What’s the Modular Home Building Process like

As modular home builders, one of the most frequently asked questions we receive from homeowners is what should they expect when they build a modular home? While this an understandable question, the answer can’t be summed up in a single sentence. The truth is there are a lot of misconceptions, expectations, and other thoughts around the modular home building process. That’s why we’d like to explain exactly what the modular home building process is like, so homeowners know what to expect from the start.

If you’re ready to learn more about modular home construction from start to finish, we’re going to explain how Carolina Custom Homes of Burlington approaches the modular home building process.

Our Modular Home Building Process

Unlike traditional stick-built home construction, modular homes are manufactured offsite and then assembled on your lot once your home’s been fully constructed. This process doesn’t just simplify the overall construction process, it also saves homeowners additional time and money, so it’s a great choice for anyone looking to build their first home!

The modular home construction process is broken down into nine different phases. In each phase, a modular home designer or contractor will work alongside you to finalize floor plans, lot decisions, and other important details regarding your modular home.

1. Find A Plot of Land

Before we can build your modular home, it’s important to have a plot of land picked out so we can begin assembling your home once we finish off-site construction. While it’s best to have a lot chosen before you start looking at floor plans, if you need assistance finding a plot of land, our team will be able to help you get started. The key to finding a plot of land for your modular home is to evaluate the surrounding area and see if the city or rural area fits the needs of your family. Our team will ask for your modular land must-haves, and with this information, be able to set you down the right path.

For more specifics on the land buying process, review our guide: How to Buy Land to Build a House.

2. Choose a Floor Plan and Design Your Home

One of the most exciting phases of the modular home building process happens well before construction - it’s the design phase! The design phase is when homeowners have the opportunity to make adjustments to their floor plan and modify anything that doesn’t quite fit their family’s needs. Moving walls, adjusting cabinet heights, and other customizations happen during the design phase.

First, the homeowner picks the modular floor plan that best fits their family. After the floor plan is selected, our designer will talk to the homeowner about our modular home customizations process, which allows homeowners to modify their selected floor plan to suit their family. During the customizations process, homeowners will be able to ask our designers questions and see exactly how their floor plan would look once it’s been customized. Our modular customizations process is truly a one of a kind experience, but if you’re interested in learning more, our Modulars 101: Your Guide to Customization webinar will walk you through our customizations process from start to finish.

At Carolina Custom Homes, our team of designers are here to help homeowners find the right fit for their family. Once you feel happy with your floor plan, our team will move forward into modular home construction.

3. Finalize Plans and Finances

Once we’ve decided on your floor plan and modular home upgrades, we will submit your plans to your builder. We will then provide you with an all-in final quote of your future home. After you’re ready to move forward with your designs, we will ask for a $500 deposit to hold as we move forward with your building plans.

4. Acquire Building Permits

The next step is to acquire all the building permits needed for your home. This also includes plumbing, mechanical, and electrical permits and plans. Securing all the right paperwork ahead of time makes the modular home building process so much smoother for us, and the homeowner.

5. Prep the Site

Once we secure building permits, have a plot of land, and your modular home plans are completed, we can prep the land. Land preparation generally means cleaning and clearing of trees, limbs, and other obstacles, as well as prepping the plot for your home. We will pour the foundation for a basement, or create a sealed crawl space, depending on the preferences of the homeowner.

6. Start Construction

Once all of the preparation is secured, we can begin constructing your home. To get started we’ll construct the modules of your home in a climate-controlled factory setting, not on your property. This means our builders won’t face the same delays or setbacks most contractors experience during stick-built construction. During this time we usually continue or finalize your on-site preparations. While it typically takes 4-6 months to construct your modular home, the entire process is far more involved than 4-6 months. For more information on how long modular home construction takes, review our free guide How Long Does it Take to Build a Modular Home? 

7. Off-Site Assembly

Once everything is finalized with your modular home, we can begin assembly! The modules are shipped to your lot and assembled on-site by our team. Once everything is in place, we will update the homeowner on our progress, and schedule a final home walkthrough.

8. Finishing Touches

After assembly, we finish by hooking up utilities, adding additional siding, and installing any appliances and fixtures. If anything is out of place, we will take this time to make touch-ups as needed.

9. Move-In

Once everything is installed, painted, and finalized, your home is ready for your family!

Common Questions about the Modular Construction Process

We realize there are plenty of things to consider during the home building process. At Carolina Custom Homes, our goal is to alleviate your concerns, so you feel comfortable and confident throughout the home building process. That’s why we want to address other common questions and concerns that happen during the modular construction process.

•  
• Will I be able to monitor the construction of my home?
  • 1. Your modular home will be built offsite in a climate-controlled setting, so you won’t be able to see each module being built. Once your house is ready for assembly, each module will be shipped to your building site and your home will be assembled. We inspect your home during each stage of the construction process and will update you on how your home is progressing, so there’s no need to worry about extended deadlines and miscommunication.
• 
  After reviewing my plans, how long will it take to complete?
  • 1. Modular homes typically take about 4-6 months from start to finish. Because they’re built offsite and then assembled later, there’s very little chance for a delay due to harsh weather conditions or other circumstances. Talk to us about your ideal move-in timeline and we’ll go over the details and discuss your timeline options before we get started.
• 
  When do I need to have decisions made about cabinets, paint colors, flooring, lighting, and other home customizations?
  • 1. The more prepared you are, the faster this process can be! Having these decisions in place early in the process can help our building experts review your ideas and make recommendations that will fit your budget and your preferences.
       
       
    2. During your design consultation, our designers will list which options are customizable and can show how each of these design decisions will look in your home.
• 
  What if I find something wrong with my modular home after I move in?
• • 1. Because of our rigorous inspection process, it’s unlikely anything will be wrong once we hand over the keys. In the event there is something in your new home that needs extra attention, our in-house service team is available to make any repairs needed after you’ve moved in.
       
       
    2. We also schedule a final walkthrough we take with homeowners before move-in, so you’ll be able to see if something looks amiss before move-in.
•  

As you can see, the modular home building process is quite a smooth process from start to finish. Our designers take your customizations very seriously and will do everything we can to create the perfect home for you and your family.

Interested in learning more about our modular home building process and endless customization options? Check out our webinar, Modulars 101: Your Guide to Customization, to see all the possibilities that await your family!