Common Misconceptions of Modular Home Building

Modular home building is one of many methods of building homes, but there are some misconceptions on what it is and how it works. In this edition of “On the House,” the Rochester Homes podcast, we sit down with a lively group of industry pros and discuss some of the most common myths and misconceptions

EXPLAINING MODULAR CONSTRUCTION

It’s one thing to read about modular construction on a factual level, but discussing it in layman’s terms can help clarify some of the more confusing or misconstrued aspects. Many people don’t understand why modular homes are built off-site. In the podcast, we asked the team how they would explain it, and a variety of answers basically boiled down to: it’s a way to build your home in a controlled environment.

There are other elements and facts that we might also add, but the main focus for a modular home is that it’s built in a facility free from the outside elements, and while modular homes will be taken via carrier to their site, that carrier also returns to the facility. This means that it’s not a HUD or manufactured home, which is a common confusion. It’s the same type of loan and same type of process, just done in a different place.

MOST COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS

There are countless misunderstandings and myths about modular homes. The top misconception is the idea that modular homes are single-wide or double-wide homes with no foundations. People hear the words “modular homes” and they think it means a trailer or HUD home.

Another misconception is pricing. It’s easy to think that modular homes should all be the same price, as viewing their floor plans makes it seem like a product on a shelf. But modular homes are just like site-built homes, in that there’s a variety of factors that make up the total cost. Learning the price is just like it is for a suite-built home, as your modular home builder will gather information on what you want for your home, like custom elements.

Regardless of the variations, once the designs are done, the price is finalized. Unlike site-built homes, which often have overages due to unforeseen issues or additions, modular homes almost never have overages (at least, Rochester Homes don’t) because of the controlled environment. This gives you peace of mind, knowing that your cost will not rise at random.

HUD CODE VS. MODULAR HOMES

For anyone who doesn’t know, a HUD code home is the technical term for what many refer to as mobile homes or manufactured homes. They are not trailers or RVs, but they are also not stick-built or site-built homes. They are built under HUD code standards and transported to a certain location.

Like the team already mentioned, modular homes are most often confused with HUD code or manufactured homes. It’s easy to understand why, from the layman’s perspective, as both are built off-site and transported to the property. However, with modular homes, you’re getting the same level of home as you would with one built on-site. Modular homes are full-scale housing options, and while HUD code homes have reached great levels of quality, they’re still not the same as modular built homes.