Modular homes have been steadily growing in popularity as an alternative to traditional site-built homes. But what exactly are modular homes, and how do they differ from manufactured homes?
Learn more about the world of modular construction with BonnaVilla Homes experts, General Manager Mike Morrow and Sales Manager Scott Steinfeldt. With decades of combined industry experience, they explain the modular construction process, provide answers to common questions from customers, and present the advantages of this modern, efficient building method.
Modular Homes vs. Manufactured Homes: Understanding the Difference
As industry-leading modular home manufacturers, one of the most common questions Morrow and Steinfeldt hear is: What’s the difference between modular homes and manufactured homes?
While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are key distinctions between the two.
Building Codes
Modular homes are constructed to meet the International Residential Code (IRC), which is the same quality and safety building codes as site-built homes. State or local authorities typically enforce IRC.
Manufactured homes, on the other hand, adhere to a federal building code known as the HUD Code, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Construction Process
Modular homes are built in a controlled environment factory setting, with individual modules or sections constructed off-site and then transported to the building site for assembly. This process offers greater efficiency and quality control compared to traditional construction methods.
Manufactured homes are also built in a factory, but they are typically transported to the site as a complete unit.
Financing
Modular homes are often financed similarly to site-built homes, with conventional mortgages readily available. Manufactured homes must be placed on permanent foundations before they can be financed with traditional mortgages. If you don’t plan to have a permanent foundation, you may need specialized financing options.
Customization
Modular homes offer a high degree of customization, allowing homeowners to personalize their floor plans, finishes, and features. While manufactured homes may have some customization options, they are generally more limited.
A Leader in Modular Construction
Founded in 1970, BonnaVilla was one of the early adopters of modular construction technology. The company has consistently refined its manufacturing processes, setting the standard for quality and craftsmanship in the industry. This commitment to innovation has earned them a reputation for excellence and established their position as a pioneer in the field.
BonnaVilla has taken its place as a leader in modular construction by focusing on customer satisfaction and offering a wide range of modular home designs to suit various needs and preferences.
Modular or Manufactured Homes?
According to Morrow, “[A] frequently asked question we get at BonnaVilla is which one of those do we do?”
The answer? Both.
BonnaVilla began as a manufactured home builder in 1970 and evolved into the modular construction industry. Today, the company builds both types of homes, with construction being 95% modular and 5% manufactured.
Types of Homes Offered by BonnaVilla
BonnaVilla specializes in residential construction, primarily single-family homes, duplexes, and triplexes that adhere to the International Residential Code (IRC). As Morrow explains, “We’re building basically anything that you would consider residentially coded.”
Their expertise lies in crafting entry-level single-family detached homes with diverse floor plans and customization options that provide affordable and stylish housing solutions.
BonnaVilla’s Service Area
BonnaVilla primarily serves the Midwest region, including states like Montana, Idaho, Minnesota, Missouri, and New Mexico. While their service area is concentrated in the Midwest, they may be able to accommodate projects outside this region, depending on the availability of builders and logistical considerations.
Steinfeldt’s recommendation for customers not in BonnaVilla’s regular service areas is “give us an opportunity to see what we can do to possibly help them out.”
The Modular Home Timeline
The actual construction of a BonnaVilla modular home in the factory is the shortest phase of the process, often taking around two weeks. But Morrow explains the importance of realistic customer expectations, saying, “That’s the fastest part of the process. The typical timeframe for us is usually going to be more like 3 or 4 months once the order is complete because there are so many other things involved with getting a module home built in the factory.”
The overall timeline from order placement to completion of a modular home has to account for factors such as order backlog, site preparation, and on-site finishing work.
Customizing Your Modular Home
According to Steinfeldt, “We offer a lot of customization [that’s] typically more than what [you’re] going to see in the industry.” BonnaVilla’s extensive custom modular home options for floor plans, finishes, and features allow you to create a home that meets your style and needs. While there are some limitations related to the size and dimensions of the modules, BonnaVilla strives to provide flexibility and accommodate your preferences within those constraints.
The Modular Home Construction Process
The modular home construction process offers several advantages over traditional site-built methods. Here’s a closer look at the key steps involved:
- Design and Planning: The process begins with selecting a floor plan and customizing it to your liking. You’ll work with a builder or designer to finalize the design, choose finishes, and specify any desired features.
- Factory Construction: Once the design is finalized, the home is constructed in a factory setting. This controlled environment ensures precision, efficiency, and quality control. Individual modules or sections are built, including walls, floors, and roofs.
- Transportation and Assembly: The completed modules are transported to the building site, where they are carefully assembled on a pre-prepared foundation. This process is typically faster and less disruptive than traditional on-site construction.
- On-Site Finishing: After the modules are assembled, the on-site finishing work begins. This includes connecting utilities, completing interior and exterior finishes, and landscaping.
The Cost of Modular Homes
As Morrow shares, “A big loaded question that we get constantly is what a modular home costs.” The cost of a modular home depends on several factors, including the size and complexity of the design, chosen finishes, and location. Generally, modular homes are considered to be competitive in price compared to site-built homes, and they often offer cost savings due to the efficiency of factory construction.
Factors that influence the cost of a modular home:
- Size and floor plan: Larger and more complex designs generally cost more.
- Finishes and features: Upgrading finishes and adding features increases the overall cost.
- Location: Building costs can vary depending on the location and local market conditions.
- Site preparation: The cost of preparing the building site, including foundation work, also factors into the overall expense.
It’s important to consult with a modular home builder to obtain a personalized cost estimate for your specific project.
Benefits of Modular Homes
Modular homes offer a range of benefits that make them an attractive option for homeowners:
Cost-Effectiveness
The streamlined factory production process and reduced labor costs can make modular homes an affordable alternative to traditional site-built homes. Predictable factory production cuts down on unexpected costs, making it easier to budget accurately.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Modular homes are often built with energy-efficient materials and construction techniques that contribute to lower utility bills and a reduced environmental footprint. Many modular home builders are committed to using eco-friendly materials and implementing sustainable building practices, further reducing the environmental impact.
Faster construction
Because modular homes are built in a controlled environment factory setting, construction isn’t impacted by weather delays. The on-site construction time is also shorter, which means less disruption for you and the surrounding community.
Build a Dream Home With BonnaVilla
The dream of homeownership can often feel out of reach with rising materials costs, unpredictable construction timelines, and concerns about build quality and sustainability. But with BonnaVilla, a leader in the modular home industry, your dream of owning a home becomes a reality.
With a commitment to cost-efficiency, precision engineering, sustainable practices, and superior quality, BonnaVilla crafts exceptional custom homes that are built to last. The streamlined building process of modular construction means you can move into your new home faster than you would with a traditional home build.
Visit the BonnaVilla website to browse their selection of floorplan designs and learn more about their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
