Modular Or Stick-Built: How to Choose The Perfect Home
Modular homes are built inside mass-production factories which yields smaller costs per square foot. These pre-made homes are all made indoors, eliminating the weather factor. Some will argue this makes modulars sturdier than stick-built because they are not exposed to nature’s elements during the crucial phases of construction. This also makes a difference in the time frame. Rain or snow will not delay your construction process when you choose a modular, while weather’s whims can hault construction completely for a stick-built home.
The price of appliances can also differ between modulars and stick-built homes. All modular manufacturers purchase their appliances in big lots, which means that even great GE appliances will be less expensive per unit. When manufacturers purchase 500 refrigerators, they will get a much better price than a general contractor who only purchases one or two.
Labor costs are another factor to consider. Manufacturers pay laborers an average of 8 to 12 dollars per hour, compared to electricians hired on stick-built constructions that can run close to 50 dollars per hour. Plumber, carpenters, painters, and many more subcontractors will have their separate fees for stick-built homes, while manufacturing plants produce modulars complete for one set rate.
While the costs of a modular home are generally easier on the pocket book, you must do your research to be sure you are getting the stick-built quality instead of settling for a cheaply made home. There are several quality indicators in construction standards, so be sure you seek out details to these specific elements of constructions.
WALLS
Look for homes built with 2×6 exterior wall studs and 2×4 interior wall studs. If a modular home claims 2×4 load-bearing walls, you better find a new manufacturer. Modular homes only have load-bearing walls on the exterior and marriage walls and the exterior walls should never be under the 2×6 standard. When you have an exterior wall cavity, you will also have higher insulation value. This translates to a more energy-efficient home, which will also save you money in the long run on your heating and cooling costs.
Interior walls are also important to consider. Look for contractors or manufacturers who use 1/2 inch sheetrock, rather than 3/8 inch sheetrock. You should also shop for the specific finish you want. Finishes can vary from the standard primed finish to textured finishes like orange peel or stucco.
ROOF
When it comes to shingles, the thicker they are, the longer they will last. Look for 25 year shingles will roofing felt. Roof joists should be 2×4 at minimum. Be forewarned that modular homes will probably be made with an engineered truss, but many use wood that is half the size of the 2×4 minimum. Don’t settle for that. Insist on quality or go with stick built. You will be glad you stood your ground when your roof is standing strong years later.
PLUMBING
Plumbing experts will tell you to avoid “Pex” plumbing like the plague, but “Pex” is often the standard for modular homes. Manufacturers choose “Pex” because this tubing comes on a roll and is much cheaper for them. However, it is going to cost you more in the long run. Insist in CVPC plumbing with high quality brass fitting. You should also make sure that the pipes have a shut-off valve. Check under the sink to see if you can locate this important little plumbing must-have. Some manufacturers will skimp on this, but shut-off valves are a gold star sign of quality-built homes.
FOUNDATION
A house is only as good as the foundation and the more concrete you have under your home, the better off you are. If you are leaning towards the modular option, it is a wise investment to go for a full poured basement. The best basements are poured with 6 inch slab, but many contractors and manufacturers will cut corners and cost and sneak in a 4 inch slab. Do your homework on this procedure to make sure your foundation is sturdy. Another great option is a storm room, which is easily added in the basement. You can choose to fully enclose this room with cement or steel, but it is a great option for tornado-prone areas.
GARAGES AND STORAGE BUILDINGS
It seems like a no-brainer that you want matching siding for your garage or storage building. Yet many new homeowners who buy modulars off the lot don’t realize that it might be hard to get an exact match when they order additional siding to cover these additions. This is an important consideration when choosing a home right off the lot, but some sneaky salesmen won’t remind you of this because they are trying to close the sale.
FLOOR PLANS
The most striking advantage to a stick-built home is the ability to altar the floor plan to your exact preferences. Modular homes typically come with a standard floor plan, which they will insist you can altar to your tastes. But you might be a little upset to find that the only changes they offer are minor and cosmetic. When you choose a stick-built home, you can create your home just as you dreamed it would be. You can have blueprints drawn to suit your needs. If you want two bedrooms and five bathrooms, that is possible with a stick-built home, but you’d be hard pressed to find a modular with that kind of option. If you want an elaborate loft with huge stain-glassed windows, you can design it just as you dreamed in a stick-built home. But modular manufacturers are probably not going to share that same vision.
The bottom line is that you will find quality homes and shoddy homes in both the stick-built and modular varieties. No matter which home you choose, make sure you pay the extra money for quality and hold your contractor or manufacturer to those expectations. When your home lives a long, sturdy life, you will be glad that you did your research and chose the perfect home for your family. Insuring quality will also help your resale value if you decide to embark on this journey again sometime in the future.
