Building a modular home addition involves more than choosing the right layout and comparing paint samples; it also represents significant investments in money, time and effort. So here are the techniques to have a perfect modular home addition project.

Understand the Laws for Modular Home Addition

Virtually every major modular home addition requires a permit from your local planning or permit department. The requirements for obtaining a permit can vary significantly from city to city, and it’s critical to understand legal requirements in your area before throwing yourself into the remodeling process. Even if you plan to hire an architect or general contractor, taking the time to review building and zoning rules can help you avoid headaches and surprises down the road. First, find out what you need to possess or accomplish in applying for a permit. In some areas, you may be able to create your own modular home building plans. Other municipalities require drawings stamped by a licensed architect, while some components require a stamp of approval from a structural engineer. Know what inspections you’ll need after you obtain the building permit, and find out whether you are subject to historic preservation or zoning laws.

Plan Your Modular Home Budget

The National Association of Home Builders recommends planning to spend no more than 80 percent of what you can afford on your home addition. Save the other 20 percent for the unexpected surprises and extras that inevitably pop up during construction. While cash remains the simplest way to pay for your project, home improvement loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, and refinancing your home can also help you pay for an addition. As you settle on your budget and refine your design, consider to what extent certain improvements can affect the value of your modular home.

Create the Right Modular Team

Before you can build your perfect modular home addition, you have to build the right team. Even if you plan to self-perform much of the work, you’ll likely find yourself hiring contractors to manage certain parts of the job or even the entire project. If you want to manage the job yourself but need help with more technical elements, look for specialty contractors who act as design-builders.

To find the right team, find three or more contractors who will offer you a free consultation. Ask for itemized estimates in writing so you can compare bids and scopes. Inquire whether the price is an estimate or a fixed price so you can prepare for surprises, and never hire a contractor who tries to rush you into making a decision. Ask for references from clients and suppliers, and take the time to check these references. Finally, make sure your contractor has a solid insurance policy as well as any business or contractor licenses required in your area.

In case you still have question about modular homes, you may contact Legendary Homes Inc in Jackson, Michigan. A representative will be happy to assist you. Meanwhile you can check our modular home price sheets by signing up to our blog

Topic: Modular Home

Building a modular home addition is an ideal way to increase your living space without having to look for a new modular home. However, making sure that you understand what goes through the construction process of your modular home addition is key if you want a comfortable and attractive new space that doesn’t just look like an afterthought.

Know the Codes for Modular Home Addition

Before deciding on a layout of a modular home, call your local building authority and find out what restrictions you enforce in your neighborhood, such as how far the building setback is from the street and the property lines. The building department can tell you what you need to get a building permit, which typically involves submitting an architectural print and listing all subcontractors who will work on the project.

Plan on the Design Features

Make a list of the features you want the most and draw a rough sketch of the modular home addition. An architect or residential designer will use your sketch and your list to develop a set of working prints.

Hire a General Contractor

Once you have your plan, it’s time to hire a general contractor who will hire and oversee the subcontractors. For a modular home addition, a foundation contractor, a framing crew, roofing crew, electrician, plumber, siding crew, flooring contractor and a heat-and-air (HVAC) specialist are necessary.

Analyze the Bids

Use a detailed bid sheet that lists all the aspects of the addition when getting contractor bids. Analyze the bids with a fine-tooth comb; the lowest one is not always the best deal. In addition to checking contractor references, ask the local building inspector if any complaints are on file for any of the contractors. Stay in close contact with your banker at this stage. An addition is new construction, so the bank often wants a copy of the plans and a list of the contractors, in addition to estimated costs.

Construction Process of Modular Home Addition

The foundation contractor is the first in line and he will oversee the excavation and the construction of the stem wall or slab. If the addition will have a bathroom or other plumbing fixtures, the plumber will now make the initial provisions for drains and sewer tie-ins. After the foundation is in, the framing crew will construct the floor system and then frame the walls and the roof structure. They will also install boxing on the exterior of the addition and sheathing on the roof to form a “shell

The addition is now “dried-in” and it’s time to remove the old wall separating the house from the new modular home addition. Now it’s time for the plumbers, the electricians and the HVAC guys to do their stuff, typically in that order. The roofer and the siding crew should be busy at work outside during this stage.

After the mechanical elements are in, it’s time to install the drywall and the interior trim. When that’s done, all that’s left to do is install the flooring and your new addition is ready to enjoy. Outside, the siding guys should be wrapping up, after which you can level the soil and plan the landscaping.

In case you still have question about modular homes, you may contact Legendary Homes Inc in Jackson, Michigan. A representative will be happy to assist you. Meanwhile you can check our modular home price sheets by signing up to our blog

Topic: Modular Home