How do I Choose the Best Modular Home Builders?

Modular homes are gaining in popularity, offering many features of stick-built homes but at a more predictable cost. In choosing modular home builders, you should evaluate your budget, choose modular floor plans and investigate builders to find one that can deliver the floor plan you seek within your budget and with high quality.

Modular homes, sometimes called prefab homes, are made of engineered or prefabricated sections, constructed in a factory, then assembled on the construction site. Modular home builders manufacture homes for many states, so modular building systems ensure the homes meet or exceed all local and state building codes, making them exceptionally sturdy and strong. Modular building controls costs and time by following a system of efficient procedures. The customer will first choose floor plans or meet with modular home builders to create new and unique plans. The plan you choose will depend on your personal preferences, family needs and budget.

In evaluating your budget, be sure to include the cost of site work. Site work is the digging and foundation pouring needed before the modular home can be placed on site. Most modular home builders can refer you to site contractors for an estimate.

In evaluating modular home builders, look at all available companies and narrow the list by those offering the floor plans you seek. Prices vary little in modular construction, so choose quality before price. Once you choose a floor plan, the modular home builders can provide accurate costs and time lines based on your personal situation.

Check references for the modular home builders left on your list. Ask about specifics in work style, punctuality, and professionalism. Try to get two or three references for each builder. It is also advisable to contact your state's Better Business Bureau and Attorney General's Office and find out if any complaints were ever filed against the modular home builders.

Once you choose the modular home manufacturer you like best, visit the factory where your home will be built. Notice the level of professionalism in the workers there. You can expect the quality of your home to match the quality of the employees you observe. If you are satisfied after the factory tour, there is one final step before you choose this builder over other modular home builders. You must read the contract carefully, and only sign on with the builder after you have read and understood all the contract requirements.