In an earlier article entitled "Tips to Insure the Successful Building of a Modular Home", I observed for those consumers seeking to build their new dream home with modular technology, the two most important elements to insure a successful project are selecting both the right manufacturer of the modular housing components and the right builder to perform all of the required work on-site to transform your "dream" to reality.
The modular components of your new home will be first manufactured in a factory and then will be shipped to your home site and finished to turnkey completion by either you or your builder. The quality of components used in the manufacturing process; the level of technology and engineering employed by the factory within the manufacturing process, and; the quality of the manufacturer's management team, business philosophy and customer service are all important considerations when evaluating and selecting your manufacturer.
Now, let's delve a bit deeper into some good measurement tools to assist your evaluation and selection of your manufacturer.
First and foremost, a manufacturer should have a reputation for building good product. Just as site-built housing is available in ranges of quality of construction and architectural design, so, too modular manufacturers develop a reputation for building a certain grade of product. Some elements of your home's construction will be clearly visible, while many others are hidden in the framing and behind the walls. In my experience, the "behind the walls" elements are perhaps the most important for you to study as you assess quality. All manufacturers will have a list of standards and specifications: review them carefully. Major structural specifications you need to review include
• Assembly techniques for framing floors, walls and ceilings
• Grade and dimensions of lumber within the framing
• Material used for sub-floor and sheathing (roof and exterior walls)
• Specifications of headers over windows and doors
• Span width of floor joists, and whether they are properly bridged; interior and exterior walls, and; roof framing
• Rating of insulation in walls and ceiling
• Material, if any, used to sheath marriage walls
• Quality of windows and doors
Even though specifications between two manufacturers may appear identical, it is imperative for you to see how the manufacturer employs its technology and factory technicians to build its product. Your best means by which you can gauge this is to visit the factory. I recommend you seek a manufacturer that has regularly scheduled factory "open house", during which it displays it technology, building products and its manufacturing process for your evaluation. Seek out client testimonials from homeowners that have lived in the manufacturer's home for a few years. Remember, even a home that has been manufactured with sub-par materials and technology can be made to look satisfactory by a skilled on-site builder, who can hide manufactured defects with cosmetics for a certain period of time.
Importantly, if you are seeking modern modular technology for your new home for quality design as well as superior product, your selected manufacturer should have the willingness to create your home with customized architecture, inside and out. Don't merely settle for a "we can do that" response from a manufacturer. Seek out a manufacturer that has a proven record of employing customization of floor plans and architectural style, and not one who seems to be expressing a sense or willingness for experimentation. And this feature should not come at a premium cost. But remember, in a competitive free market environment, the adage of "you get what you pay for" holds very true!
It is critical that you research a manufacturer's reputation for customer service. Even though a quality manufacturer will build the components for your new home with better technology and processes than available with traditional site-building, you should be prepared for instances in which the manufacturer may have to respond to post-completion issues.
As you do your research, it will become evident to you that certain manufacturers deal with an exclusive network of approved builders, while others sell very openly to a substantial number of builders. You may ask the rationality of either approach. Approved builders will understand its manufacturer's process and product, which enables the builder to anticipate the best methods to finalize your new home after the modular components are delivered and set at your site. Approved builders will be able to negotiate the best pricing and to take advantage of promotions that may only be available to participating builders. And quality manufacturers understand the value of its builder network; thus, those manufacturers have the means to help its builders grow by employing its product.
A little known but significant element of the setting of the modular components onto your foundation is the set team. This team is comprised of the people who move the components from the flatbed truck at curbside onto the foundation and finalize the set by securing each component to each other. You should prefer to have your manufacturer take responsibility for this process, with its own employees, thus allowing your builder to inspect the house upon the finalization of the set before it releases the manufacturer. A builder may not have the financial strength to handle problems that arise from an inexperienced set crew, passing some degree of financial risk onto you, the homeowner.
To the best of your ability, research the financial stability of your manufacturer. Substantial deposits are placed with the manufacturer to begin the building of your home within the factory, and you can expect this "at risk" deposit to be your money. A privately owned manufacturer may not have publicly available financial statements, similar to public corporations. So, the best resource for you here is to get the manufacturer's approval to interview its outside auditor, accountant and banker.
http://www.southviewhomes.com A leading modular home builder in central and southern New Jersey, Southview Homes represents Westchester Modular Homes
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