Modular Homes

Sometimes called sectional houses, they are almost completely built in the factory.With construction done on an assembly line in a controlled environment, completion times are fast and quality control is high. Each step of the process is inspected, and the final sections are tagged certifying that the home complies with all state and federal building codes. They are a far cry from the double-wide trailers most homebuy-ers think of when modular homes are mentioned.Unlike mobile and manufactured homes, modular homes do not have a permanent steel undercarriage. As the home sections come off the assembly line, they are loaded onto carriers for a ride to the home site. Because of federal and/or state highway ‘‘wide-load’’ size restrictions, sections will typically be 12 or 14 feet wide and up to 60 feet in length.
At the site a crane lifts the sections onto the foundation, where they’re connected and permanently anchored. Utilities are connected, and the home is usually ready to move into within a week or two. This is a big plus when you consider the months that would be needed to stick build the same size house. It’s a big advantage knowing up front exactly how much the home will cost, when it’ll be done, and when it’ll be delivered.
Home style options are limited only by your imagination. Several sections can be stacked to create a Cape Cod, modern two-story, multi-level, or connected horizontally for an L-shaped ranch style home. There are even condominium projects and duplexes made from modular sections.
Most manufacturers have design departments that can help you customize a floor plan to fit your dream. Popular options are vaulted ceilings, upgraded kitchen cabinets, countertops, and steeper roof pitches.