Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How is modular building different from conventional building?
The structure is built in sections that can be shipped by truck in a fairly completed form in widths from 14 feet wide to 16 feet wide maximum, depending on State regulations, and from 64 feet long to 75 feet long depending on State regulations. More importantly there are many other building technologies such in the roof systems, that are comprised in modular building systems. Thus they call it building systems industry. (A collection of tinker toys if you will)
2. What are the benefits of modular building over conventional stick building?
Better precision building, and better quality control when built in a factory. Materials are out of the elements. In addition building material theft is reduced because much of the structure comes complete.
3. Is modular building cheaper than conventional stick building?
Yes, generally 10 to 20% cheaper and in time, this will only get better in time.
4. Is modular building much faster than conventional stick building?
Yes, surprisingly most homes get built in less than 3 to 5 days at the factory, however it usually takes 30 to 45 days to be scheduled in at the factory and to be put on line, from the time the deposit is received. But then the site must be prepared by the contractor during this time anyway this consisting of the excavation and foundation.
5. How long does a modular home take to build?
Total construction time can be as little as two to three months, where as conventional building could take as much as 9 to 12 months.
6. Is the quality better in modular building from stick building?
Yes, better precision with machine tools in the factory environment, in addition gypsum board panels are foam bonded to wall and ceiling framing as well as screw fastened. The use of oversized gypsum board panels avoids but end seems common in site building. In addition the home over designed structurally to simply to withstand the rigors of shipping. The redundant in the structural systems provides many other benefits one of which is reduced sound transmission between floors.
7. Critics say the modular homes look boring and unattractive, is this the case?
No, it does not have to be. The prior business model for factory built housing was simple basic housing for only the price conscious customers. The factories did not require the overhead for professional architects at this time. Most of the product was very simple repetitive stock designs.
8. What role does the architect play in the design of modular homes?
Architects knowledgeable of the parameters in modular building systems technology can now use the building systems to create almost any style of architecture or size home. In certain cases we can use hybrid technologies such as stick and panelizing to achieve the final look.
9. Can a modular home be custom designed?
Yes, In this case, the use of an architect is critical. We can create professional plans and layouts specific to your requirements along with developing a look that is stylistically correct creating the greatest resale value for the customer. Most manufactures do not have professionally licenced staff architects.
10. What styles of architecture can be created?
Virtually all styles, Colonial, Victorian, Contemporary, Mediterranean, Avant garde Contemporary, Dutch colonial, Georgian, Shingle style, etc.
11. What kinds of materials can be specified?
Nearly everything available in conventional building can be used in modular building. If the factory for some reason can’t get the product in time it can always be site installed.
12. Is there union labor that builds homes?
At many the factories there is union labor.
13. Are there any size limitations?
No, the final design can be as big a home as you like, We developed a design for 14,000 sf modular home comprised of thirty two modules in Greenwich, CT. Most large homes we have built have been however 5,000 & 6,000 square feet, from 10 to twelve modules. Even large rooms are not limited by the module width, the use of double wide or shared space between modules can create large rooms suitable for almost any house.
14. Can modular homes have basements?
Yes, they can be built with a crawl space or even on piles. The structure must be prepared by licenced architects and engineering professionals, however.
15. How are they shipped?
On what are called carriers towed by trucks with escorts vehicles.
16. How complete are they when they arrive at your site?
80 to 85% complete, most have walls finished and painted. Electrical and plumbing systems are installed along with windows, doors, carpet, trim, cabinets, fixtures, appliances etc.
17. Besides the modular home, what work is left to do to complete the home?
Setting house with crane, erecting/unfolding roof by set crew. Then utility connections must be made along with the electrical & mechanical connections at marriage points between modules. There is usually some miscellaneous trim painting etc. Sometimes additional site work is required for porch and decks, depending on the design selected. In certain cases siding and trim, particularly for the very unique custom homes is also required.
18. Can one go directly to a factory and buy a home?
Most modular manufactures sell through a builder dealer, as such, you must buy from the builder/dealer Note, your contractual obligation is with the builder not the factory. However in certain cases you may specify the factory just as with any particular products you may prefer with independent builders. There are some factories that do sell direct to the customer.
19. How does one get pricing on the modular home?
Generally the price of a modular home, out of the factory can vary from $30 to $70 a square foot, this depending on the level of finishes and fixtures selected, the geometric complexity of the architecture, region of the country you are building and finally the difficulty of the site work itself. Only by selecting a design and site can your builder dealer can quote accurate pricing. Any other way, is spinning your wheels.
20. What is the customers first step in building a modular home?
First one must either select a design from our collection or have a home custom designed. Once there is enough specific information assembled, a qualified builder/dealer can be contacted to prepare a specific estimate.
21. How does one go about buying a modular home?
After contacting the architect and builder you must have land available to build on. If special planing and zoning permitting are required an architect can help you here. If a stock design from the “Cutler Series” Is suitable to your needs then you may contact your builder directly and proceed with an estimate and contract to build.
22. How does the builder get a building permit?
Design drawings are first prepared by architect then shop drawing are generated by the manufacture These are then reviewed by a third party engineering firm then stamped ready for permit. This together with the foundation plan and any other drawings for conventional built assemblies are then compiled for final submission.
23. Can additions be done using modular building systems?
Yes, however a licenced professional must first examine the existing condition to determine the feasibility then if OK generate a design to work with those conditions along with preparing a substructure to accept the modules.
24. Can multi-family homes be done?
Yes
25. Can commercial buildings be done?
Yes
26. Where do you see the future for the industry?
As the industry develops product for the mainstream market and the efficiencies of the assembly line/automation improve and E business systems are set in place, the benefits in price and quality will grow more and more compelling for builders, developers and ultimately the end user/customer. Most importantly through the professional architect, specializing in this industry, they will make appealing designs for the broad market. Some day this industry will become a mostly a design driven industry like many other are, such as fashion, automotive and a like.
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We do not limit our services to only Connecticut. We also serve New England and other states under special requests.
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