I have done a fair bit of online modular research, and like you, was unable to find very many reviews. :-(

One thing I have gleaned, however, is that the "dealer" (for lack of a better word), is, arguably, more important than the modular company itself. When folks have issues, a lot of times they can be traced to the dealer or contractor from whom they ordered the house.

My plan, if we indeed decide to do modular, is to trust my architect's (or his colleagues') experiences with a specific company. Basically the same thing I will do if we decide to stick build on site.

Modular construction has been around for a long time. It intrigues me as long as the quality is there. The only first hand experience I have is with wall sections (top plate, studs, sill plate, and plywood for exterior walls) built in a factory then assembled on site.

I did watch from my office window in downtown Detroit sections of the Millender Center trucked in back in the early 80's, but that probably doesn't count.

Thanks for the responses!

I believe Express Modular is the dealer and I get a good vibe from them but of course I want some real reviews!

We are looking at one of their plans and would just modifying it a little. Would you recommend having an architect as well or instead of using their plan? We are thinking of building a 2200-2600 sq ft home and will go with a basic rectangle to save money. The restriction on the width of rooms because of what can go down the highway is a bit frustrating, do either of you know if there is a way around this?

We are a growing family, I'm expecting our 4th child and right now we are living in a single wide on the 20 acres where we are going to build. I'd love to build the house that our beautiful property with an amazing view deserves but we just don't have the funds so we are going to have to go with something that is functional for our family and affordable.

Any updates ???

I've had a modular built for me before.

I agree with whoever said upthread that the finish company (for lack of a better term) is probably the most important part of the equation. However a very close second is the quality of the manufacturing company who is building the boxes. Some companies are basically building glorified trailers (with very poorly installed drywall and builder basic, scarily-cheap kitchen cabinets, etc.), whereas other companies produce much better quality.

The older I get, the less stock I put in online reviews. I could write a book as to why. However the gist of it is that no matter what you found online, it can't (in my opinion) take the place of you going to view some of their completed work and talking to prior customers.

So if you're debating building a modular, talk to the GC who will handle the site and finish work. Ask to see some finished homes. Ask WHY they use the company they use, ask about quality control and what happens if the boxes come and you or they discover serious flaws. Get the name of the manufacturing company and google that, because I promise you that online reviews do exist for those companies.

Good luck. My first home was a modular, and honestly it was an adorable cape cod with reasonable quality finishes. I still miss that home and would have packed it up and taken it with me if I could. :)