Modular Homes

What is a Modular Home?

The American Heritage Dictionary defines “modular” as “designed with standardized units or dimensions.”  This merely means that these homes are built in a system.

The units are built in a factory and then transported to the homebuilder’s site.  They are then place on a foundation and fastened together.  This takes far less time than traditionally building a house on site.  In addition, it can cost less.

Modular homes are comparable or even superior to traditionally built homes.  Once completed, they do not look any different and they hold their re-sale value.

General

Many people confuse Modular Homes with manufactured homes.  Some manufactured homes are built with low end materials, the same boxy construction and most use the same floor plans with no room for change.  Modular Homes are NOT manufactured homes!

Modular Homes can be customized to any size and specification; from a single level, split level or two levels, whatever the homebuilder desires.  One can even specify the amenities such as a whirlpool bath tub or granite countertops. 

Modular Homes are built in a controlled environment.  This means that building a home is not affected or delayed by the weather or theft and vandalism.  This saves the homebuilder both time and money.

Local and state regulations are always followed in building a modular home.  Inspectors review regulations in the area that the home will be transported to and then check every step of the building process.  This ensures a quality built home.

Modular Homes are built with more materials than traditional homes because they have to withstand transport.  Modular Homes sold by Trinity Homes Center in Dothan, Alabama are also built to withstand winds of up to 150 mph giving you peace of mind during storms.

After Hurricane Andrew in 1992, FEMA found that wood frame Modular Homes actually held up better in the winds than traditionally built homes.

On average, 5% to 25% savings can be expected by building a Modular Home.  These homes can be built for as low as $48 to $75 per square foot, while traditionally built homes average $85 to $125 per square foot.  This kind of savings allows you to purchase more home with your money, allowing you the home of your dreams.

The Process

Once a homebuilder has decided to go with a Modular Home, a Trinity Homes Center Housing Specialist will assist in developing a floor plan and choosing any specifications desired.  Trinity Homes Center can also recommend area builders for foundation construction as well as outbuildings, decks or porches the homebuilder desires. Then the construction will begin.  Once the manufacturer has begun building, it is usually only four to six short weeks before the units are ready.  During this time, the local builder will have readied the foundation at the building site.  Construction time is drastically saved here because the home is being built at the same time as the foundation.

The units will then be placed on a flatbed truck and shipped to the homebuilder’s site.  Once on the site, the units will be placed on the foundation and fastened together.  The plumbing and electricity will then be put into place.  At this point, the homebuilder can then move into the home unless there is more custom work desired like trims and finishes.

From the time the units are placed on the lot, until the home is complete, is generally a few weeks to 90 days depending on the complexity of the custom jobs.  This puts the average move-in time, from order to completion, at just about 3 months compared to 6 months to 1 year for a traditionally built home.

Contact Trinity Homes Center for additional information concerning Modular Homes in south Alabama, southwest Georgia and northwest Florida.