DEBUNKING MODULAR MYTHS,

Pre-fabricated structures have some advantages

Over the years, I’ve become a fan of modular home design and construction. These homes are pre- fabricated in controlled factory settings that, when done well, can have a higher quality-control standard than possible with building on site.

After visiting some of the best assembly lines in North America I discovered there are many misconceptions about “precision-built” homes that I want to dispel. If you choose right, build smart, and do your homework, your modular home can be as original, durable, and secure as any build out there.

Here are the top five misconceptions that I hear about modular homes:

PRE- FABRICATED HOMES ARE JUST MOBILE HOMES

Pre- fabricated homes and mobile homes tend to get confused as one style of home. For most homeowners, the word mobile home brings up the image of a trailer park- like home that is low- cost and poorly constructed. Modular builds tend to get lumped into this image, but mobile and modular homes are two very different structures.

The term modular or prefabricated home doesn’t refer to the style of the home, but rather the manufacturing process. A pre-fabricated home is a structure built in modules in a controlled environment, like a production facility. The modules are then transported to the home’s final location and fully assembled on site on a permanent foundation. Unlike trailer or mobile homes, you’re not picking this one up and taking it with you when you move!

ALL MODULAR HOMES LOOK THE SAME

You might think because these homes are pre- built in a facility that they roll out the same cookie- cutter design for every house. And while there are some cases where this may be true, in the end it all depends on the skill and quality of the builder you choose.

I know modular builders who work directly with homeowners to custom de- sign a home that’s unique to their needs — from the layout, to the materials used, to the small details like the finishes. When your structure is fully assembled on site, nobody will be able to pick out which one is the factory assembled home.

MODULAR HOMES AREN’T GOOD QUALITY

Just like with your traditional on- site builds, the quality of your home comes down to one thing: the skill and ability of your builder. There are plenty of pre- fabricated home builders out there who can build a strong, energy- efficient and goodquality home.

Before buying a precision- built home, do your research. It’s the same advice I give when asked about hiring contractors. Don’t just take their word for it. Look at online reviews, call previous homeowners who have worked with the builder, or even see the factory assembly line in person if possible.

MODULAR HOMES ARE HARDER TO MAINTAIN

While modular homes typically offer a new build at a lower price, many homeowners think that gets made up for by extra maintenance and upkeep costs.

An added benefit to modular building is that because homes are built indoors, your building materials aren’t exposed to the ele- ments during construction. The environment is totally controlled so you don’t have fluctuations with humidity, keeping your building materials from warping or developing problems with mould. In most cases, it leads to a stronger, more airtight home with less preventive maintenance needed.

MODULAR HOMES COST AS MUCH AS SITE- BUILT HOMES

A well- constructed home always carries a certain price tag but the idea that custom pre- fabricated homes are more expensive or the same price does not consider all aspects to purchasing a home. One of the best things about a factory- assembled home that I like is having more control over schedule and costs. Once the home starts its journey through the factory, you are virtually guaranteed on the delivery time and the cost is fixed. No more extra costs or delays due to weather or a million other issues that come up every day on normal construction sites.

Like I always say, do your homework and explore your options. If you do that with pre- fabricated homes, you will find a lot of advantages and a different way to think about building your new home.

Watch Mike Holmes in his series, Holmes Makes It Right, on HGTV. For more information, visit makeitright. ca.

ONE OF THE BEST THINGS ABOUT A FACTORY-ASSEMBLED HOME ... IS HAVING MORE CONTROL OVER SCHEDULE AND COSTS. ONCE THE HOME STARTS ITS JOURNEY THROUGH THE FACTORY, YOU ARE VIRTUALLY GUARANTEED ON THE DELIVERY TIME AND THE COST IS FIXED.