What is a modular home?

Modular homes are built in a factory-controlled environment. They are constructed in sections and put together by a builder on your building site. Builders can help you design your own home, which is then engineered by professionals at the factory.

How is a modular home built?

The building process begins at the design phase. Wisconsin Homes uses state of the art computer aided design programs, which are used for customizing floor plans and producing drawings that can be approved by the customer. Once designed and approved, the building process begins. This process is similar to what you've seen during the construction of houses in your neighborhood however the work is performed on a production line. Quality materials are used and skilled craftsmanship is maintained while multiple departments construct the home. Modular homes are subject to the same building codes and standards as site built homes. Modular homes today are models of efficiency and quality assurance.

How fast can I build a modular home?

Speed, convenience and consistent quality are some of the many advantages for choosing a Wisconsin Homes modular home. On average, once a home consisting of two sections hits the production line in the factory it is completed within a couple of weeks. Once the manufacturing process is complete, typically with interior finish right down to wall finish, the unit is transported to your home site and placed on the foundation. Final completion is handled by a local builder, which includes connection of utilities to the home and a short list of finish work. Normally the home is completed in two or three weeks.

What is the difference between a "modular home" and a "manufactured home"?

Manufactured homes, sometimes referred to as mobile homes, are constructed to a different building code. This code, the Federal Construction Safety Standards Act (HUD/CODE) requires manufactured homes to be constructed on a non-removable steel chassis. These chassis are not required for conventional building code. Many communities have restrictions on where manufactured homes can be located. Modular homes are built to the same building code required by your state, county and specific locality as site-built homes. Therefore building or zoning regulations do not restrict them. Your new modular home is inspected at the assembly plant during each phase of construction. Evidence of this inspection is normally shown by the application of a State or inspection agency label of approval.

Can you tell a modular home by looking at it?

Modular homes look like any other home. They are built using the same high quality material as a site-built home. Modular manufacturers build most any style of home from a simple ranch to a highly customized contemporary two story. Some modular manufacturers also produce commercial buildings such as banks, schools, office buildings, motels and hotels. Chances are you've been in many modular structures and probably never realized it. Wisconsin Homes builds residential homes.

Which is better built, Modular or site built homes?

Since material and design doesn't differentiate modular homes from site-built homes the answer is in the process of construction. Modular homes are built with the efficiency and quality control only found using factory assembly line techniques. Each home travels through departments run with specialized workers. Every building trade is represented. Work is never delayed by weather, subcontractor no-shows or missing material. Materials are also protected from the weather instead of being dropped off at an outside building site. Quality engineering and modular construction techniques also significantly increase the energy efficiency of your modular home. A quality control process provides assurance that your home has been inspected for code compliance and workmanship. In-plant inspectors as well as independent inspection agencies inspect the home on behalf of your state & local government.

Do modular homes save me money?

When you add up all the labor, material and time savings inherent in the modular building process, you will find that the price of a modular home is generally lower than a site built home of comparable size. Buying materials in bulk and having a fixed cost instead of being subject to cost overruns are examples why the modular building costs can be lower. Plus you will keep saving money year after year, as your energy efficient home keeps your heating and cooling bills low.

Are modular homes difficult to finance or insure?

There is no distinction between modular and site built homes as far as appraisal or financing. Banks and lending institutions treat both types of construction the same. Likewise, there is no difference in insuring the modular property. Many banks prefer modular houses because of the fixed cost and clear description of what they are financing. A modular home manufacturer can also be better known because of the volume of homes they build. Banks are more comfortable with a regulated, consistent product and don't have the headaches presented by some fly by night carpenters.