Advice on putting multiple modular homes on rural acreage.

[Anna Christie]

I am in escrow for 20 acres in rural northern california. The property has power, well, and passed perc test. I intend to put a modular on it for my primary residence and would like o add a couple tiny homes or another modular as a rental. Does anyone have experience with modulars? Any recommendations for companies to work with? Anything I should be weary of? Any information is appreciated.

[Richard Lee]

My previous post got deleted for proposing my company. I didn't read the posting rules..my mistake.

I direct design and project permitting for a prefab home company.

1. Please check with your planning department to see if you can build the home or structures you want to without variances.
2. Check with the prefab companies you are considering to see if you can get the product/s delivered -- think logistics
3. Understand what design can or can't be done with the prefab company. The products all have limitations.  Since it is a relatively 'hot' field and there many more companies offering services, ask them for a previous project that is most similar to yours.  And also ask if you they can set up a visit so you can see that project in person.
4. Set an expectation between the company and yourself to understand timeline.
5. Ask for a realistic estimation for site total cost, foundations, sitework, landscape, utilities.  Prefab companies can help you control the cost of the structure, but the site work is variable (out of their control) unless they specifically part of their scope of work so that's where projects usually die.  Different soil conditions trigger different foundation designs, and sometimes it's too late to know what soil condition you have during an escrow because the timelines don't match up, unless you work it into escrow terms.
6. Line your consultants up. It doesn't make sense to save a few thousand when you're building something very expensive.  Think of it is as an insurance premium on your project that actually pays off if you assemble the right team.
7. Don't assume anyone has a scope of work figured out, and ask the obvious question even if it's been previously answered. There's a lot of communication and important info gets looked past, unintentionally.

I didn't cover everything here, but it's enough so you can make a safer decision.

Good luck.