Modular vs. Site Built Homes
Modular homes (System-built homes) are constructed to the same state, local or regional building codes as site-built homes. Other types of system built homes include panelized wall system, log home, structural insulated panel, and insulated concrete form.
| On-Site Built Home |
Pennwest Modular Home |
|
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | Masonry foundation, crawl space, basement, or slab | Same (slab not available) |
| Strength | Structure secured or anchor bolted sill plate | Same |
| Floors | 2x10 Floor joists | Same |
| Walls | 2x6 Exterior walls | Same |
| Cabinets | Box cabinet construction | Same |
| Interior Wall Finish | ½” Drywall with taped and mudded joints | Same |
| Interior Trim | Residential mouldings | Same |
| Personalization | Custom floorplans and features | Same |
| Financing | Traditional mortgage financing products | Same |
| Insuring | Traditional homeowners insurance products | Same |
(Not all on-site builders or modular builders use the same materials as above. These are the general building industry standards.) | ||
If the building requirements, materials, and financial products are the same, then why does traditional on-site building cost you more than building a modular home?
- Regardless of your building site location, the cost of building a Pennwest modular home is fixed, based on the plan and features that you select. An on-site builder’s costs will vary, due to each tradesman’s daily travel to your site and elements of weather delays.
- On-site builders purchase materials from building supply stores, purchasing materials as needed. Pennwest modular homes take advantage of purchasing materials in bulk, directly from the manufacturer, thereby reducing costs for the same products.
- When on-site building a home, labor costs typically amount to about half of the total home cost. Building homes more efficiently, by using an assembly line process and long term employees, greatly reduces labor costs.
- On-site builders need to factor in additional costs based on history; such as theft, weather damage, and unforeseen cost overruns. Since modular materials are stored indoors, built in a controlled environment, and delivered to you nearly complete, these costs are eliminated.
Need more information? Call North Shore Homes today at: (800) 826-5654.
