What is a modular home?
Modular homes are built in sections indoors, where they are never subjected to adverse weather conditions. These sections move through the factory, with quality control checking them after every step. Finished modules are covered for protection, then transported to your home site. They are placed on a premade foundation, joined, and completed by your local builder.
How long does it take to build a modular home?
That depends on your design and the manufacturer, but some modular homes can be built in the factory in as little as 1-2 weeks. And there's never a weather delay, since modular homes are built indoors. It usually takes another 2-4 weeks for your local builder to connect the utilities and complete the home.
They sound like mobile homes. Are they the same thing?
Mobile homes, now called manufactured homes, are built to conform to the same federal code, no matter where they will be delivered. A modular home conforms to all building codes for your specific location, and in many cases construction exceeds the required codes.
Don't all modular homes look alike?
No, and unless you were there to see the house delivered and assembled, you would probably never guess it's a modular home. Modular home manufacturers use computer aided design programs to draw plans to your specifications, or to modify one of their standard plans to suit your needs, so nearly any plan can be tured into a modular home.
Each manufacturer is different, so be sure to ask questions about flexibility if you would like to design your own home.
Will banks finance a modular home?
Yes. Most banks, appraisers, and insurance companies treat modular homes the same way they do site-built homes. Ask the professionals in your area to explain how they evaluate modular homes.
Can I save money by building a modular home?
Sometimes. Construction costs for a modular home are somtimes less per square foot than for a similar site-built home. There are other cost-saving features:

• Most modular homes are very energy efficient, which helps reduce your heating and cooling costs.
• Your home will probably be ready to move into much sooner than if you wait for a builder to construct a house on-site.

Try to visit model homes in your area. If you think modulars are ho-hum, you're in for a pleasant surprise.