Tidewater Custom Modular Homes Blog

Modular construction is not new. the individual modules, which are assembled once delivered, can be 90% complete when they are shipped from factory to building site, with walls, flooring, ceilings, stairs, and even finishes complete.

Typically, a two-story, 2,500-square-foot house can be constructed in a factory in a week.

Modular construction begins with the design process. When the floor plans are complete, they are sent to the state or municipality for review, to ensure that building-code requirements are met.

While stick-built homes take five to six months to build, modular homes can be completed in eight to 10 weeks on site. Many in the building industry believe that modular construction could reduce housing costs.

On average, it costs $128 a square foot to build a traditional house. The cost of construction in a city is $35 per square foot more than in the suburbs, studies show. So in the suburbs, the average cost of a stick built home is $160.

A study found that modular construction of a 16-foot-wide house in a city reduced square-foot costs by $32; for a 20-foot-wide house, the saving was $12 a square foot.

For information on a faster built, less expensive and custom designed new modular home, contact Tidewater Custom Modular Homes.

Excerpts from the study found in Philly.com

Modular homes are all built in factories under controlled environments. Therefore, there are no weather issues to interfere with the building schedule or to damage building materials. Modular home floor plans can be customized in many respects to meet energy efficiency, accessibility and lifestyle needs.

Modular homes (or factory-built homes) are pretty much the same as ones built on site.

Modular home building tips

• When you begin your research, know the difference between modular homes and mobile homes. Today's "mobile homes" are called "manufactured homes.”Modular homes" are built to state and local building codes.
• Figure out if you want a custom modular home or if you can buy "off the rack" and use a factory standard.
• Visit some modular home factories and learn about the construction and the quality controls.
• Do your planning, Then do it again. You can't change later.
• Better Homes and Gardens-Home Designer Suite software is great for planning — and inexpensive at $60.
• Visit you modular home under construction at the factory
• Set a realistic timetable tied to the payment schedule.
• Shop around; there are many deals but, most importantly, be sure you are comparing apples to apples.
• Get a builder that is familiar with your building jurisdiction because you still have local code issues.

Daily Press