Welcome to WRS Modular Homes! We hope to educate you about modular homes. Modular homes are an option that every home buyer in America & Canada should seriously consider, before buying a home. One big potential quality advantage of a modular home over a traditional home, is that a modular home is usually built indoors, under ideal conditions, such as being in a dry, temperature controlled environment. This is not a glosssy brochure website, rather is is text based. The various modular homes companies have lots of nice glossy brochures, (or they can find you some). This site may be much more useful to you than nice pictures. Please read on and see for yourself!
Note for Canadian residents. Modular homes built in the USA (for export to a Canadian customer in Canada, to Canadian and the applicable Provincial standard) can be imported into Canada. That said a licensed architect for that Province might have to sign off on the house plans before it is built, to the meet the applicable Provincial building code requirements. Best to confirm all of that with the local municipality building department, before placing an order.
Modular homes are built in sections or 'modules', which is why they are called 'modular'. These are well suited to shipping by transport truck, and lifting onto the customer's lot when they are delivered. For example an average house may be built in two sections, though it is posisble to get 2 story homes (which would often come in 4 modules). If you prefer, home designs can usually be customized.
From our point of view, modular homes are 'houses', not 'trailers'. Modular homes are not 'mobile homes' (those are 'trailers'). Modular homes (houses) go up in value over time. Mobile homes might not (mobile homes might decline in value). Prior to committing to, or signing anything, it is best to esnure that what you are buying is a house, and not something else. Then, ensure all the paperwork including with the house plans and the municipality all say 'house' not 'trailer'. Someday if you ever have to sell your home, you do not want any confusion with the real-estate agents, listings, lawyers, etc, over whether it is a 'house' or a 'trailer'.
Within the USA, are modular homes and manufactured homes the same thing, or are they different? What is the difference between the two? Why two terms? The key difference between the term 'modular home' and 'manufactured home', is that a manufactured home is built to Federal standards, and has the ability to move (picture mobile homes in a trailer park, with a trailer hitch and wheels). Modular homes are like everyday houses that are built the traditional way, on a site, and as such they fall under state and local codes and regulations. (As we understand things, those are the basic differences. Seek legal advice if needed, before placing an order for a home.)
Building codes may vary from state to state, (and in Canada from province to province). The reasons for this include the fact that the climate can vary across North America. For example one state may get a lot of snow (which is heavy), and needs a roof of a certain code to support it, whereas another state never sees snow so that is not a concern. When ordering a modular home, it is important that the house plans (blueprints) are updated for the state (or province) that the house it to be delivered to (and for which the local municipality may need to issue a building permit for). A building permit may be needed before the order for a modular home is placed, and prior to the building permit being approved house plans that include the correct architect signature for where you live may be required as part of the building permit application! It is critical to follow all applicable building codes, and to ensure that all required permits are obtained at the applicable times. These are critical to the success of your modular home project. Please be sure to take into account timelines for permits applications, etc. Surveys might also be required. Talking to your local municipal building department before you get started (or commit to anything) might not be a bad idea. As (or after) the modular home is delivered, expect to see the building inspector (you may have to book him to come out).
It is critical to keep yourself well organized, and to look after the necesary administration, such as house plans, building permit, etc, all in the correct sequence. On the plus side of things most Modular Home builders have been down this road before, and might well be able to help you with in terms of the house plans to meet the correct building code for your state or province, but you should ask about that just to be sure!
Normally the buyer provides (or arranges) the lot, and the utility connections. If there is to be a basement, pad, etc, then normally the buyer arranges that. Be sure throughout the process that you clearly understand who will be reponsible for what, do not make assumptions. Note: Do not assume that any house design can fit on any lot, as there may rules (which may vary greatly from place to place) about what type and size of hosue can be on what type and size of lot, etc. If in doubt, ask the local building department and they should be able to help you, as well you might be able to get a variance if you need them to approve something which would not normally be allowed, such as a slightly larger house on the lot than the current rules allow.
There are various companies with modular homes for sale. You may or may not see ads for some on this website, but regardless of that, there are more than a couple of them out there, you may just have to look a little harder for them. It is good to compare!
Modular homes near me. Will, actually they do not have to be near you. They can be from further away (as long as the company is willing to deliver to your area), but be sure to factor the cost of delivery into your comparisions. All costs matter, as does quality and other features.
Modular homes for sale near me, you ask? Perhaps there are, and perhaps there are not, but transportation can be arranged if they are further away. Generally speaking modular home companies want your business, and if they can find a way to service your area, they have a strong motivation (profit) to try their best to do so!
Most modular homes are indeed modern modular homes. They can be just as stylish as other types of homes. They might even be less expensive!
Modular homes inside tend to come fully finished, or almost fully finished. You may find yourself having to supply little things such toilet roll holders in the bathrooms, and perhaps towel bars. The one exception can be the interior 'stitch up' or joining of the house modules, which could involve some drywall joining up, and what not. You may even have to get a carpet guy in to join the carpet where the two halves of the house meet, that sort of thing. Or, you might be having the company doing all that for you. Those sorts of things need to be clarified when you order the house, as part of the agreement. By the way do not do any expensive decorating of modular homes inside in the first year after the house is delivered as there could be some minor cracking in the drywall that may need to be touched up in that first 12 months.
Small modular homes, are just a size variation on the modular home concept. Usually small size means less cost, to a point. Local building codes may also requre that a home be of a minimum size. Compare floor plans offered by modualr homes companies, and then make inquiries. They will usually be happy to hear from you!
It is certainly possible to buy 2 story modular homes. Two story modular homes would usually involve four modules, two for the main floor, then two for the second floor. Modules have to fit within a certain size envelope for transport by transport truck, but there is no limit on how many modules a home can have. In the case of 2 story modular homes they may arrive on 4 trucks instead of the usual 2 trucks.
Custom modular homes are modular homes who's design has been adjusted to meet a customer's preference. This could be as simple as flipping a house plan to a reverse image to fit a particular lot. It depends on the degree of customization the customer is requesting, and whether they involve structural changes or not. Most modular home companies will entertain customizarion to some degree, and may even already have some options with existing speific floor plans. Of course changes may involve extra costs, depending on how much change is required. In short you need to ask the company what is posisble.
Prefab modular homes, or prefabricated modualr homes, are really just another term for modular homes. They are built in a factory, typically under idea conditions, which helps to ensure a high quality of workmanship. Modular homes by their very nature tend to be prefabricated homes.
The best modular homes are the one which best fit your needs. Cost may also be a factor. The aim is to meet as many of your needs as posisble, within the budget that you have to work with. Those are the best modular homes, from which you then try your best to pick the best one. Be sure to include other costs that you will need to cover, in your overall budget. For most people this process includes mortgage financing, perhaps in the form of a construction mortgage.
It is possible to buy 4 bedroom modular homes. Four bedroom modular homes are not really any different than other modular homes, The possible exception is that there may be more modules.
Before you commit to, or 'buy' a modular home (or any other type of home), besides getting a building permit from the local (or other applicable) level of government (or equivalent), it is highly recommended that you consult a lawyer (who handles real-estate law) to make sure that you have all of your ducks in a row. Along with all of that 'stuff', you may need to get mortgage financing approval from a bank (or other lender) before you commit.