FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

While making the decision to build a modular home no doubt you will have many questions. Below are some of the more common questions that customers have posed to us over the years. If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone 845-807-2812.

1. What is a Modular Home?

A modular home is a high quality factory built house which uses the same basic materials as site built houses but unlike site built houses is constructed in sections in a weather protected, climate controlled factory environment. Building in this controlled environment enables the use of Computer Automated Design (CAD) and state of the art equipment and tools which results in increased speed, quality and efficiency in the construction process. Before leaving the factory each home is subjected to rigorous quality control inspections including independent 3rd party inspections, all of which ensure that (a) the workmanship is of the highest standard and (b) the house complies with all applicable codes. Finally, just like site built homes, modular homes are available in an endless variety of floor plans and exterior treatments.

Modular homes are built using the same basic materials as site built homes. However, modular homes are of superior quality for the following reasons:

The homes are constructed in a controlled environment by professional craftsmen who are constantly monitored by quality control experts.

As modular homes are constructed in a factory, the equipment available to the craftsmen is far superior than that which is available to site builders. For example, cuts made by site builder could not possibly be as precise as those made by a component cutter in the factory. Modular homes also use glue nailed sheathing and decking with framing that exceeds code. The end result to the customer is a high quality, more precisely built home.

Federal laws regarding modular homes ensure that they are among the safest houses on the market in which to live. These laws include the requirement that modular homes have smoke detectors, incombustible materials around kitchen ranges and furnaces and escape windows to name but a few.

Unlike site built houses, modular construction can not be delayed by poor weather and also the building materials are never exposed to adverse weather conditions which can damage and warp expensive materials during the construction process. Materials damaged through exposure to the elements can result costly problems over time for the homeowner.

Modular Homes will last just as long as any other type of quality construction and their value will increase in line with comparable site-built houses.

As with any form of construction, modular homes require local building permits. All of our homes meet or exceed both state and local building codes. By providing you with properly certified plans, as well as our guidance, we help you to obtain your building permit.

The majority of our homes are 90% complete upon delivery.

The vast majority of our homes are customized to one degree or another. We can alter existing designs to suit your needs, or use original designs, with certain exceptions and revisions. As part of our service we work with you to design the home that reflects your individual needs and tastes. Also a large variety of upgrade options are available.

The length of time it takes to complete a particular project varies depending on the the size and complexity of the house being built. However as a general rule 3 months is the average project length. In our experience it takes between 30 – 60 days from time your order is placed with us to the time the house is delivered onto your foundation.

Some banks actually prefer to provide loans for modular construction, as the home equity is intact from the start of the project, once the house is set on the foundation. NorthWood Homes, Inc. has a number of “modular friendly” banks with whom we deal on a regular basis. We will help guide you through the financing process.

To reduce costs there are numerous aspects of the finish work that you can complete yourself. However, for more technical aspects, qualified or licensed personnel may be required by state law. We will be happy to discuss this with you further.

Every Home comes with a full ten year structural warranty as well as manufacturer’s warranties on heating, and other building materials.