Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Sep 07, 1999 07:57am | #1

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   Patty,

   I don't know much about them, but the Japanese have
   been building modular homes for years. Check out
   the internet. I'm sure there is more than you want
   to know about it there.

   Good luck,

   Ed. Williams

1. 
   Guest_ | Sep 07, 1999 08:09am | #2

   *Patricia,I could be mistaken, but I believe that a wide variety of housing goes under the name modular, some of it cheap and bad, and maybe some of it is good. Could you be more specific as to what you are looking at? Size of house, price, manufacturer? There is a much better chance that someone here can give an opinion with more information.Rich Beckman

2. 
   Patricia_Turner | Sep 07, 1999 09:13am | #3

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   Rich,

   Thanks for the response. We have been looking at floor plans for Capes and Colonials from a company called Westchester Homes out of New York State.

   Modulars seem to make sense in terms of cost containment for materials and labor, and the time it takes to complete construction. I'm wondering how the homes hold up once they are built. A lot of modular companies offer 10 year warranties and banks will sometimes finance 100% because of instant equity once the modular is complete.

   I have heard of people who have been having problems with roof leakage and shoddy dry wall. Most of these homes were built 10 or more years ago. It seems that the modular industry would have (or should have) improved since then.

   So I just thought I'd see if anyone has had any experience with this.

3. 
   Guest_ | Sep 07, 1999 03:43pm | #4

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   There have been several threads about modulars since I started checking these forums. You might want to search the archives for more info.

4. 
   MarkF_ | Sep 07, 1999 06:24pm | #5

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   Have seen many a modular around. Often, I can spot them from the street. You can see the seam. The vinyl siding seems to like to bubble there when the pieces settle on the Colonials. That's something to watch out for. That said, my sister has had 2 modular homes, both from Westchester Modular. I live 10 minutes from their office/model. After the 2 houses, my brother-in-law has decided that it's cheaper to 'stick build' but it obviously takes much longer. As with anything, you pay for the convenience. Westchester seems like a good outfit though. Both of their homes have been high quality.

   Good luck.

   PS - Their model has 9 foot ceilings on the first floor. It really opens things up and doesn't really add much to the cost as I recall. I'd suggest you consider that as well.

5. 
   Guest_ | Sep 08, 1999 07:15am | #6

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   Can someone enlighten me with the correct terminology here - or is it a regional thing (like creeks, cricks, and brooks...?) Around here the term "manufactured housing" is generally applied to housing units that are assembled in a factory into 14' wide by however long units, typically with three exterior walls and roof. Usually two of these are connected by the open sides to complete a (lower end) house. These are typically towed on steel subframe with "mobil home" axles to the site.

   Ok, my terminology revolves around the difference between this and the "modular home" that is the subject of this post - are they pretty much one in the same. I saw an article long ago on a modular house that used cubes or rectangular boxes that could be stacked into a variety of shapes, but I assume this is not what you are talking about.

   And when does a "prefab" become a "modular" become a "manufactured house". Is a prefab a series of wall and ceiling panels that are shipped flat? Then just what is "panelized" as it relates to this discussion? I had thought panelized was panel modules that could be assembled into walls and whatever, but I assume this is not called modular housing... Unfortunately, I haven't sprung the $50 for Bill Gate's new Encarta dictionary, which I am sure would authoritatively straighten this all out for me...

1. 
   Guest_ | Sep 08, 1999 08:07am | #7

   *I'm with Casy,I thought you meant "cube based housing". What are you guys talking about?Ed. Williams

6. 
   jim_langrall | Sep 08, 1999 09:06am | #8

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   Patty,
   I did quite a few modulars about 10-15 years ago. The quality is dependant on your manufacturer. Typically the tell tale is the marriage wall where the boxes are bolted together. That is generally unavoidable, but I do know of one manufacturer who has eliminated the "double 2x4" marriage wall.

   I did your basic 2 box, 1200SF, rancher with 5/12 roof pitches, and aluminum siding. Quality wise, they were on par with your basic tract housing. With proper coordination of subs and a little planning you can move in with 4-6 weeks. Banks love that!

   But we also specialized in "custom" modular housing. We found a few manufacturers willing to take our plans, drawn to their specs. The last one I did was a 4200SF two story colonial with a 12/12 roof pitch and 5 dormers across the front and a shed dormer across the rear. It came in as 8 boxes!! (Basically, a two story with a rancher off the back)So your possibilities are limitless.

   Check out the company. A true modular is just a stick built house which was built indoors. Demand the same quality materials from a manufacturer that you would from a builder. If its not available go somewhere else, they are out there. How long have they been in business, visit their model but also go see some under construction at a site, preferably when a crew is there (try lunch time, you might get one of them to give you a tour and an honest opinion of the structure). Who sets and finishes the houses? Their crew or your own GC? You might be better off taking the flooring allowance and getting it on your own. Think about a brick veneer in front, it helps to eliminate the Modular stigma. Done right they are hard to beat. Do your homework

7. 
   Patricia_Turner | Sep 08, 1999 09:06am | #9

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   Does anyone have any opinions - good or bad - about modular homes?

   My husband and I are considering purchasing one, but don't know much about their reliability, integrity, etc.

   Can anyone help us out by sharing your own experience?