@Sid Leibowitz I am sorry to say but NYC does allow modular as does LA and 99% of the country. I might even say 100% but only death is 100%. Read this ARTICLE where they are building a high rise in NYC with modular units or this ARTICLE about modular homes in LA.
As @David Dachtera mentioned modular and manufactured homes are completely different. Manufactured homes are never attached to a foundation and those are not allowed everywhere. Modular homes are attached to the foundation like a typical home.
@J Scott mentioned that a modular home might be less but it is comped at the same prices. There is no difference. A modular home is actually built better and better for the environment. Additionally when you do go sell a modular home there is no need to even mentioned it. It is just another house on the street.
@Nick Coonis is correct on his pros about building with modular. However, I disagree on his comments regarding the cons. I am an Architect and am currently building my own modular house. It is true that the design has to follow certain guidelines but it can be 100% custom. It is just another guideline like property setbacks or a construction budget. My home is 100% custom that fits my budget. I could have gone crazy with my design but then it would not have fit my budget. You just have to get an Architect that knows how to design for modular construction. It took me a few tries to figure it out but now I know what is possible and it is endless.
I am keeping a daily log of my venture in building my modular home that you can see on my website.
I am on day 50 and I hope to move in on day 80. A modular home can be completed in 50-60 days if it is well organized. I've learned a lot throughout the construction process. I am acting as the GC but hired a contractor to do the modular setting. DO NOT do this yourself if it is your first time. Actually the majority (I called over 30 of them) of the modular companies will only allow their local contractor rep to install the modular units. However, I managed all the site work and now the finishes to save money. I used Excel Homes and they have been outstanding (North Carolina should be doable for them)! They have included a lot of custom options that the other 30 places would not even consider. Even a modern baseboard detail that I have done on million dollar homes that I have designed. They can do it. Please give them a call if interested. They are really good.
Modular Photo of my house insatllation:
I also used Superior Walls to build my basement. I installed all my basement walls, 156 linear feet in 2.5 hours! I was amazed! The top of the walls was no more than 1/8" off from level over the 156' LF! The cost is the same once you compare apples to apples to a traditional CMU or concrete wall. I can get more into detail with this system if anyone wants. However, they do not allow these in seismic areas.
Superior Wall Photo. Everything installed by 11:15 am:
Here are some additional Pros:
- The city does not inspect the modular portion of your home. This is done at the factory as it is getting built by an approved third party agency.
- The home is built amazingly strong and precise.
- Waste is greatly reduce. I'm about 80% complete and by using Superior Walls and Excel Homes I've only had 1-1/2 trash bins hauled away. That is nothing! Better for the environment and better for you wallet.
- Save money even on the small items. Look at the above number. I will only have to haul away 2 trash bins worth of trash in 28 days. Normally construction would easily be 5-8 trash bins and be kept at the site for months. I'll even save money on the port-o-potty. 3 months of construction is a lot less than 12 months.
- Save time! Time is money. I can move in and change my construction loan to my permanent loan. If you are renting a space then you can start renting your space that much faster.
- When the home is delivered the set up contractor has to have the home watertight before the leave for the day. The home comes with drywall installed so they can't allow that to get wet. My shingles were installed that afternoon. That means finishes can begin the next day.
- A modular home can be built on a hillside or anywhere. Once again this is doable based on the experience of the Architect designing the home. First the foundation will be built and then the modular home just gets placed on top
- Modular units are great for additions.
So there are a few cons but minor ones that have solutions:
- You need to have the modular trucks have access to the lot. If your property is on a winding road up a hill then you might not be able to do it. However, you could design smaller boxes and have smaller trucks deliver the units or even a helicopter.
- Insulation. The structure is strong so there are more studs within the exterior framing. Due to this the amount of insulation on the exterior wall is less than a home built on site. The more insulation on a house the better for energy savings. 24" OC is the best if using advanced building structure. Some parts of my wall have about a foot of studs. However, if this was really a concern to a client you could build a furred wall and install continuous insulation around that exterior envelope.
- If you choose to use the modular finishes you have to choose them looking at photos from the internet. The local contractor rep might have some to phsycially show you but not all.
Some tips if you build modular
- You can either choose a plan on the Modular companies website which is the easiest and cheapest way to go. However, we all know that every site is unique. If you need an Architect get one that has designed modular units before. I'm glad I was the Architect because there is a lot to know.
- When choosing the modular company look on their website and browse their finishes. They all have standard and upgrade finishes. The more you can pick the better so that more of it is installed in the factory.
- You will have to submit the approved modular plans to your municipality. However, they are for reference only and to verify that it works with your foundation or other site features such as a basement or garage. They also check to make sure all the zoning regulations such as setbacks are conforming. Some municipalities (like mine, in Alexandria, Virginia) required a full electrical and plumbing riser diagrams. Then you will need someone to provide that. Most modular companies will likely not offer that service.
After 15 years of practicing architecture, when possible modular is the way to go. I have a lot more to say so just ask away or PM for details. I would be happy to help and share my mistakes with anyone who decides to go this route. Even if you want to build duplexes or fourplex or an addition or anything, modular can work.