FAQs
What is modular home construction?
Modular home construction is a process of “stick-building” your home, in modular components, within a climate-controlled factory environment. The components are then set onto your foundation at your site and the home is then completed to traditional specifications, using traditional finishes.
Are there architectural design limitations with modern modular home design?
Your NJ modular home builder, Supreme Modular has worked with clients and their architects on very complex architectural designs for homes ranging from approximately 5,000 square feet to over 8,000 square feet. When we begin the process with this clientele, we first meet the architect to provide the very basic modular information needed to design the client’s home. Thus far, we have not encountered an instance where the architect cannot meet the client’s design expectations while allowing the architect to express its creativity and individuality. We have found the architects with whom we have worked are excited to employ modern modular building technology for their clients, to achieve a superior built home to compliment their designs.
Can I make alterations to floor plans?
Within our design system, supported by our manufacturer, we can simply and easily alter floor plans to accommodate your design needs. Many of our homes are specifically designed for the client. We typically start our design process with either the customer’s general design, modify an existing factory plan or custom design our client’s home.
Can I design a master bedroom suite on the ground floor of a two-story home or design a reverse living floor plans
Yes! Our design system can locate rooms according to your preference. As a NJ modular homes builder, Supreme Modular has easily employed these design options within our homes.
Can I use modern modular technology to build a seashore home?
Yes! We are experienced with seashore architectural designs, floor planning, seashore-friendly building materials and construction techniques. Additionally, Supreme Modular has built many homes that have been specifically designed and built for the seashore.
What are the advantages to “stick-building” my modular home in a factory, versus having it built on-site, in the traditional method?
The advantages are of building a modular home in the factory are many. Modular homes built within the factory are built in less time, with engineered cuts to insure square and true fit during the assembly process. During construction of the modular home, neither the wood nor other components are subjected to inclement weather, minimizing the warping and damage that can occur when site-built homes are left exposed during construction process. The final product is more energy efficient, stable and stronger!
Why are modular homes built with modern modular construction superior to conventional, “stick-built” construction?
As the old adage of “a picture says a thousand words…”, so too does a tour of the modular home factory explain the superiority of modern modular construction. Modular home construction is just as much “stick-built” as any site-built construction…only because it is built in a climate controlled factory, with exact, engineered, laser-precise cuts and with technicians working on ground level (not straddling a 2X4 or balancing from the peak of a roof), it is built better!! The frame of a modular home contains nearly 30% more lumber, so it is much more stable than conventional. The interiors of our modular homes are built with the same components as you would expect to find in any conventional, site-built house. You can customize your modular home to be built with the same fine luxury appointments expected to be found in a conventional custom-built home.
Do modular homes require any different foundation systems than a conventional, site-built house?
No! Modular housing is set onto traditional foundation systems including poured concrete, concrete masonry units, precast concrete systems and pilings.
If I am planning a “home at the shore”, is there anything special to be done to build my modular home onto a piling foundation?
No!
Why does a modular home frame contain nearly 30% more lumber than a conventional, site-built house?
The modular components of a modular home must be built sufficiently strong to withstand the rigors of over-the-road transport to your home site and the lifting of the components with a crane onto your foundation. This increased strength of the modular home translates into a better constructed home for you.
What are the energy efficiencies of modular housing compared to traditional, “site-built” construction.
Modular homes generally enjoy a high efficiency rating from utility companies; air infiltration is minimized due to the engineering process. NJ modular home builder, Supreme Modular Homes® builds “green” with its design and construction process that saves energy and natural resources by minimizing waste and recycling materials. The modular home factory process has less of a negative environmental impact on the home site. A “green” modular home uses less energy, water and natural resources. Supreme Modular supports the Energy Star and LEED programs that are designed to encourage the development of “green” building.
Are modular homes subjected to municipal inspections?
Your site and the building plans of your modular home must be approved by the local municipality. Once your foundation is built, it must be approved by the local code official. During construction in the factory, a certified third-party inspector will certify, upon completion, that your modular home has been manufactured in accordance with the approved plans and conforms to all municipal and state code requirements. A final inspection of your modular home will be required by the local code official to receive your certificate of occupancy.
Is a modular home less costly to build than conventional, site-built housing?
Typically, yes. A modular home manufacturer that builds at the volume of buys its materials in bulk and pays less than a single builder would pay at its local supplier. Also, the manufacturer’s local representative, in this case Supreme Modular, typically has less work to complete the modular home than a local custom home builder, so we, at Supreme Modular, incur less overhead costs and can operate on a lower profit margin. As a result of all of this, you, as the customer, should anticipate a cost savings by building your modular home with Supreme Modular.
Once a modular home is completed on my site, will I be able to distinguish it from a traditional site-built home?
No! Due to advancements in technology and the manufacturing process, it is virtually impossible to distinguish a well-designed modular house from a site-built house.
Will my modular home be built and ready for occupancy any quicker than if I were to build with traditionally methods?
Yes, generally in half the time. A typical modular home is completed in the factory within seven days, ready for delivery to your site. Once your modular home is delivered and set at your site, we can do utility connections, minor exterior and interior finishes and final site grading and improvements to secure your final certificate of occupancy, typically within 45 to 60 days.
Can modular home components be utilized in an expansion project?
Possibly. We can initially project floor plans and architectural styles for your expansion. However, we cannot be certain that your existing structure and its foundation can support modular home construction until your structural engineer provides its assessment. Provided your engineer concludes affirmatively, you can be assured that your project, utilizing modular home components, will be completed in less time and at a lower cost than conventional site-built construction, all things being equal.
If we have a small house and are considering building bigger, should we consider tear-down and rebuilding with a new modular home?
In our experience, in many instances, a client would be better to consider demolishing and rebuilding for a number of reasons. Unless your existing home has some characteristics that you want to preserve, in most instances your existing house does not have the features many people desire with modern architecture. Notably, high ceilings, two-story ceiling heights, functional basements that can accommodate 8 foot minimum finished ceiling height, and other modern features. If you wish to consider demolition, you be assured that your rebuild with a modular home will still be completed in less time and at less cost than conventional, site-built housing.
Is a modular home difficult to finance?
No! Today’s residential lenders are all very well informed and, quite frankly find it appealing to finance a modular home. The construction lender knows that when it advances it first draw, the modular home is nearly complete, thereby minimizing any chance of the house not reaching completion. The same educated lenders also understand the superiority of modern modular homes. Though we, the principals of NJ modular home builder, Supreme Modular, are not licensed mortgage specialists, our experience in the field and relationships with multiple lenders can help assure you secure the most favorable lending terms, if you wish to use our expertise in securing financing for your modular home
How do we get started on our financing?
Modular homes are easily financed with conventional mortgage financing, because lenders are assured of a completed project with a higher degree of both quality and cost control. Today, our client’s have more financing options than have been generally available over the past three years. If you need both construction and permanent financing, we have very active lenders that are offering very attractive financing terms. And if you have your permanent mortgage, Supreme Modular will find you banks that will finance your construction loan.
This list of questions pertaining to modular home construction and the modular home process continues to grow as clients raise questions. Therefore, please check back to this page frequently to learn more about the “start of the art” of modern, modular home construction.