WHAT IS THE MODULAR HOME AND HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM OTHER CONSTRUCTION METHODS?
Mobile, panelized and modular homes are similar only in that they are built in factory environments. Mobile homes have steel floor frames and are designed to sit on blocking, piers or slabs; not foundations. They are limited to one story construction, with rather simple and flat roof pitches. Many parcels of land are restricted against mobile homes. Panelized homes have entire wall sections delivered and assembled on the home site. Like stick built homes, there is still a large labor component required to finish the structure. Skilled labor is hard to find, expensive, and difficult to quantify in time and final cost. Modular homes have entire sections built at the factory, complete with plumbing, wiring, cabinetry, and millwork. The building is usually weather tight and about 85% finished soon after delivery. This minimizes on-site labor requirements. The structures are specially reinforced to permit transport to the construction site. Thus, they are generally stronger than site built
