a ranch, a vacation style home, or Cape Cod Style, modular homes can be built for your needs. Many people have a misconception that modular homes are cookie cutter in style. But, did you know that modular homes can be custom designed? Our floor plans are designed by builders and architects in order to maximize the space and practical use.

Often, when people think of modular homes they think simplistic, nothing special, and undersized. However, this is far from true today. Manufactured homes are well made, versatile and customization is available in the layout and design. Although we have floor plans for many “in-stock” homes, modular homes are not limited in design and can range from 1000 square feet to 4000 sq feet and up. Additionally, if you already have a floor plan but have opted against a traditional stick built home, or are investigating your options in modular homes, many floor plans can be modified to accommodate modular home construction.

Modular homes are for those who want a new, beautiful home with a controlled budget, and they want it in less time than it would take to build a traditional stick built home. When considering a new home keep in mind that manufactured or modular home plans are easily customized, with varying amounts of square footage and multiple bedrooms to meet your needs.

There are many different home styles and floor plans to consider when you are building a new modular home. You have the option of a standard floor plan or you can have your house customized however you would like, in the actual layout, or in the interior set up. Further customization can be done as well. In the kitchen an island or wine rack could be added, columns could be added to the living or dining area and transoms and side lights could be added to the front door. Perhaps you are interested in entertaining, a rock surround can be added to the fireplace and an opening for the television could be added to the wall above. There are so many special features to add to your new modular home, inside and out, we can’t even discuss them all here. But rest assured that your new home will be personal, and built just the way you dreamed it.

With Modular homes, the construction process is dramatically shortened. Your new home arrives to your property in the form of modules, which are then assembled on site. The on-site construction process itself is a wonder to watch as modules for your new home are removed from flat beds and erected with a crane. The process takes weeks instead of months, and sooner, rather than later, you are moving into your new home.
 
Prior to this process, you meet with Tidewater Custom Modular Homes and discuss floor plans and design. You have unlimited options, from colonials to cottages, and ranch homes to Cape Cod style, and each style home has their own individual flare. You get to decide everything you would with a traditionally built home such as cabinet styles and finishes, hard wood flooring and recessed lighting. In the end, you have a custom built, custom designed home of your dreams in much less time.

Custom means you are NOT locked into any architectural design. It appears that it is going to be a long time before the general public discards the misconception that modular homes are restricted in design.  Nothing could be farther from the truth. Most everyone wants to be able to customize their home to suit their needs and lifestyle. Tidewater Custom Modular Homes supports that desire as the floor-plans and options for each home that we build remain open for you to customize to fit your needs even to the extent of designing and building to your custom plans. We will ask questions and do a lot of listening to ensure your hopes and expectations are exceeded and your house will feel like a home.

Our goal is your complete satisfaction with the whole building process. We and our manufacturer’s staff of designers and engineers stand ready to make your dream home come to life. We enjoy the professional satisfaction of building dream homes.  Dream homes by design are products of very specific personal preferences.  Rarely can a building plan be pulled off the shelf and converted into a dream home.  Dream homes only START with a basic plan and then is CUSTOMIZED to turn the plan into a dream.  This is what we do and why the word "Custom" is such an important pat of our business name and business model.

Whether you've been planning your dream home for a day or a decade, bring your thoughts to us and we'll be glad to demonstrate how we can surround that dream with the strength and quality of modular design. Contact us today to learn more about our modular construction process and how we can turn your dream home into a reality.