Perhaps no variety of home is more misunderstood than the modular home. Here is a list of the most common misconceptions about modular homes – the truth may shock you.
- Modular homes are the same as mobile/manufactured homes.
The fact is, there are only two things that modular homes and mobile and/or manufactured homes have in common – they begin their careers in a factory, and they are brought by truck to the home site. Mobile/manufactured homes are completed constructed in the factory. From the floor to the roof, and everything in between, a mobile/manufactured home is built on an assembly line. A modular home, on the other hand, is built in sections in a factory, but is constructed at the home site. - Modular homes are plain/boxy/ugly.
This myth stems from confusing modular homes with mobile/manufactured homes. A mobile/manufactured home’s floor plan and resulting exterior appearance is limited by the fact that it is built to be attached to rolling steel chassis – hence the name mobile home. A modular home, however, is not constructed to rest on a chassis; rather, a modular home is built of sections that are then constructed at the home site. Like a traditionally built home, modular homes can be customized in any way the homeowner desires. Two-story or even three-story homes are possible with modular homes, as are split-levels and other configurations. Any exterior finish – brick, wood, stone – can be applied to a modular home. And, perhaps most telling, a modular home can be built with all foundations, including basements and crawlspaces – something most mobile homes can’t be adapted for. - Modular homes are difficult to finance because they depreciate in value.
Again, this is a myth that comes from confusing mobile/manufactured homes with manufactured homes. Unlike a mobile/manufactured home, which is likened for appraisal purposes to a motor vehicle, a modular home, like a traditional home, will appreciate in value over time, making financing them no problem. Additionally, many modular home manufacturers have financing resources availble. - Modular homes are a new, untested type of housing.
Absolutely untrue! Modular homes, or prefabricated homes as they were often called in the past, have been around since the turn of the 20th century. In fact, a company that everyone is familiar with, Sears Roebuck, first began selling their prefabricated homes via catalog in 1908. See
here for more information about the prefabricated homes Sears offered. Montgomery Ward and Aladdin also sold modular home kits. It is also worth noting that many modular home manufacturers have been around for many years – proof positive that a modular home is not a passing fad. - Modular homes are cheaply constructed.
Nothing could be farther from the truth. Modular home manufacturers use the same brand-name, quality materials to construct their homes as are found in traditionally built homes. What’s more, the fact that modular homes are engineered to be sturdy enough for the journey from the factory to the home site means that they are inherently well-built. The systems-building technology that is employed in the construction of modular homes results in a sound, safe home that will last as long – maybe longer – than a traditionally built home. The only thing “cheap” about a modular home is its price compared to a traditionally built home – although they are built just as well, the fact that modular homes are systems-built means they can be built for less money than traditional homes. And that’s not cheap, just smart! - Modular homes are not readily available.
The growing popularity of modular homes has resulted in manufacturers extending their service areas, or branching out into new markets altogether. For an extensive list of modular home manufacturers, see Modular Home Manufacturers. You’re likely to find a modular home manufacturer near you or servicing your area. - Modular homes are all alike.
Modular homes come in as many different shapes, sizes, and kinds as traditional homes do. Whatever the architectural style that interests you, be it traditional, ranch, modern, or even log homes, there is a modular home manufacturer with home designs to fit your needs. With the customization options available, there is no need to fear a cookie-cutter modular home.
If you’ve read this far, then you have no doubt found many of the myths that are associated with modular homes to be just that – myths. Anyone who is interested in building a new home should take the time to learn the difference between truth and fiction when it comes to modular homes.