Modular Versus Stick-built

[Bob Ipock]

Even if that is the case, what about the quality of construction and time savings. Most Modular homes have 2"x6' studs better insulation, quality control, etc.

In may areas there is a stigma against modular homes. There is where I live. 6 inch wall studs is only one item. Many of the components and finishes are inferior to site built homes. They all must meet the same MINIMUM building code.

 

[Joe Flacco]

I have only seen plans for a few modular homes but like Rex says there seems to be significant floor plan limitations because of the way they need to be broken down into sections.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

Most Modular homes have 2"x6' studs better insulation

Most? Not all. The one I posted above was nothing special in that respect, and 2"x6" allows for more insulation if you use it...putting 4" of pink panther in a 6" space is no better than in a 4" space. And compressive strength is a non issue in a 1 or 2 story house.

Many of the components and finishes are inferior

The builders I was familiar with were identical to stick built "average" quality homes. Again, the picture above is a modular which was sit on a foundation and bricked over. The interior is typical. The appliances were brought in and installed on site. The builder of that home above closed their doors in 2010 due to the economy.

 

[Digger88]

modulars need more wood for strength to survive the road trip to the site.

 

[EddieB]

Nothing to add to the conversation, attack the OP. That seems to be your MO.

Asking questions you should have known years ago while under a mentor is your MO.

Actually provided solid advise for you

 

[Mr Rex]

Even if that is the case, what about the quality of construction and time savings. Most Modular homes have 2"x6' studs better insulation, quality control, etc.

They use 2 x 6 framing on 24 inch centers rather than conventional 16 inch centers? Quality control? I could tell you some horror stories from the year I worked in a manufactured home plant that made one of the highest end HUD lines made at the time. Of course they had in house inspectors just like the modular plants do. We all joked that nobody wanted a house built on a Monday or Friday. Most of the workers were stoned all day, along with as many beers as they could down on their lunch hours. Let me give you a chance to guess where all the guys that worked at the modular plant got their experience.

 

[Ariba]

Asking questions you should have known years ago while under a mentor is your MO.

Actually provided solid advise for you

You apparently can't even read or comprehend the question, let along provide any relevant input. This is not about me. Why don't you reread the question and try to provide relevant input, if you have any!

Read some of the great responses, you might learn something. Maybe, but then again you are who you are.

 

[Sid Holderly]

There are more than one Modular manufacturer in this state that will build to your design (limited only by shipping requirements). There are also 3000 sf modular two story and panalized two stories in this area. I find no price difference between a good quality modular and a spec home in this area.

 

[Michigan CG]

I wonder why there are not more developments being built across the nation, with modular homes. In most case, modular homes are more affordable and can be completed in a matter of weeks instead of months. Is it the builder’s, D.R Horton, Lennar, Pulte, CalAtlantic, lobbyists in Washington?

Are you able to distinguish with any degree of certainty between a modular and stick built home? Do you believe a stick-built home is superior to modular home? Why?

In the last year or so I have appraised about six new construction modulars, about six spec houses in new subdivisions and about 20-25 new construction contract homes.

Some modular homes are more affordable but what you get for that affordability looks like a pimped-out manufactured home with slightly better roof pitches. Around here the modular guys inflate the prices of "extras" like garages. and porches. The cost of a garage is about 25% more for the modular guys than the stick-built guys.

Unless one adds extras then it looks modular/manufactured and the market will tell you that.

Quality is in the eye of the beholder. While they talk about 2 x 6 walls and being built in a factory, blah, blah, blah they many times look very cheap. The spec houses in subdivisions may not be better quality but they look a lot better.

In modulars, the more options you add the more they screw it up. I was involved in a litigation case last year where the owner won $81,000 from the modular people and the SUBCONTRACTORS. The modular guys may build the houses but local subcontractors put them together and build the extras. I have seen modulars with garages with wrong roof lines. The "extras" installed at the factories are sub-par in quality. Had one with pocket doors and not one of them closed properly.

The quality benefit is lost if the subcontractors putting it together are idiots.

I would never buy a modular.

 

[jay trotta]

It depends; some manufacturers provide good quality product;

Some stick builders are equal to similar quality of modular, both Good & OK; if the Contract is not properly designed, then either product can become a "nightmare".

I have seen both Good & Bad in both products; the choice is yours.