Modular construction is one of the fastest-growing segments of the housing industry. In fact, it grew almost 20% over 2017. And while there are plenty of reasons why people choose modular construction — including the ability to build a house quickly and affordably — many homeowners don’t realize that modular homes can be customized just like traditional stick-built homes.
In fact, some builders even offer customization options such as different floor plans, exterior colors, roofing materials, siding styles, window treatments, and much more. This guide gives you a glimpse into modular home building & customization.
What is a Modular Home?
The biggest difference between modular homes and conventional homes is that modular homes are built off-site, whereas conventional homes are built on-site. This means that once a modular home is finished, it’s then transported to the site and assembled by a homebuilder.
Modular homes are built section-by-section in a factory setting. These facilities assemble homes according to the International Residential Code (IRC), which requires compliance with all state and local building regulations. Once the sections are complete, they are transported to the building site and then assembled on a poured foundation.
Once it’s assembled, the homebuilder will connect the utilities, and fit it with appliances, cabinetry, flooring, and all other finishings. There are many different designs of modular homes, so you can be sure to find one that fits your needs and lifestyle.
The Benefits of Modular Homes
There are many advantages to modular homes, including:
Controlled Construction
Thanks to the indoor construction, modular homes have an exceptional level of quality and consistency. And, they are built to the same standards as traditional homes. The controlled construction environment protects them from being exposed to the elements like wind, temperature changes, and rain (that can cause moisture buildup on certain building materials on traditional building sites).
Cost Predictability
Traditional housing construction sites can be unpredictable, and this can lead to unplanned costs. Modular housing prices tend to be more fixed, preventing many of the unexpected changes & costs that come with traditional home building.
Modular home manufacturers also tend to buy materials in bulk, resulting in cost savings that often get passed to the consumer.
Speed of Construction
If you consider all of the delays possible with traditional home construction, it’s easy to see why modular homes are often built much quicker. Heavy rain & snow can cause delays in the building process for traditional homes (and it can even cause delays in transporting materials to the site). Since modular homes are built indoors with materials readily available, the construction can go much quicker (and transportation time is eliminated for supplies).
Less Waste
Since modular home construction companies have zeroed in on their building processes, they can better gauge exactly how much material is needed for each build and they’re able to recycle materials more efficiently for future projects. Traditional home construction sites can run into issues like accidental damages, theft, and vandalism that can cause more materials to be used (or wasted). These problems are largely avoided with modular home construction.
How to Start Customizing Your Modular Home
With modular home construction, you usually have some degree of freedom when it comes to designing your home. You can choose what features you want, where you want them, and how much space you want for each feature. This allows you to tailor your home to fit your lifestyle, without having to compromise on quality. One thing to note is: the number of customizations you make may extend the construction process.
Pick a Starting Floor Plan
You can choose from one of many different floor plan designs, which are essentially blueprints for the house. Then, you can add rooms and amenities to your home as needed. For instance, you might decide to put a bathroom in a certain spot, or you could include a bedroom or office.
Determine Exterior Changes
If you’re working with a modular home builder, they will often provide you with a set of standard components. Many offer customization options, including changing the exterior color or style of your home.
Customize the Interior
In addition, you can adjust the interior design and finish choices. For instance, you could replace carpeting with hardwood floors, install granite countertops, or paint the walls a different color.
Get Started Today
If you’re interested in learning more about modular homes, contact Family Dream Homes. We’re here to help with any questions you may have!
