Modular Homes

[Upen Mody]

Friends -- I am looking to install and rent modular home on a lot in Stuart,FL. While I have done rentals, I'm pretty new to modular homes. Looking for any insight you can share on pro's and cons of modular homes. What is the life expectancy of these homes. What kind of problems can I expect to deal with in the future? Any providers in the south Florida area that you would recommend for purchasing the home? TIA,

[Eric Teran]

Where to start. I am currently building my own modular home. Construction time will only be 90 days. If I do this again I could easily do it in 60 days. I will definitely save money and so can you but you have to be organized and get a few key players right. Check out my website for my daily blog so you can get an idea of the process.

@Kyle H. is spot on for his comments. This is what I've learned these last 72 days of modular construction:

1. Modular saves you time. Shorter construction time = short construction loan = money saved. 
2. You will save more money with modular if you get more stuff built in the factory. For example, build all the cabinets, the floors, etc in the factory. The more you do on site the more it will cost. However, the majority of modular companies have ugly finishes. Find one that has finishes you like. That is a good starting point. 
3. You can either pick a plan already designed from the company or hire an architect to do a custom one. If you buy a stock design just make sure if fits within your setbacks. If you do a custom design be sure the Architect has done them before. Lucky for me I'm an Architect so I did my own design. However, I learned a lot!!! Mainly how to make the design the most efficient in terms of construction in the factory and on site. 
4. All your site work and permits are separate. It has nothing to do with the modular company. 
5. The modular company will get your home approved by a third party inspector approved by the state. Once you get those plans you just submit them to your municipality for reference and to make sure they adhere to the zoning code. If you have a basement they will review the connection details.
6. If you have a basement I suggest you use Superior Walls. They installed 156 linear feet of basement wall in 2.5 hours! It's insane and the price is comparable to traditional basement foundation walls when you take everything into consideration. If you look at Day 15 on my blog you can see the installation. 
7. Most modular companies will have a contractor rep a local area. 99% (at least 25 of the places I called) of modular companies will require you to use one as they will not let you be the GC to install the modular units. The modular company will send out a set crew but you need your local GC to be there as well and know what they are doing. My team kicked ***!!! 
8. Because the timeline is so quick (2-3 months) you have to have all onsite activity very organized in their schedule and all materials purchased at the correct times. Out of the 72 days of building I've wasted about 15 days due to me not having a contract with a sub or having the materials on site. 
9. There is a lot of up front coordination that needs to done. That is why you either need a GC from the very beginning or an Architect. Any big mistakes will cost you.
10. There are a lot of modular companies out there that have beautiful homes but are around $300 SF. That to me makes it pointless. You will still save time but that really drives up cost. When I'm done my construction cost should be around $155 SF for a 3,300 SF house. That includes all construction, permits, consultant and so on. Only the land is not included. For Alexandria, VA that is cheap.
11. You can make modular homes as custom as you want. Depending on the modular company they will help you out or not. I use, Excel Homes. They provided a lot of custom details. They even found me a stand alone tub. I'm not sure if they go to Florida but I would give them a call.
12. Lastly if you care about material waste and the environment they are better. They waste a lot less materials. I've only filled up 1-1/2 dumpsters. That is nothing. 

I can keep going but that should give you a good idea. If you have any questions I'll do my best to answer them. As an Architect of 15 years I don't know why modular units have not caught on yet. I'm going recommend this to all my clients in the future if I see it as an option. The other option is Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS) but that is for another thread. 

Good Luck,