There are a lot of benefits to modular homes, which we've talked about before, but at the end of the day, they're not for everyone. Who should consider them and who shouldn't? Let's take a look at some of the details, so you can decide.
First off, not every style and design of home can economically be built by a modular manufacturer. The biggest limiting factor is that the modules have to be driven from the factory to your land. Because of this laws limit how wide and long each piece can be. 14-16 foot wide modules is about the maximum.
Aside from size, style is an issue. Many contemporary designs are too expensive and impractical to work as a modular home. For such designs, you'd be better off going with stick-built. If you're wondering if your design is too fancy, just remember that if a design can't be built out of rectangular boxes (i.e. there are multiple bump-outs and roof angles), it'll be hard to do as a modular. In fact, it'll be expensive to build no matter what building style you go with.
Lastly, you'll need to consider your building site when you decide if a modular home will work for you. Though most sites can handle delivery of modules, there are some locations where it wouldn't be practical. For instance, narrow approaching roads consisting of many hairpin turns would make it hard to deliver 14-foot-wide modules. Also, lots on steep hills or very narrow properties will make things difficult. The best way to find out if the building site you have will work is to have a modular dealer come out and look at it.
Source: The Modular Home
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