How Does Modular Build Quality Differ From Traditional Methods?

When people start to think about what it would take to get a custom home built for their family, most don’t consider the method of building. But the building method you ultimately choose has a major influence on how much it costs, how long it takes, what your options for customization are, and what the future holds for your home once it’s complete and set in place.

Time and money can be sucked away by many things, including the weather. Hail storms, rain, snow and other inclement weather puts a halt on traditional home building. Exposed framing, roofing and equipment are left to the mercy of the weather. This leads to setbacks, repairs and costly expenses. How can you avoid this?

Modular homes, however, are built inside a climate-controlled factory. This means no stops due to bad weather and no repairs due to Mother Nature. These homes are built systematically utilizing state of the art equipment and materials. Each step in the process is able to be controlled which leads to high quality production.

Traditional home building requires building materials to be delivered to the job site. This means all the lumber, roofing material, drywall and concrete all need to travel to the location. Travel always has the possibilities of delays or accidents, pushing back the build time. Due to material have to be trucked in, that will raise the price depending on the distance of the material needed.

Another advantage of modular home building is the price being set. No more unforeseen expenses caused by weather, untrusted contractors’ bait and switch or novices’ poor quality. Once the contract is signed, the budget is set and allocated. That is what is paid. Once the site is ready and the home is mostly complete, it is simply shipped, assembled and permanently fixed to the location.

Another thing that causes waste of time and money is inspection. Stick built homes require safety inspections during the process of the build. Often the contractors are stopped waiting for them to inspect the home. Modular homes however, the inspections are done in plant. Inspections are done by a third party during the build.

During the life of the home, modular homes will cost less to operate. The build process allows for more precise engineering and a perfect fit, cutting down on air conditioning costs in the summer and heating costs in the winter. The superior build quality allows for indoor temperature to be comfortable during any season.

Overall, modular homes are built with higher quality materials, a more predictable crew, and state of the art technology in a matter of weeks. Stick-built houses are built out in the weather using contractors with uncertain histories. The frame of the home is exposed to all the elements--including rain, trapping in moisture. This could eventually lead to future repairs and poor efficiency of the home. Modular homes are precise, engineered to withstand 175+mph winds and cost less.

If you’re interested in a new custom home, modular construction is the way to go.

Milam Anderson is the founder of Rochester Homes, Inc., a company based in Rochester specializes only in modular homes. In April of 1972, Milam Anderson turned the first shovel of dirt to create Rochester Homes Inc.