Modular Homes VA Blog

7 Reasons You Should Choose Modular Home Dealers Over Stick-Built Custom Home Builders

For many people, building their dream house is a big milestone and one of the most exciting events in their life. From planning the structure of the house to detailing its aesthetics, you will have to make many decisions. However, one of the earliest and most important decisions that you will have to make is to choose the building method for your custom home.

You have two main choices in this regard. You can opt for the traditional stick-built home option that entails on-site construction of the house, or you can go with a reliable modular home dealer. They offer prefabricated or modular construction, meaning the house or structure is constructed and preassembled off-site, usually in a factory.

While most houses in the US are still built using the stick-built method, modular housing is getting increasingly popular because this method offers many advantages that were previously unimaginable. Scroll down to take a look at why you should consider hiring a modular home dealer instead of working with a stick-built custom home builder.

1. Modular Home Dealers Offer Faster Construction

How long does it take to build a new house?

Many people ask this question, but there is no straightforward answer to this when you choose a stick-built custom home builder to build your new house. This is because on-site construction depends on various factors. Some of these variables, like weather and the availability of construction workers, may be out of your control. Therefore, the construction of a stick-built home can be delayed.

However, that's rarely the case with modular homes. Modular homes are built in factories in a controlled environment, which means that the construction cannot be hampered due to external factors like weather. Moreover, most parts of a modular home are pre-made so the modular home dealer only has to put them together when they reach the home site. This takes considerably less time than building an on-site stick-built home.

2. Modular Housing Means Affordable & Stress-free Construction

Building your dream house should be exciting and memorable - not stressful. However, building an on-site house can be stressful for many people. Prefab homes take out the stress from the process. But that's not all - modular housing also provides various pricing levels so you can adjust the overall cost of the house according to your needs and budget. Though there are different levels of customization that can affect the cost of a prefab house, modular construction is generally the less expensive option.

It is also easier to keep track of the finances when building a modular house as compared to a stick-built house. Most people end up spending way more than they intend to when they go for a stick-built home. Luckily, that's not the case with modular homes.

3. Prefab Homes Offer Higher Energy Efficiency

Thanks to tight fit seams and windows, prefab homes are generally more energy-efficient than their stick-built counterparts. It is mainly because these houses are constructed using state of the art technology, which ensures that everything fits together perfectly!

High energy efficiency is a major plus, especially for people living in areas like West Virginia where summers are warm and winters are very cold. Prefab homes can reduce energy bills throughout the year. In other words, opting for a prefab home can save you a lot of money in the long term.

4. Modular Houses Come in All Shapes, Styles & Sizes

A common misconception about modular houses is that they offer limited style and design features. However, this is far from reality. A modular home dealer can offer you plenty of design options to choose from, and you can customize your house in any way you see fit. Whether you want a traditional or a more contemporary style - modular housing has got you covered.

While customization options are also available for stick-built houses, creating the house of your dreams is much easier when you choose to hire a modular home dealer to build your home.

5. One-Stop-Shop for All Modular Housing Needs

Modular housing is not just limited to building houses. In other words, a modular home dealer may also provide you other options like mobile homes and double-wide homes or trailers.

However, keep in mind that a modular home is not the same as a mobile home, or manufactured home. While both of them are built in off-site factories and then relocated to some other destination, modular homes are built as a permanent residence and cannot be moved around like mobile homes or manufactured homes. Regardless, a modular home dealer can help you find the perfect residence that you want!

6. Modular Housing is a Zero Waste Option

On-site construction can generate a lot of waste that must be discarded properly. Tons of construction and demolition debris is generated every year in the US alone. Fortunately, opting for a prefab house is an easy way to cut back on this debris and play your part in keeping the environment clean.

7. Prefab Homes are Safe and Highly Durable

Prefab homes are not a new concept. They have been around for decades and over the years, this type of construction has proven to be extremely safe and durable. They are just as sturdy as stick-built homes. So, whether you live in hurricane-prone areas like Florida or areas that receive a lot of rain like West Virginia, prefab homes are the ideal choice for you!

The Bottom Line

There are many reasons why choosing a modular home builder is a better option than hiring stick-built custom home builders. However, it is important to mention that not all modular home dealers are the same. Therefore, make sure you take the time to find only the best modular home dealers for your house.

If you are looking for an experienced and reliable modular home dealer, then contact Tidewater Custom Modular Homes to chat with one of our experts. We have a variety of model homes at our sales center that you can tour, all with different options, floorplans, square footage, and styles. You can walk through our models and discuss what features are important to you, where you'd like to build, and what your home will cost. We'll customize a floor plan just for you, and walk you through every step of the home buying process.

Modular Home 101: The Basis of Home Construction Superiority

Modular homes offer the new home buyer a path to the best overall value for your home building dollar. Modular home constructs are built with premium grade materials, computer-assisted crafting, and with unmatched craftsmanship. This means these homes are guaranteed to be strong and sturdy. Here are several applications as to why modular-constructed homes are far superior when compared to traditional-built houses:

• Window and door casings of our modular homes in Williamsburg, VA are fortified with metal splines in the corners
• A strong adhesive is used to fix the drywall against the wall studs and the ceiling joists
• Larger drywall sheets are applied to walls and ceilings
• In two-story structures, the ceiling of the first-floor level and the flooring of the second level are detached.
• To secure floor sheathing, they are both glued and nailed.
• Flush beams are installed into the floor system
• Double or triple perimeter joists are applied at the mating walls
• Modules are connected at the mating wall using bolts in the basement and attic
• Strapping technique is applied to the corners of the perimeter floor joists

For more information about modular homes, contact Tidewater Custom Modular Homes.

Modular Home Construction Accommodates Buyer Customization Preferences

Steadily over time, home buyers are now informed that modular home construction is not restricted in design modification. You see plenty of “cookie cutter” homes out there but they are not custom modular homes. As modular builders, it is our duty to educate homebuyers of the customization options that render modular home construction the very best value home value on the market today.

Tidewater Custom Modular Homes provides a wide array of pre-designed floor plans which can be further customized according to needs and preferences. Customization of modular floor plans can satisfy the specific needs of the household. We plan and design closely with our clients to ensure their hopes and expectations are met or even better, are exceeded. Building dream homes is what we do and we can only do this with our clients input. From there, allowing homebuyers to custom-design homes and apply their unique ideas helps us to create an extraordinary home layout.

If you are going to build your dream home in 2019, consider modular construction. Contact Tidewater Custom Modular Homes, we will assist you in creating a floor plan that best suits your needs and home style.

Modular Home Construction - Say Yes to Modern Living

Modular home construction is steadily increasing market share here in America for obvious reasons. The bottom-line reason is value for your home building dollar. You simply get more and better home for your home building dollar than you get with traditional construction. But today, we’re going to focus on just one of the value-driven benefits of modular home construction. Modular home options are outpacing traditional home construction in terms of structural and functional modernization.

Our custom-built modular homes in Yorktown, VA are the perfect example of just how modular floor plans can be transformed to take advantage of the environmental, economical, and structural benefits of the state-of-the-art, factory assembly-derived construction techniques. Because of this, more and more homeowners are becoming interested in custom-building their homes using this time- and money-efficient approach.

It is easy to dream of a home but it is a lot easier to design your dream home because you can simply choose a modular floor plan among the available selection of homes. You do not need to start from scratch as each modular floor plan has standard specifications that you can modify further in order to tailor-fit it to your specific requirements. This will result in a dream home that you can call uniquely yours.

To find out more about the advantages of modular home construction, contact Tidewater Custom Modular Homes.

Modular Home Construction Delivers on Low Cost/SqFt and Speed of Delivery

When building modular homes in Virginia Beach, VA, everything always starts with picking a floor plan then customizing that same floor plan into your dream home. Modular home construction is a perfect decision for those who seek to maximize both value and speed of construction.

Modular floor plans help you choose one that can best work for you, especially if you do not have yet a clear picture of what home you really want to build. This selection of homes is a collaborative work of architects and builders. They are pre-designed such that the floor area can be optimized as you incorporate your personal choices on the features and fixtures to include in your future home.

Having control over the building process is just one of the many advantages of modular construction. Your modular home will be constructed in a process similar to an assembly line. Not only will this use labor and materials more efficiently but also maintain top-notch quality control, safety, and security. This mode of construction also grants you to make modifications in your home while or even after it is constructed. So there is really nothing to worry about in case you need to add or change some parts of your modular home.

For more details on how to get the most of your modular home, contact Tidewater Custom Modular Homes.

Structural Safety Dominance of Modular Home Construction

As we all know, hurricanes are the most expensive natural disasters in the US. Past disasters should give us pause about whether our homes are ready to stand up to these weather tests. With modular home construction you can be assured that your home is significantly more sturdy than your traditional “stick-built” neighbors. They are built to the same codes and regulations as site-built homes, but one of the big differences is modular home frames are bolted together as opposed to stick-built homes being nailed together. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), modular homes stand up as well or better than traditionally built homes.

People sometimes confuse mobile homes with modular homes. There is simply no meaningful relationship between the two. Once educated on the difference, they come to realize that modular homes are the preferred option for those living in areas that are prone to flooding, high winds and other elements of storms. Modular homes receive praise for their superior workmanship.

Very simply put, modular homes in have weathered the storms best for decades. There is tangible evidence that modular homes are the best option when it comes to preventing damage from hurricanes. When hurricane Andrew accounted for more than billions in damages, the modular housing developments, in general, had minimal structural damage.

Safety is a major advantage of modular homes, but there are others as well. They offer plenty of design flexibility, and they can be built in about a third of the time needed to construct a site-built home. Other advantages include increased energy efficiency and lower air infiltration, which helps manage heat loss in the home.

In order to ensure the quality and workmanship, modular homes are inspected during every step of the manufacturing process in addition to the usual state and local inspections. As compared to a site-built home, there is only one inspection once the home is completed. It was concluded that the inherently rigid system of modular homes lead to much safer structures.

The sturdiness of modular homes helps them hold up against the rain, wind and hail that can come with super storms such as a hurricane. Often overlooked benefit of modular homes is their ability to stand up to flooding, which will occur no matter where in the country you live. Flooding is one of those things many people do not think about until it is too late. Living in a modular home will give you peace of mind, in that, should a flooding situation occur, your damage will be minimal compared to many site-built homes.

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

Tips for Custom Designing Your Modular Home

When you decide to build your new modular home here Norfolk, VA the fun just begins. They key word here is “custom” and you should have fun designing your next home with the exact personal touches that you’ve always dreamed of. Yes, while there are numerous things to consider, that is the very reason you will be excited. You are about to build your dream home exactly as you imagine it!

Whether you plan to stay in your new home for the rest of your life or even if it’s just for a couple of years, make sure every layout and details of your new home meets your needs and suits your lifestyle. While everyone has distinct taste of style and living requirements, there are typical elements which homebuyers search for which can make the home stay comfy and enjoyable to reside in at different life stages.

Whether it’s a large house for a family, a starter home for new couples, or a humble abode for solitary living, here are a few tips to help you find your ideal modular home:

Living Alone - A small floor area equipped with basic features but not necessarily cramped will suffice a person living alone. A design with at least 9 ft. ceiling and sufficient number of windows can provide extra lighting and make the area looking spacious. You might as well consider adding a deck as a receiving area for guests.

Living with A Partner - Look for a single-story floor plan that is right for you and your partner. A modular home that features three to four bedrooms sounds adequate. Otherwise, opt for two bedrooms or consider modular floor plans with unfinished attics that can be renovated in the future to create additional rooms. Through modular upgrades home additions are made easy and you'll be surprised with the infinite design options possible for your home.

Living with A Family - It has to be spacious to accommodate all the household members but it doesn't always entail a huge house. You just need to seek a floor plan that presents a smart use of space with flexible living options. Also, don't scrimp on the fittings and finishes for they need to be tough and durable considering the multiple users. Good thing with modular homes, we only utilize premium quality products for home fixtures so as much as possible, you don't have to tackle worn out home essentials for a considerable number of years. Moreover, a large kitchen with a pantry with a spacious dining area is perfect for dining together. A second bathroom also delivers convenience on busy mornings.

Empty Nesters - Usually empty nesters decide to downsize their home for a smaller living space that requires lesser housework and upkeep. Select a floor plan that displays convenient living for two but can accommodate occasional visitors. Carefully choose home fittings and products that are easy to clean and maintain to minimize workload at home.

At Tidewater Custom Modular Homes, we know the typical needs of every household format. Thus, during layout planning, we carefully guide homebuyers in choosing the right home design that meets their preferences. For this reason, we cater custom-designs to fulfill exact and unique specifics they want for their home. Contact Tidewater Custom Modular Homes to learn more.

Modular Home Construction - New Homebuyers Method of Choice

Here at our award-winning Tidewater Custom Modular Homes, we are big fans of you young and first-time homebuyers. We are big fans because you folks are, by and large, are discriminate consumers. You tend to contact us having conducted extensive research into Hampton Roads home building options. You ask smart questions and challenge traditional stick-built home construction myths that simply don’t add up. This is music to our ears because the more you know about custom modular home construction vs traditional stick-built home constructions, the more likely you are to choose custom modular home construction.

Many young professionals want to buy a home once they have established their career. Now they have the choice to custom-build a modular home in Hampton Roads, VA. Because precisely cut and premium-grade materials are used in building each module, interested home buyers are guaranteed a home that is aesthetically pleasing, fully functional, and energy efficient.

Investing in a modular home is a practical investment to consider for home construction. For one, modular construction allows people to make building their dream home a reality with significantly less time and money. These benefits in particular are a big advantage to young adults who are preparing for their future. Every modular floor plan is transformed with the homeowner’s unique requirements in mind using streamlined processes for a faster completion time without jeopardizing quality.

To get started on your custom-built modular home, contact Tidewater Custom Modular Homes anytime.

Reinvest Real Estate Capital Gains Tax Free Into Profitable Modular Home Construction

Now, we are not tax attorneys (nor do we play one on TV), but we’ve come across a few people who have sold rental property elsewhere in the country and are now looking to us here at Tidewater Custom Modular Homes (Norfolk, VA) to reinvest the profit into rental property here in Hampton Roads. What all these people are finding out is that, with modular home construction, they can build more rental home for less money than traditional home building. They’ll get a better, stronger, more energy efficient structure, but more importantly, they’ll get more rent money.

The process by which to do this is called a “Section 1031 Like Kind Exchange”. Again, you must talk to a tax expert for the details, but simply put, you work the process through an intermediary who handles all the sale of your current and purchase of your future rental property. Because you never actually take receipt of the profit on the sale of your old property (because this profit is directly transferred by the intermediary during the purchase of your new property), federal tax law concludes you have not actually received a cash gain, YET that is. Sometime in the future when you (or your heirs) sell this new rental property, then the federal government will come calling you to pay tax on the gains.

So rather than write a check to Uncle Sam this year, you can reinvest your hard-earned home equity into a new modular home perfectly suited to rent. Small low-cost ranch style such as "The Austin Modular Home" or the “Ashland Modular Home” can immediately put you into positive cash flow on your new custom modular rental home.

We can help you every step of the way. Contact us here at Tidewater Custom Modular Homes anytime!

Modular Home Construction is The Modern Solution

Modular construction popularity is revolutionizing the home-building industry. These homes save buyers money and deliver a higher quality home. In every category, modular homes are superior to stick-built homes. They cannot be visually distinguished by the untrained eye from their traditionally built counterparts. It is the modern solution to your dream house dream more in savings and less in budget. There is practically nothing you cannot do with a modular home. Modern modular homes will take on the appearance of a traditional home or can assume the look and style of today’s most contemporary structure.

Our modular construction process starts in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, so the homes will be produced to be much tighter than those built on-site. In fact, our homes routinely operate more efficiently than a conventional site-built home. With the drywall, flooring, cabinetry, plumbing, and electrical completed in a quality controlled, weather tight environment, the modular construction process provides a custom home within stringent manufactured tolerances.

Choosing the right builder to provide your new home is one of the most important decisions you will make in the home buying process. We deliver beautiful homes, support innovative home design, and deliver safe and healthy homes for our clients. Our modular homes will be one-of-a-kind creations that offer an even greater range of design choices than most traditional builders.

Our team of modular home building experts are the most knowledgeable you will find when it comes to modular construction. During the design stage for your home, you will have a wide range of choices to make as you create a truly unique home. Given the variety of choices involved, it is not unusual for custom home buyers to experience some emotional ups and downs during the process, more than a new home buyer that is building a production home may experience in their new home journey.

Knowing what to expect at each stage comes from strong communication. Just knowing what choices you will have to make, and when, will go a long way toward making your custom home building process smooth and produce the home you have always dreamed about. We pride ourselves on being the custom home builder that has the answers when you need them most.

Modular homes are models of efficiency and quality assurance. Our commitment to excellence begins at the design phase. From there our computer-assisted design technology assists us in customizing your floor plans and producing specification sheets to your exact requirements. We give you the options you need! Whether you are looking for a larger family home or you want to downsize, we have a floor plan that fits your lifestyle. Then, once all designs have been finalized, the building process begins.