dmccarty
Super Star Member
A few years ago, we looked at a bunch of modular homes built by Vanderbilt. They were really nice and well designed. They are supposed to be up in VA as well as NC.
Later,
Dan
Later,
Dan
Modular Homes - Good/Bad experiences... I am considering this pretty seriously...
- Thread starter MossflowerWoods
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dmccarty
Super Star Member
A few years ago, we looked at a bunch of modular homes built by Vanderbilt. They were really nice and well designed. They are supposed to be up in VA as well as NC.
Later,
Dan
Later,
Dan
japody
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An important part of the process is checking on the company that will put the modular in place. In our case the house was beautiful, but the company that put it up was third rate at best. It took a lot of effort to get them to correct problems they created. We are happy in the house but, it took a lot to get to this point. Make sure you get referrals and do check with them. The end result was considerably less than stick built but, again, a lot of effort to get there.
MossRoad
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My old boss had one done for her. She and her husband are quite intelligent, and they did a good cost analysis of the whole thing VS a stick built home. Here's what she said...
Once you choose all the "good stuff" options for a modular factory built home, it didn't save them a penny VS having stick built. The reason they went with the modular was time. From the time they dug the hole to the time they were done was about 5 weeks.
One thing her husband (an engineer) did was to spec out a steel I beam that spanned the entire length of the house. Their basement has NO supports in it. Clear, open space end-to-end and side-to-side. That was well worth the extra cost to them. The crane that set the I beam also set the house halves. Good planning was key.
Once you choose all the "good stuff" options for a modular factory built home, it didn't save them a penny VS having stick built. The reason they went with the modular was time. From the time they dug the hole to the time they were done was about 5 weeks.
One thing her husband (an engineer) did was to spec out a steel I beam that spanned the entire length of the house. Their basement has NO supports in it. Clear, open space end-to-end and side-to-side. That was well worth the extra cost to them. The crane that set the I beam also set the house halves. Good planning was key.
/ Modular Homes - Good/Bad experiences... I am considering this pretty seriously...
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MossflowerWoods
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MossRoad,
The 5 weeks vs 90-120 days is a HUGE consideration for us also. And I not only have the single span I-beam as you mention, I have 2 side to side I-beams also and my current 28' x 48' basement has no posts. I will not be removing them.
I do not NEED all the extra plus ups, I may opt for lots of better grade linoleum due to the dog and fact my place is 51 acres of outdoors that tracks inside. Good windows, propane cook top, excellent heat pump etc. will be my upgrades I suspect.
There are at least two "build on your land" stick companies near me, "Mitchell Homes" and "America's Home Place" whom I will call just to keep the modular guy honest (and for my own edification).
But work and wedding planning, and moving her in has consumed all my time...
Be well all,
David
MossRoad
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Some of her upgrades included 2x6 walls, stronger roof, stronger floor, better shingles, better windows, better interior walls (thicker drywall), better insulation, etc... she was in her 30's and wants to die in the house in about 70 years! :laughing:
oosik
Epic Contributor
I have two friends who have factory built modular homes. One is a TBN member and hopefully will respond. The other built about 35 miles south of Flagstaff, AZ. We visited them a couple times and they were very pleased with the house.
One is only about 40 miles south of me, so it will experience cold wx. The other was in the heat of the AZ desert and has faired well. Unfortunately, I do not know either brand.
One is only about 40 miles south of me, so it will experience cold wx. The other was in the heat of the AZ desert and has faired well. Unfortunately, I do not know either brand.
wjmst
Gold Member
My modular home was built in 2005. I just replaced the roof last month because it was leaking. It was not installed right initially. Upon further investigation I will need to replace insulation because it too was not installed properly.
While the home was still under warranty we had the company come out a couple of times to fix some issues. Most of those issues weren't fixed properly either.
Would I buy another modular home? I doubt it.
While the home was still under warranty we had the company come out a couple of times to fix some issues. Most of those issues weren't fixed properly either.
Would I buy another modular home? I doubt it.
Sigarms
Super Member
Not that it matters, but ZOMBIE THREAD! 
I was scratching my head over replying becuase I've been looking at modular vs stick built for my MIL on our property, and remember this thread per the OP
www.tractorbynet.com
I was scratching my head over replying becuase I've been looking at modular vs stick built for my MIL on our property, and remember this thread per the OP
Moving MossFlower to new Woods...
Hello TBN. I have sold my 51 acre home of the last 10 years and I am moving to 19.5 acres 30+ minutes closer to DC & work. Many, many changes in these last 10 years, many of the documented here (LOL). So this thread will document my journey, and then it will be continue as I remodel this New...
www.tractorbynet.com
