Howdy Everyone:
I really appreciate all the shared experiences posted here. I am looking to build my 1st house this year, and I’m considering a modern-styled modular house in Chicago. Does anyone have any experience with modular houses, builders, etc?
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story

Discover a concrete-free foundation option that doesn't require any digging.
Featured Video
How to Install Exterior Window TrimHighlights
Fine Homebuilding Magazine
- Home Group
- Antique Trader
- Arts & Crafts Homes
- Bank Note Reporter
- Cabin Life
- Cuisine at Home
- Fine Gardening
- Fine Woodworking
- Green Building Advisor
- Garden Gate
- Horticulture
- Keep Craft Alive
- Log Home Living
- Military Trader/Vehicles
- Numismatic News
- Numismaster
- Old Cars Weekly
- Old House Journal
- Period Homes
- Popular Woodworking
- Script
- ShopNotes
- Sports Collectors Digest
- Threads
- Timber Home Living
- Traditional Building
- Woodsmith
- World Coin News
- Writer's Digest
Replies
I sold some radiant heaters to a modular home mfg around the Dayton, Ohio area. They used top of the line materials - Pella/Anderson windows - Quality floors - the walls were assembled in a steel jig and the drywall was sealed to the wall studs with a foaming glue by a worker underneath the steel jig. You don't have to buy just a "box house' either. Many multi story designs are available. Once your site is ready, they can setup in just 1-2 days. Seemed to be a decent product for a decent price. I suppose you just have to check out the individual mfgs to get the best quality.
Hey:
Thanks for your comment. It's good to talk to someone whose actually been in a house like that, especially in Ohio. I keep hearing of houses in other places.
Despite modern or updated materials, I STILL don't like the idea of a home travelling distances on highways. There is still too much movement. However, I will not condemn an industry that employs hard working Americans. I have worked in the construction industry for many years and have assembled or prepared a few modulars for market.Shrinkage appears to be a major factor, particularly at the ceiling/wall intersection. This was covered by molding. Seasonal changes showed large shrinkage at this joint. Nail pops or screw pops were also common.I would like to believe that modern construction techniques have minimized these annoyances. Best bet-ask the dealer for a customer list in the last year.Their opinion may or may not tell you what you want to hear.