What is the Modular Home Construction Process?
A modular home’s construction process is starkly different from contemporary brick-and-mortar homes.
The parts are manufactured in a factory, transported on-site, and assembled according to the homeowner’s desired map.
The foundations are laid as in the case of stick-built homes, and some modular homes have a basement too.
The overall process of producing a modular home and assembly is cheaper. Besides this, the efficiency and modernity of a modular home enhance its appeal.
Constant inspection
Manufacturers ensure that each production stage happens under the leadership of a trained professional. They supervise the workers and inspect the quality of the product at each step.
The supervisors also check that the production follows state construction regulations. If a problem gets ignored in the initial stages, it may create chaos later.
What is the modular home construction process?
Assurance of having a structure produced under vigilant inspection rectifies that the modular homes are more robust and lack issues.
Following are the steps followed from inception to construction. Let’s get down to them:
Step # 1: Design phase
The design stage of construction involves analyzing the potential locations and creating a building map.
Some of the questions you can ask your chosen manufacturer are:
- What is the project budget?
- How many bathrooms are required?
- Does a farmhouse-style or modern-style work for my preferred location?
- Which flooring is sturdy and resistible to the climate?
- What kind of ceiling is functional for this modular structure?
- What are the jurisdiction terms that we have to follow?
Asking these questions will allow you to figure out the approach of your chosen manufacturer. You can also ask them about their prior constructions to understand how they function.
Step # 2: Obtain the building permit
Once you have put the finger on an ideal location, it is time to move on to the nitty-gritty details. Such as:
- How environmentally friendly is this location?
- What are the required measurements for building a home in this location?
- What is the zone of this property? Is it commercial or residential?
After you find answers to these questions, you should apply to the community authorities. They will provide all information about the building codes applicable in your chosen area.
A building permit is what you need to take this process further. Make sure that you find a credible company known for its modular structures.
Also, let the local authorities know that you will adhere to all the regulations.
Step # 3: Excavation and integrating foundation
The company sends its survey team to the site to inspect the land. Once they approve, the excavators make a hole and install a foundation chosen by the clients.
Step # 4: Production at the factory
Meanwhile, the team at the factory starts working on all parts required to construct the modular home. These are the elements that they work on:
- Floors
- Walls
- Ceiling
- Sewage and plumbing
- Electricity
- Drywall finishing
- Insulation
- Exterior doors
- House elevation
- Completed ceiling
- Final finishes on each component
After completing the production, the manufacturers will wrap and arrange their transport towards the site.
Step # 5: Setting the home
Typically, the modular home arrives in more than one interval. The homeowners should ensure that the chosen site allows cranes or other heavy machinery.
This machine should have access to the parts to fix them and assemble them over the land.
Sometimes, there is limited space on the site. One should ensure a staging corner at the site for the miscellaneous fixtures.
The homeowner should work with a futuristic insight. They should work out the placement of the modular home and arrange for a space to fit all segments.
A home with a few sections can get fixed in a single day. But a modular structure that will take 5 or 6 shifts of transportation may take a couple of days to complete.
Step # 6: Finishing the components and design
The process of integrating a modular home is quite happening. Things happen faster, and the house gets ready within a few weeks.
Once the structure stands tall, you should move to work on its exterior, which includes:
Mechanical system
The comfort of a home relies on its internal climate, lights, and plumbing system. You should ensure that the heat or gas pump, interior pipes, and wiring across the house follow a high-grade quality.
You can seek the assistance of a local professional to inspect each of these systems and point out the poor aspects.
Interior and exterior finishing
Some of the final touches are not completed at the factory. For example, if a client opts for soft sliding, the expert must finalize this site task.
Similarly, internal elements such as final door polish and kitchen cabinet polish are done on-site. This is because the components may wear or tear during transport.
FAQs
How does a modular home attach with its foundation?
There are two kinds of modular homes: on-frame and off-frame. The former have permanent steel beams which are instantly fixed underground.
Meanwhile, the off-site frame demands lifting the structure with a crane and fixing it on the foundation.
What should you acknowledge before ordering a modular home?
You should complete the due diligence when constructing the modular home. This requires researching the best modular home producers and the ideal locations in your community.
It would help if you also examined all the financing options available to move forward with the process.
Is a modular home cheaper than a conventional house?
Modular structures are cheaper as they are produced off-site. They consume less time and money as they are prefabricated at the factories.
Final Thoughts
The process of manufacturing a modular home is detailed and organized. Companies understand the changing dynamics in real estate and try to blend them into their homes.
If you plan to move to your modular home, it would be best to get the final home inspected by a professional who isn’t associated with the manufacturer.
A structurally sound house that follows local building terms is essential for starting your new home journey with contentment.