I looked into modular before we started, but none of the plans suited our needs. I got the impression that a custom plan would not have been cost effective for us.

I looked at a few, but I knew what I wanted, had the site picked out, none of the modulars *quite* fit what I was looking for.

I ended up designing my own, but if I were a pick-a-plan-from-the-book kinda person, a modular may have worked.

I really considered a modular. Even went so far as to get a quote. I guess what has kept me from going all the way through with it would be things like "what if I wanted to make changes on site....ie: windows, doors, wall spacings etc...." What if I can't find someone around here that is really comfortable erecting them?
We have also live in a "prebuilt" home. We bought the home in process and finished it out so I never saw them put it together. I actually forgot until recently that we lived in one. You are right about not even knowing the difference. Actually, I really think it was better built. Our walls were really straight.
Definitely the quote was not low. Ideally, if you do it right you should get that money back in saved interest fees. It should cut off a couple of months for dry in. We are definitely looking at superior walls which is basically prebuilt/engineered concrete basement walls. The quote I got with that and poured walls wasn't that much different.
I'd love to see more of a discussion on this topic. I could probably be sold to look closely at it again.

IÂm outside of New Orleans and many modulars went up in this area after Katrina. IÂm going to mention three common complaints IÂve heard. First, the modular companies didnÂt finish on the promised timeline. Second, the amount of damage that occurred during shipment, such as cracked walls, tiles, etc. Third, not having the opportunity to do inspections while the modular units were being constructed (unless you were located near the production facility.) This resulted in huge punch lists and problems not being identified when they could have been easily fixed. Some of these issues were probably due to the number of newcomers that jumped into the modular market here after Katrina.

Modular (not to be confused with mobile) home builders are as diverse as stick built builders. Some are great and some are really bad. Some will not allow you to vary from the standard home plans they provide and some can build just about any plan you want to throw at them.

The advantages are numerous. As has already been stated, the amount of time to build will be a lot shorter, the quality of construction will usually be very good, especially with walls as they are built in a jig. I witnessed a manufacture lift a 40'long completed module 5' feet off the ground just on one end and not a single problem. Anyone think you could do that with a stick built?

Other advantages: A lot less worry about material shrinkage (theft) - not much material around to disappear; no weather delays (built inside a factory) which also means materials are not subject to rain and/or snow; no sub delays for the trades that are used in the construction of the modules; Options - able to have the home be built almost complete or have them leave the floors bare, the doors off, no plumbing fixtures, no cabinets to allow you to use your own diy skills if you so wish.

There are some disadvantages, as already been mentioned. Others: Generally, the cost is not going to be any different that stick built; you really do need to know exactly what you want, once it arrives, moving a window is not a option; lack of acceptance with local government - many still can't understand the difference between modular and mobile; Lack of local GC's that have the experience to complete such a project; still requires local subs for foundation, water hookup, electrical hookup and site built options (garages, etc).

I'm still on the fence if I'm going to go modular or not with my upcoming build. I really like the advantages. Finding a GC with experience so far has been an issue...

Here is a link that might be useful: Just an example of what is possible!

We were completely sold on a Fuqua modular, one of their Lodge series. They're really beautiful. We ended up having to go with site-built because of access to our building site. We're very rural, and the sharp 90-degree turnoff to our road was not possible for the "semi+half a house" without taking out a few of the neighbors trees and flower beds, and possibly a utility pole. If it weren't for that, we'd definitely have gone with modular.

justme, your assessment of going with a modular is just about exactly what I believe. (Especially the "some are great, some are really bad" comment.) I'll go so far as to say that you cannot tell by price either. I've seen some real crap homes that were priced as high as good ones.

If someone was beginning a search, I'd start right here;
http://www.nahb.org/directory.aspx?directoryID=340

There is a tremendous amount of flexibility in designing the home, but never as much as site building.

There is a consistency of build that you're certainly not guaranteed to get from site built.

If you're the type that is not comfortable with GC'ing an entire build from scratch, but are still able to handle some things, this might be for you.

The builder that supplies and sets the home is as important as the manufacturer. If you cannot find a local builder you're comfortable with, look for manufacturers that sell direct and have their own "set crews".

You may come to understand that your modular built home is superior in many ways to some site-built homes, but it's only because you researched the home that you bought. When you go to sell your home, 90% or more of the potential customers will ~not~ possess that same confidence. This ~could~ limit your price or sell-ability.

Most people associate "modular" with "trailers".

I went modular for the following reasons;
1. Loved the floorplan
2. Excellent quality manufacturer
3. Excellent sales agent/builder
4. The components used were all items I was comfortable with and could find at local lumber yards.
5. The builder allowed me to GC every other aspect of our build.
6. This included the nearly 1000 sq ft of upstairs that we finished/contracted.
7. End result was more home for less money.

Another thing I did that I know has the potential to bite me at resale is that I installed a wood basement. This gave me a super comfortable basement with excellent "finishability".

I'm confident that our choices gave me the most bang for my buck, and everyday I go home to a house that I thank God for, but it's ~possible~ that I'll need just the right buyer to get as much as I could if it was 100% site built.

Now that I'm nearing the end (we've been in the house nearly 18 months), including the basement finishing, I'm quite pleased with everything we've done, and am gaining a lot more confidence in how the house would show if we had to sell.

If a thread ever becomes a debate about what is the same/better between modular and site-built, or manufactured and site built for that matter, I'd be the first one to bail out. A person either cares to research it or they don't. Either way, I'll share my thoughts and experiences if appropriate, but I have zero interest in trying to persuade anyone that "my house is as good as theirs".

We blended two stock plans by using features from each and then making some rooms of our own design. Added 1 foot length to the foyer and 1 foot to the master suite- which added 2 feet to the dining room in the matching module. Modular units have their own ceiling joists and floor joists. For two story, the ceiling is not fastened on the floor joists of the unit above. Much quieter for when walking and toilet flushing on the top floor. But it does add about 6" to the overall height of the two-story house- and one stair tread/riser combo. Ours came with a few problems which might have been from workmen rushed in the factory with too little time to get it right. But we like it. Arrived, set, roofed completely, doors locked, all in one day. The framing lumber and floors never got wet.

Where can smaller home plans for modular be found- about 1000ft2? Seems that builders think everyone wants a large home. I don't- I'm past that stage, and want a small home.

No indication where you live. Mine was from Nationwide in Martinsville VA. Company has changed ownership since then and I do not know about the quality and price at this time. For plans, look over their website even if you live away from their territory.

It really depends on where you're at. There are tons of Chalet style modulars sold in our area of the midwest in your size home.

Use the link below to find registered home builders serving your areas.

Here is a link that might be useful: NAHB Modular directory

I am in southern Texas. My dream is a mid-century modern house, but I am having such problems even finding plans for one! I love the flat/shallow angle roof, the openess and lots of windows. I will look at the NAHB site.

Do your homework. You CAN find a modular company that can and will build what you want. Most modular companies can build custom homes. But just remember, they do NOT cost any less than a site built home, they just do it in less than half the time.
We're past the "impress the neighbors" stage in our lives and have a nice 1500 sq ft ranch in Vermont. We split the roof to have a covered front porch which is great for summer evenings and in winter is excelent for storing firewood for the woodstove.

I've been looking into modular, and they look much less expensive *in my area*. I'm in northern VA, which is a *VERY* different construction market from the rest of the state. The modular companies tend to be in *southern* VA, where the cost of construction is *much* lower. I don't doubt that a modular costs similar to a comparable house near the factory - but it doesn't cost a couple hundred thousand dollars to truck the modulars north 200 miles.

Restrictive covenants may ban modular homes. Restrictions often require that homes be site built. The language is intended to prevent mobile and manufactured homes, as defined by HUD, but it also effectively bans modular homes.

Check your property's restrictions before pursing a modular home.

My neighbor up at our lake property tore down his old cabin and had a modular home (cabin) built. They excavated a basement foundation and had that structure up in no time. The interior is very nice and I'd consider doing one myself.

Here is a link that might be useful: my neighbor's modular cabin