Manufactured Housing Guide

One of the basics of manufactured housing is as its name would imply, it is constructed, either partially or fully, in a factory or manufacturing facility.

Modular homes are built in a factory as three-dimensional modules that may be combined on-site to make one-, two- or three-story homes. A typical plan, the bungalow, will usually consist of two modules. Larger two story models may be comprised of four, five, or more modules.
Modular homes may be set on a full or partial perimeter foundation or a crawl space. They may also be constructed to be placed on a surface-mount foundation.

Insulation, an air and vapor barrier, plumbing, wiring, some exterior siding and interior construction are usually done in the factory. While the interior is usually just about finished in the plant, including drywall, trim, flooring, cabinets and bathroom fixtures, some finishing touches are done once the home is sited.

The time it takes to do the final finishing of the home on-site depends on the size, style and features of the home, such as the number of inter-modular connections, flooring finishes, stairs, peaks, and the amount of cracking that occurred in transit. Some features are best completely done on-site, such as brick siding and some types of flooring.

Mini homes are built in a factory in one section and are shipped on one truck. Mini homes are substantially complete when they leave the factory and a shorter period of time is required for site work. Because of the unique structural design, mini homes can be installed on surface-mount foundations, such as piers or stands. Mini homes may also be relocated in the future.

BENEFITS of Manufactured Housing
For even the most discerning eye, in the end result, a modular home sited on its foundation is indistinguishable from a conventionally-built home. Also, there are many benefits to choosing a factory-built home rather than a site built home.

Economy of Scale
Manufacturers save money on the supply they build into your home because they construct more homes in one year than local contractors. Also, more efficient manufacturing and material sourcing processes decrease the time required to build your home. It just isn’t possible for there to be cost overruns in the modular building industry that are passed along to the homeowner, as contracts are put in place before the process begins and that means all the money and design issues are settled beforehand.

Economy of Time
Modular homes are built in less time than an on-site built home because of the specialization of labour, which ties into economy of scale. For example, the tradesperson who drywalls your home is an expert at just that, and can prefect his techniques with practice in a climate controlled facility that ensures there are no weather-related construction delays.

Higher Quality
Modular home construction benefits from higher building quality because of its controlled construction environment. There are no moisture issues from the start to end of the process. Also, a specially trained and skilled group of tradespersons may be able to employ custom manufactured tools and processes. For example, custom made jigs ensure all walls, floors and ceilings are square and plumb and flooring may be laid prior to the walls being erected to ensure a more perfect fit.

Energy Efficient
Modular homes may have much less air filtration which is one of the largest causes of heat loss in a home. Also, the factory built process permits the tradespersons to add more sealants and caulking in areas that site builders may not be able to access.

Environmentally Friendly
Because of the scale of manufactured home construction, leftover materials may be utilized on another similar home further down the line. Effective recycling ensures modular manufacturing facilities are able to reuse and recycle more basic materials.

Design Flexibility
The customization of modular housing is limited only by your imagination and pocketbook. Hundreds of options and design possibilities can be used as well as a wide range of house plans and styles. Upgrades in construction standards are also available.

If you are interested in further exploring the manufactured housing option to fill your dream of home ownership, and want to have confidence that you will be living in a home you can comfortably afford, and it fits your life style today, and tomorrow, I welcome your enquiries. We will share my expertise and knowledge with you in a relaxed and professional setting. – Jay Richards / Sales Manager.