Modular Homes VA Blog

What To Expect When Building a New Modular Home

Building a new modular home is a process that offers several advantages, such as faster construction timelines, cost savings, and customization options. Tidewater Custom Modular Homes would like to know what to expect when building a new modular home:

Design and Planning:

• Site Selection: Choose a suitable piece of land for your modular home. Consider factors like location, accessibility, utilities, zoning regulations, and any environmental considerations.
• Design Selection: Work with an architect or modular home manufacturer to design your home. Modular homes can be highly customizable, so you'll have options to choose layouts, materials, finishes, and other design elements.
• Budgeting: Establish a budget for your project, including the cost of the modular home itself, site preparation, foundation, utilities, permits, and any additional features or upgrades.

Selecting a Modular Home Manufacturer:

• Research and choose a reputable modular home manufacturer or builder. Check references, view past projects, and consider their experience and reputation.

Site Preparation:

• Clear the chosen site, including any trees, debris, or existing structures.
• Prepare the foundation, which can be a full basement, crawl space, or slab foundation, depending on your preferences and local building codes.

Ordering the Modular Home:

• Once your design is finalized, the modular home manufacturer will begin construction of the individual modules in their factory. The modules are typically constructed with the same quality materials and standards as traditional stick-built homes.
• Factory construction often occurs simultaneously with site preparation, reducing the overall construction timeline.

Transportation and Installation:

• Once the modules are completed, they are transported to your site. This may involve multiple trips if the home is particularly large.
• On-site, a crane or specialized equipment will lift and place the modules onto the foundation. The modules are then sealed and secured together, and any necessary finishing work is completed.

Utilities and Finishing:

• Connect utilities such as water, electricity, plumbing, and HVAC systems to the modular home. This may require coordination with local service providers.
• Interior and exterior finishing work is completed, including roofing, siding, painting, flooring, cabinetry, and fixtures.

Inspections and Approvals:

• Modular homes, like traditional homes, must undergo inspections to ensure they meet local building codes and safety standards.

Occupancy:

• Once all inspections and approvals are obtained, you can move into your new modular home.

Warranty and Maintenance:

• Modular homes typically come with warranties on various components. Familiarize yourself with the warranty terms and perform regular maintenance to keep your home in good condition.

Building a modular home can be a quicker and more efficient process compared to traditional construction methods. However, it's essential to work with experienced professionals like Tidewater Custom Modular Homes and follow local building codes and regulations throughout the process to ensure a successful and safe outcome.

Why is Modular Home Construction a Better Choice for Your Next Home

Off-site, stick-built home construction, often referred to as modular construction, offers several advantages over traditional on-site construction methods. However, whether it is "better" depends on various factors and specific project goals. In this blog, Tidewater Custom Modular Homes would like to emphasize the reasons why off-site construction can be considered advantageous:

Speed of Construction: Off-site construction is typically faster because various components of the home are manufactured simultaneously while site preparation work is underway. Once delivered to the site, assembly is quicker than traditional on-site construction.

Quality Control: In a factory setting, builders can maintain strict quality control measures, resulting in consistent workmanship and fewer defects. The controlled environment minimizes exposure to adverse weather conditions and other on-site variables that can affect quality.

Cost Predictability: With off-site construction, costs are more predictable due to reduced labor, material waste, and construction delays. This predictability can be especially beneficial for budget-conscious homeowners and developers.

Energy Efficiency: Many off-site construction techniques incorporate energy-efficient features, such as better insulation and tighter sealing, leading to potentially lower utility bills and a more sustainable home. Environmental

Benefits: Off-site construction often produces less waste compared to on-site construction because materials can be efficiently reused and recycled in a factory setting. This can contribute to a smaller environmental footprint. Design

Flexibility: Prefabricated homes are not limited in terms of design. They can be customized to meet various architectural styles and personal preferences, allowing for a wide range of designs and finishes.

Reduced Disruption: On-site construction can disrupt the surrounding neighborhood and environment for an extended period. In contrast, off-site construction minimizes on-site disruption since most of the work is done in a controlled factory setting.

Weather Independence: Weather-related delays are a common issue in on-site construction. Off-site construction is less susceptible to weather-related interruptions since the majority of the work occurs indoors.

Consistency: Off-site construction allows for greater consistency in materials and construction techniques since they are performed in a controlled environment with standardized processes.

Enhanced Safety: Factory settings often have stricter safety protocols in place, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries compared to on-site construction.

If you are thinking of building your new home in Virginia through modular construction, contact Tidewater Custom Modular Homes.

Maintaining Your Modular Homes - Easier Than Traditional Home Maintenance

Modular home construction is more precise and structurally sound than traditional stick-built home construction. This makes the routine care and maintenance of modular home construction easier in many ways. With that said, much of the advisable care practices for the traditional home translate directly to modular home construction as well. In today’s Tidewater Custom Modular Homes blog post, we will walk you through essential tips and insights for effectively maintaining and preserving your modular home.

Regular Inspections: The Foundation of Maintenance

Routine inspections are the cornerstone of maintaining your modular home. Check both the interior and exterior for any signs of wear, damage, or issues. This includes examining the roof, siding, windows, doors, plumbing, electrical systems, and foundation. Detecting problems early can prevent them from escalating into costly repairs.

Keep Up with Cleaning

Regular cleaning not only keeps your modular home looking great but also prevents dirt and debris from causing damage. Clean the exterior siding, windows, and gutters to prevent water accumulation and potential leaks. Inside, dust and clean surfaces, vents, and appliances to ensure optimal functionality.

Roof Care

Inspect the roof for loose or missing shingles and address any issues promptly. Properly functioning gutters and downspouts are vital to prevent water damage, so make sure they're clear of debris and properly attached.

Maintain HVAC Systems

Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems need regular maintenance. Change air filters as recommended, clean vents, and schedule professional HVAC inspections to ensure efficient operation.

Plumbing Checks

Inspect for leaks, especially around sinks, faucets, toilets, and water heaters. Address leaks immediately to prevent water damage and mold growth. Periodically flush your water heater to remove sediment and ensure it's working effectively.

Electrical System Safety

Check outlets, switches, and wiring for signs of wear or damage. If you encounter any issues, consult a professional electrician. Safety should always be a priority when dealing with electrical systems.

Pest Prevention

Modular homes are not immune to pests. Regularly inspect for signs of infestations such as droppings, nests, or gnaw marks. Implement pest prevention measures and consider professional pest control if needed.

Exterior Upkeep

Keep landscaping in check to prevent overgrowth around your modular home. Trim trees and bushes away from the structure to avoid potential damage during storms.

Sealing and Insulation

Check the seals around windows, doors, and any openings to prevent drafts and energy loss. Proper insulation and sealing contribute to energy efficiency and comfort.

Professional Help

While some maintenance tasks can be tackled on your own, don't hesitate to enlist the help of professionals for more complex issues. Regular visits from professionals for inspections, pest control, and HVAC maintenance are essential for long-term home health.

By investing time and effort into proper maintenance and upkeep, you can prolong the life of your modular home and avoid costly repairs down the line. Regular inspections, cleaning, addressing repairs promptly, and seeking professional assistance when needed are all crucial steps in ensuring your modular home remains a comfortable and durable living space for years to come.

For more modular home tips, contact Tidewater Custom Modular Homes.

Why Modular Home Construction is Perfect for Investment Properties

Investing in real estate is a significant decision that involves careful consideration of various factors, including property type, location, market trends, and your financial goals. When it comes to modular homes, there are both advantages and considerations to take into account when evaluating their suitability as an investment property. Let's explore some key points to help you make an informed decision:

Advantages of Modular Homes as Investment Properties:

Lower Initial Cost: Modular homes are often more cost-effective to build than traditional homes, which can lead to lower initial investment. This could potentially offer better returns on investment (ROI) if the property appreciates in value or generates rental income.

Faster Construction: Modular homes are constructed in a factory setting and then assembled on-site. This process can be quicker than traditional construction, allowing you to start generating income sooner.

Quality Control: The factory construction of modular homes can lead to higher quality control and standardized building processes. This can result in a well-built and durable property, which may require fewer repairs and maintenance over time.

Customization: Many modular home manufacturers offer a range of designs and customization options. This flexibility can attract potential renters or buyers who appreciate modern amenities and personalized features.

Energy Efficiency: Some modular homes are built with energy-efficient features and materials, which can attract environmentally conscious renters or buyers and potentially lead to lower utility costs.

In summary, investing in a modular home as an investment property can be a good choice under the right circumstances. Consulting Tidewater Custom Modular Homes can help you make an informed decision aligned with your investment goals.

Modular Homes: Building Home Made Easy

We build beautiful modular homes in our award-winning fashion that not only over-delivers on the quality of construct, but in a procedural manner that you will celebrate for a lifetime. Home building is often described as one of the most stressful processes to negotiate, however, that is not the case here at Tidewater Custom Modular Homes. We take the stress out of the home building experience.

Custom Modular Homes ensure the designs center on healthy families and leave a positive legacy for generations to come. These are base renders, solar panels, awnings, green roofs, water tanks and many other green items and materials are part of what this box likes to incorporate into the designs as extra must have options. It allows for ultimate creativity because they do not always look the way you expect them to. All these homes were built with less waste, shorter construction time, and stronger durability. Modular homes are simple, fast, affordable and energy efficient. You will see it is spacious and inviting. Every one of the modular homes is as unique as our clients, so every home is priced differently. With focus on affordability, sustainability, and quality design, we are bringing modular homes to another level.

Experience the future of American residential housing. Our homes are built stronger than traditional stick-built homes. Allow us to demonstrate to you exactly why that is. From the smallest ranch-style home to the largest vacation-style home, we’ve got you covered.

Contact Tidewater Custom Modular Homes.

Why Modular Homes Are Unquestionably the Most Energy Efficient

Modular homes are often considered to be energy efficient. Modular homes are built in a factory environment in sections or modules, and then transported to the site for assembly. Because of the controlled factory environment, there are several factors that contribute to their energy efficiency:

Precision Construction: Modular homes are constructed with precision machinery, ensuring that components are cut and assembled with high accuracy. This reduces gaps and air leaks that can lead to energy loss in traditional site-built homes.

Quality Control: Factory construction allows for rigorous quality control measures, including insulation installation and sealing, which can help prevent energy leaks and improve overall energy efficiency.

Material Efficiency: The materials used in modular homes are often chosen for their energy-efficient properties. This can include advanced insulation materials, energy-efficient windows, and doors, and other components that contribute to the overall energy performance of the home.

Reduced Waste: Factory construction of modular homes generates less waste compared to traditional construction methods. This can lead to a more efficient use of materials and less environmental impact.

Energy-Efficient Designs: Tidewater Custom Modular Homes offer energy-efficient design options, such as passive solar design, efficient HVAC systems, and even options for renewable energy sources like solar panels.

Tight Construction: Modular homes are built with precise measurements and assembly techniques, resulting in a tighter building envelope. This helps minimize air infiltration and heat loss, leading to better energy efficiency.

Quick Construction: Modular homes are often built faster than traditional homes due to the controlled factory environment. This can lead to reduced energy consumption during the construction process itself.

While modular homes have the potential to be energy-efficient, it's still crucial to work with reputable manufacturers and builders who prioritize energy efficiency and follow industry standards. If you're considering a modular home that has energy-efficient options and features, contact Tidewater Custom Modular Homes.

Why Modular Home Construction is The Choice in Today’s Tough Economy

Modular homes is simply the most economically viable option in today’s tough economic conditions. Your choice of home construction is impacted by numerous that include (but certainly not limited to) local housing market conditions, interest rates, financial circumstances, and delivery expectation. Your friends here at Tidewater Custom Modular Homes would like to share a number of key points to consider:

Cost: Modular homes are often more affordable than traditional stick-built homes due to streamlined manufacturing processes and economies of scale. In a challenging economy, cost considerations might make modular homes more attractive to those looking for cost-effective housing options.

Construction Time: Modular homes are typically quicker to construct since much of the building process occurs in a factory-controlled environment. Faster construction can be beneficial in an economy where housing demand is high, and there's a need for quick solutions.

Customization: While modular homes offer some level of customization, they may have limitations compared to fully custom-built homes. In a strong economy, some individuals may have more resources and prefer fully customizing their homes, whereas in a weaker economy, modular homes might be more appealing due to their lower costs and available design options.

Financing: The availability of financing options and interest rates can significantly impact the viability of modular homes. In a low-interest-rate environment, financing a modular home might be more affordable, making it an attractive option for potential homebuyers.

Sustainability: Modular homes are often constructed with eco-friendly materials and can have a smaller carbon footprint compared to traditional homes. In an economy with a focus on sustainability and green initiatives, modular homes may gain popularity.

Permits and Regulations: Local building codes, permits, and zoning regulations can affect the feasibility of modular homes. In some areas, regulations may be more accommodating to modular construction, making it a more viable option.

If you're considering a modular home, it's a good idea to talk to local builders like Tidewater Custom Modular Homes to get up-to-date information relevant to your specific area and current economic conditions.

Modular Homes Offer Best Cost Per Square Foot and Rapid Delivery

It is becoming an increasingly popular choice for homebuyers. If you are looking for a quick and customizable solution to your housing needs, modular homes are the answer. It is built off- site in a controlled factory environment which provides a number of benefits to homebuyers. Using modular homes is more efficient without reducing the comfort and quality of your home.

Modular homes have become more popular and one of its major benefits is the reduction of time on the construction site. There are enormous benefits considering the type of home you want, location options, smaller yards, minimal maintenance, price, and more. There are modular homes designed with renewable energy technology-based cooling systems to enjoy perfect temperatures while reducing carbon footprint. In addition to having solar panels that convert solar energy into clean and sustainable electricity, this makes the most of natural resources and saves on energy consumption which is great news for your pocket and for the planet. One of the most significant advantages of modular homes is the speed of construction. Since modulars homes are built in a factory, they will be completed much more quickly than site-built homes. This means that homeowners will move into their new home faster and avoid the lengthy wait times that often come with traditional construction projects. With modular homes it generates less waste, reduces transport, and builds faster to do the bit to produce more sustainable and healthier homes.

Further, there are an ever-growing number of people that are making sustainable, eco-friendly homes out of shipping containers, and enjoying the numerous benefits this new wave of architectural solutions brings. At modular homes, we are passionate about designing and building customized homes that adapt to the needs and wishes of each family which are unique and exceptional homes.

For more tips on Modular Homes, contact Tidewater Custom Modular Homes.

Modular Homes: Build A Home that is Perfect Inside And Out

From framing, to finishing, appliances, and design, we are committed to delivering the absolute most well-rounded home that your house building dollar can purchase. You will enjoy the light and airy designs. It is very inspiring to see houses that are smaller but perfectly executed. High ceilings and floor to ceiling windows are one of our favorite features in our homes.

Modular homes are traditionally built in a factory setting, transported to the homeowner’s site, and placed on a foundation that meets the specification of the home. They are simply a type of prefabricated building. Our amazing production/construction team builds our modular homes off-site at our factory and once completed we transport the full modules to site and install them. The designs will suit your needs whether you live in an urban area or are planning on going off-grid. The innovative approach to designing and building prefab and modular homes will mean that we will have a floor plan to suit your needs. The good part is modular homes allow for ultimate creativity which will not always look the way you will expect it to. All these homes were built with less waste, shorter construction time, and stronger durability. Each one of the modular homes is as unique as its owners. We cater to everyone for all types of home designs. There are modular homes that will come with energy efficient windows to save electricity and look stylish. Modular homes have come such a long way.

With our focus on affordability, sustainability, and quality design, we are bringing modular homes to another level. To help with the general idea of pricing, we have put together a useful ballpark pricing guide which includes some helpful tips and key factors for people to consider when deciding on a suitable modular home budget.

For more tips on Modular Homes, contact Tidewater Custom Modular Homes.

Three Reasons You'll Love A Cape Cod Modular Home

Are you considering a new home and interested in the unique charm of a Cape Cod style modular home? Look no further! Here are three reasons why you'll love a Cape Cod style modular home built by Tidewater Custom Modular Homes:

Timeless Aesthetic Appeal: The Cape Cod style is renowned for its timeless beauty and classic architectural features. With its steep rooflines, symmetrical design, and charming dormer windows, a Cape Cod style home exudes a sense of nostalgia and New England charm. The clean lines and simple yet elegant design make it a popular choice for homeowners seeking a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Whether you prefer a traditional look or a modern twist on the Cape Cod style, modular homes can be customized to suit your personal taste, ensuring a beautiful and unique residence.

Efficient Use of Space: One of the standout features of a Cape Cod style home is its efficient use of space. Typically featuring a compact footprint, these homes maximize every square inch to provide functional living areas. The design often includes a central chimney, which allows for open floor plans and flexible room layouts. The main living spaces are typically located on the first floor, with bedrooms situated on the second floor, under the sloping rooflines. This configuration optimizes space while maintaining a cozy and comfortable atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for smaller families, empty nesters, or those looking for a weekend retreat.

Versatility and Customization: Modular homes offer a range of benefits, including versatility and customization options. When it comes to a Cape Cod style modular home, you have the freedom to personalize various aspects of the design. From choosing the exterior finishes, siding materials, and color schemes to selecting the interior layout, fixtures, and finishes, you can create a home that reflects your individual style and preferences. Modular construction also allows for efficient and precise assembly, resulting in shorter construction times compared to traditional site-built homes, without compromising on quality.

Additionally, Cape Cod style modular homes can be easily expanded or modified in the future. Whether you need additional living space for a growing family or wish to add extra amenities, the modular construction process makes it simpler and more cost-effective to make alterations.

Contact Tidewater Custom Modular Homes to learn more about cape cod style modular homes.