Modular vs. Stick-Built second floor addition

13 years ago

We're planning on doing a second-floor addition to our brick 1950's rambler. Basically we'll take it down to the 2x10 attic joists. We have a neighbor who went with a design/build firm that specializes in modular second floors units--the sections are built offsite and the design/build people do the architectural specs, install and finishing. The neighbors maintain they saved $100k and shaved several months off the project. We were going to go with onsite stick-built but are intrigued with the modular approach. Any thoughts or experiences one way or the other?

Featured Answer

rwiegand

13 years ago

We took an intermediate approach and used "panelized" construction for our addition. The wall panels are factory built with extremely little waste on a flat dry surface, sheathed and insulated with closed cell foam. (The CAD-driven milling machine that cuts all the parts for optimal use of materials is way cool!) Everything went together just fine the first time. Panels are trucked to the site and put in place with a crane or lull. Interior finishing and rough-in are the same as stick built, which made our inspector happy. It didn't save any money, but cut about 8 weeks out of the schedule and I think quality was better.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (11)

bus_driver
13 years ago
If managed properly- and that is saying and expecting quite a lot-- a modular second story could be dried in the same day as the units are set in place. Modulars can have folding roof sections that are erected in just minutes with just a few rows of shingles to be completed on-site.
To understand the concept, contact a modular contractor and be present while a couple of houses are set in place.
zone4newby
13 years ago
I haven't seen a modular addition, but I have seen a two story modular home. I think one thing to be aware of is how the joining wall will look-- the joining wall is double thickness, and with the manufacturers we looked at, doors in the joining wall were recessed on one side or the other.
Related Professionals
Dalton Architects & Building Designers · Richmond Architects & Building Designers · Johnson City Architects & Building Designers · Enfield Architects & Building Designers · Platteville Architects & Building Designers · Temecula Architects & Building Designers · Athens Design-Build Firms · Tucson Design-Build Firms · Fort Collins Design-Build Firms · Great Falls Design-Build Firms · Fayetteville Home Builders · Vicksburg Home Builders · Greensboro Home Builders · Rutland Home Builders · Liberal Home Builders
worthy
13 years ago
I've never heard of modular additions being cheaper than stick. The advantage is that they're supposed to be faster, so the homeowner isn't renting somewhere else for months.

I once saw a modular 4,400 sf home go up. And then down. And then up. And repeat as the assemblers struggled to get the parts to fit together. The finished product had all kinds of detailing problems. Still, in a hot market, the tens of thousands of dollars of EIFS mouldings convinced someone it was a "luxury" home.

Caveat emptor.
3bean3
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks for the responses. My first concern is quallity which is why I plan on looking at more than one completed addition. I will pay particular attention to the joining wall. Looks aside, I'd like to get a feel for how much space you lose from it.
zone4newby
13 years ago
I'd also ask about how they cope with your existing house perhaps being less than perfectly square and level.
FmrQuahog
13 years ago
I like the cut of your jib, worthy! :-)
PRO
Niche Design and Co.
2 years ago
Hi rwiegand,

Can you please tell me the modular builder that you used for the panelized construction?

Thank you,

Suzanne
PRO
Mark Bischak, Architect
2 years ago
Be sure to check the age of the discussion before commenting to assure a response, the last comment was made 11 years ago.
ShadyWillowFarm
2 years ago
LOL, my first farm had a 1600 sf modular ranch house and it was wonderfully energy efficient. According to the neighbors it arrived in 3 sections and was put together in one day. We did nick name it The Double Wide as it was a tad plain, but I would totally look into modular homes if I was going to build.
PRO
Niche Design and Co.
2 years ago
Ha! Thank you ShadyWillowFarm!!