What is a modular home?

A complete, livable dwelling that is built and assembled in a factory, transported to a site, and placed on a foundation. A modular home is supported by the foundation it is placed on, not by steel I-beams.

What is a stick-built home?

A house built without prefabricated parts?

Even stick built homes have some modularized parts within them. Items such as pre-hung doors and windows, and cabinet units are modular as opposed to built on the site. Stick builders use these pieces, because they can be built better and more cost effectively by specialists in a factory.

Modular homes also use modularized parts, but on a larger scale.  The parts are built within a factory, in a controlled environment. There is less waste, so cost efficiency is improved, while the overall impact on the environment is reduced.

What building code is required of a modular home?

A modular home is built to meet and/or exceed the IRC code (International Residential Code). This is the same building code required of all stick-built homes.

What is the building time frame of a modular home project?

This depends upon your particular project, but most home projects can be completed within 90 to 120 days.

Time Efficiency

Modular homes can be built simultaneously as the excavation, foundation, and other site work are being performed.

Independent Assembly

Modular homes can be assembled regardless of weather, which increases work efficiency and eliminates damage to material.

Energy Efficiency

The State of Wyoming has the following special amenities requirements before a modular homes is allowed to cross the border into the state: 90% efficient furnace, and double paned/low E glass windows. Stick-built homes are not required to adhere to these more stringent regulations.

Inspections

Modular homes are inspected

Building Strength

Modular homes are built with 20%-30% more construction materials than stick built homes. Modular homes are also assembled with two types of a building fasteners, such as glued and nailed, glued and screwed, or screwed and stapled. This construction practice makes the modular home a tighter construction; therefore, the modular home is more energy efficient.

Environmental Impact

Modular home factories can purchase building material in bulk and usually have agreements for the return of material of unacceptable quality.

Do modular homes appreciate in value like stick-built homes?

Yes. There is no distinction made between modular and stick-built when seeking appraisal, financing or insuring a modular home.

Are there any disadvantages to modular homes?

Market Acceptance - Many people associate modular homes with trailer houses and double wides. King Enterprises works with architects and engineers to design homes that do not have a streetscape that reflects a double wide.

Lending Issues - Lending institutions are familiar with the differences between a modular home and a manufactured home. King Enterprises can provide creditable information to lenders who are concerned with the modular home construction.

Design Flexibility - Technology advancements eliminated limits in the design of a modular home floor plan. Any floor plan imaginable can be built in a modular home, or built on to the modular home after it has been placed on the foundation.