Why build a modular home?
Modular homes have historically lived in the shadow of traditional, stick-built homes, seen as a value-based compromise. However, times have changed; modular construction has exploded in recent years, now offering a clear path to premium homeownership without the stick-build headaches of lengthy timelines and unpredictable costs, but while maintaining value for your dollar as a core competency.
Approach
You’ll follow a well-structured process that eliminates the guesswork and emphasizes clear, effective communication and quality control.
Options
You are by no means bound by what the factory catalog has to offer. Floorplans are fully customizable, and we can easily delete items from the factory’s scope in favor of premium, upgrades installed on-site.
Costs
Thanks to factory efficiencies in time and resource management, modular homes are generally less expensive to build than traditional, stick-built homes.
Speed
Modular construction can shave months off your timeline to move-in, because site prep (excavation, foundation, etc.) is completed at the same time the modules are on the factory assembly line. Even better, the inside of your house is never open to the elements!
Modular vs. Stick-Built Homes: What’s the Difference?
Modular homes are built in sections in a factory, transported to your property, then assembled like building blocks with a large crane. Meanwhile, stick-built homes are constructed entirely on-site.
Common Misconceptions About Modular and the Truth Behind Them
Modular homes have become an increasingly popular choice for homeowners looking for efficiency, quality, and sustainability. Yet, despite their growth, many people still carry misconceptions about what modular construction really means. Let’s clear the air and uncover the truth behind some of the most common myths....
The Turnkey Modular Home Process: What to Expect
Everything you need to know about our modular home building process, from initial inquiry to occupancy....
Frequently Asked Questions About Modular Homes
I'm a contractor, so can I buy just the modular home alone?
Yes, absolutely. We’ll provide the architectural plans, deliver and set the modules, and make weather-tight. This approach offers flexibility in that you save time and labor costs, yet still control all the on-site work.
Can I build during the winter months?
Yes. Modular homes can be built during the winter, including in New England. Because the home and the precast concrete foundation system are built in climate-controlled environments, much of the construction process can continue year-round. Once delivered, homes are typically set and made weathertight within one or two days, which helps limit exposure to the elements.
Winter weather can still affect excavation and site work, especially if frost penetrates deeply into the ground. But in many cases, projects can continue moving forward as usual. Even if you’re aiming for spring delivery, winter is still a valuable time to complete your site plan, secure any needed approvals or variances, and finalize financing so your project is ready for the next phase.
What is the minimum lot size needed to build a modular home?
Required lot size, unsurprisingly, hinges on the size of the home you intend to build. Concerned about your lot? Get in touch and we’ll help to confirm feasibility of building on it.
We are very thoughtful and efficient in our approach to planning and executing a Set Day strategy. We take pride in our ability to make the most of a small space. The following video clip will provide a visual as to just how tight of an install we can execute. This lot, at just 0.23 acres and in a dense lakefront neighborhood, left hardly an inch to spare.
For a two-module home, meaning a sub~1500sqft Ranch or Cape with an unfinished upstairs, we’ll need at least a quarter of an acre of clear, reasonably level land. For a larger, four-module home, we’ll need closer to half an acre, and so on.
Are modular homes energy efficient?
Modular homes are extremely energy efficient, which makes them an ideal fit for the variable climate here in New England. The controlled, indoor factory environment, repeatable processes, and rigorous quality checks make it easier to deliver tight building envelopes, high R-values, and low air-leakage compared with site-built homes.
Here at SNEML, we go a couple steps even further. Unlike most other modular builders, we include premium windows (Harvey ThermaLock) as our standard. Beyond that, we build on precast foundations from Superior Walls, rather than poured concrete, which feature continuous insulation inside the foundation walls themselves— leaving no cold joints or energy leaks.
Have a particular vision in mind for your energy-efficient future home? Get in touch and we’d be happy to work through your plans with you.
Can you quote existing house plans as a modular home?
In most cases, non-modular plans would need to be redrawn as modular. This is considered drawing a custom plan, which requires a plan deposit. Prior to asking for your deposit, we’ll review your plans, suggest which of our standard floorplans may align most closely, and provide a free standard estimate.
Once you’ve made your deposit, you’ll work with our designer to create and refine a custom modular floorplan that reflects (and perhaps enhances) your original concept.
Still have questions?
A Sales Representative would be happy to assist you. Don’t hesitate to call us at 860-537-4669. Our office hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 8am-4:30pm.