Modular Home Utilities: What Are the Methods Used in Drilling a Water Well in Michigan?

Posted by Legendary Homes on July 31, 2014 in Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

In the planning phase of the modular home construction, the homeowner decides to have water well drilled within his property. He will seek for a subcontractor to do the work and will discuss what are the factors related drilling a well. Along with the cost, process of drilling a well and getting a permit, the modular home subcontractor will present the methods used in well drilling.

In Michigan, contractors used several different types of drilling methods. Each method is unique to each contractor and varies in different ways. Modular home contractors also used one or two of these methods. In this blog post, we will discuss the common methods used in drilling the water well in areas around the Michigan state.

Methods Used in Drilling a Well for a Modular Home

Rotary Drilling

According to Michigan.gov, rotary drilling is the most popular well drilling method in Michigan. Mud rotary is widely used in the Lower Peninsula where substantial overburden exists, while air rotary rigs are found primarily in the Upper Peninsula and the few high bedrock areas of Lower Michigan. Rotary drilling is characterized by about 15 feet long rotating drill stem, which has a drilling fluid of either mud or air. Called as rotary because of its bit’s rotating action that breaks up the material.

Cable Tool Drilling

Also known as percussion drilling or spudding, cable tool drilling method is a widely used well drilling method in Michigan. The cable tool is less costly and simpler to operate than a rotary drill rig and is suitable for most geologic conditions.

Auger Drilling

Other modular home general contractors and subcontractors use the auger drilling method in drilling a water well. The most common type of auger used is the continuous-flight spiral auger well drilling rigs which are found in areas where sand is the predominant glacial drift material. In some areas, augers are used to drill the upper portion of the well and then the well is completed with the cable tool method. In other areas of the state, augers are used to drill the entire well.

Jetting

Jetting is a drilling method suggested to modular home owners in the sandy areas of southwestern Michigan. Jetting remains a popular method for drilling small diameter wells due to its simplicity and inexpensive cost of equipment. Many of the portable, do-it-yourself drilling machines advertised in magazines utilize the jetting method.

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

Modular Home Utilities: Difference of Drilling a Well and Connecting to a Public Water Supply

Posted by Legendary Homes on July 30, 2014 in Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

Many modular home owners, in their quest for water, face a choice between drilling a water well on their property or connecting to the local municipal or rural water district. Drilling a well near a modular home is different from connecting to a public water source in many ways.

Drilling a water well is as convenient as connecting to a water source. They can both provide water for your modular home and family. These water system can also present a number of cost effective alternatives for your pocket.

The advantages and disadvantages to each approach include the following:

Cost of Drilling a Water Well for a Modular Home

It is expected that drilling a water well may involve a high initial cost than connecting to a water district. The best part of drilling a well within your modular home property is the lower cost of subsequent expenses, like the cost of electricity for pumping the water and maintenance of the system. On the other hand, subsequent monthly costs for water service can be higher if large amount of water is utilized.

Maintenance of Drilling a Water Well for a Modular Home

When it comes to drilled water wells, the maintenance costs are the homeowner’s responsibility. This can be tedious and can cost you more than you expected if piping or electrical problems arise. Maintenance of drilled water wells can also inconvenient when power outages occur. Being connected to a water district transfers most of the responsibility for maintenance to the district.

Risk of Drilling a Water Well for a Modular Home

Drilling a well within the modular home property can be risky. There are no guarantees that you will hit adequate water of good quality, even in areas where other wells have been successful. Connecting to a water district essentially removes the risk involved in obtaining a dependable, high-quality water supply.

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

Cost of Drilling a Water Well in a Modular Home

Posted by Legendary Homes on July 29, 2014 in Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

How much does drilling a water well in a modular home cost? What are the factors that could influence the increase of its cost?

The cost of drilling water well within a modular home property vary from site to site. Sometimes it is impossible to get an accurate estimate due to unforeseen circumstances of the modular home construction. For example, a contractor may bid a well at $4400 for a 100 feet well. But because he had to drill deeper than anticipated and go through rock, drilling a water well can cost as much as $9000. With this, it is suggested to discuss with the subcontractor about the cost overruns before commencing everything.

In some areas, drilling a 100-foot deep water well near a modular home will cost about $1,200, with the exemption of the well pump.

Preparation to Well Drilling

There is a lot of preparation in drilling a well near a modular home. Once again, you start with a starter hole that is made by a post hole digger. In addition, you’ll need to dig a small pool of water, as the well hole has to remain filled with water. This water acts both to cool the drill and motor, as well as to pump the mud back up to the surface for disposal. Without removing the mud, you’ll just end up with a drill stuck down in the ground, without a hole.

Modular Home Preparation: Options to an Inexpensive Well Drilling

Although most well drilling rigs are intended for use by professionals, it is possible to use them yourself to drill your own well. Some rental companies do provide well-drilling rigs for rent, but they are rather rare. However, there is one option for drilling your own well, which is affordable and possible to do yourself.

On the website www.howtodrillawell.com, you can buy a kit for drilling your own well. This kit uses air power to drive an air motor which is down the hole in the well, directly behind the drill bit. While a totally different concept than other well drilling methods, it is quite effective.

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

Drilling a Well for a Modular Home in Allen, Michigan

Posted by Legendary Homes on July 28, 2014 in Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

A modular home in Allen, Michigan can acquire lots of convenience after installing water well within the property. The homeowner will have a continuous water supply that could be use for daily needs, and cleaning of garage and other areas. The well can be a source to water the plants in your garden.

Water well situated near your modular home brings a lot of benefits. Aside from providing a good source of water, it can also lessen the utility cost. However, planning to drill one requires excellent planning.

In drilling a well in Allen, Michigan, a modular home owner needs to consider the location, depth, cost and hiring a subcontractor.

Location of the Modular Home Well

If the well is not connected to the city’s water source, the location of the well is usually determined by the driller. The driller or a professional (geologist) knows where the location of the water is. This usually impacts the planning of the modular home’s floor plan.

In the case where a homeowner wanted to have a well, he must look first for a subcontractor. A known modular home contractor in Michigan who offers digging a well along with the construction of the modular home is Legendary Homes Inc.

Depth of the Well for a Modular Home

The men drilling the well had to drill down almost 580 feet through solid granite for this particular well. They hit some water at around 250 feet but the water pressure wasn’t sufficient so they kept drilling.

They wound up drilling to approximately 500 ft. to get 20 gpm. They said that they’ve drilled down as much as a couple thousand feet to get a good well and as little as 100 feet, or so. Not only that, the depth needed to hit water could vary 50 feet over from where this well is drilled. Go figure.

Cost of the Well for a Modular Home

The cost of drilling a well for your modular home depends on a number of factors. The depth to hit the water source, the kind of soil and the labor cost can influence the overall cost of having a well. In some areas, water well drilling can be inexpensive when the soil is composed large rocks or is difficult to drill using the standard drilling equipments.

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

Care and Maintenance of the Septic System of a Modular Home

Posted by Legendary Homes on July 27, 2014 in Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

Maintenance of a septic system installed in a modular home is similar with the stick built home’s septic system. Nowadays, taking care of your septic system is not that difficult because there are lots of modern equipments available. Simple as their design may be, septic systems require the homeowner to monitor them before problems arise. Usually, simple solutions are too late when the problem in the septic system occurs or become obvious. But if you follow the basic guidelines in maintaining the septic system of a modular home you can attain a worry free seepage disposal.

Pump Out Your Septic Tank Regularly

Regular pumping of the septic tank leads to a smooth sailing septic system. Not pumping the tank on regular basis can lead to an overflowing system. The overflow will then go to the modular home, where toilets vomit what’s supposed to be in the septic system. This circumstance will lead to the waste flooding in the drain field, leaving your yard to be flooded by waste materials. These wastes can also run to the nearest bodies of waters like creeks, rivers; or sip underground, which could pollute the normal environment of these areas and thereby harm people’s health.

Do Not Flush Any Degradable Materials and Strong Chemicals in the Toilet

Never make the toilet of your modular home your trash can. Never throw degradable materials like tissue papers, diapers, sanitary napkins, and cotton swabs because they could clog the septic system. Additionally, do not flush strong chemicals in the toilet. Harmful chemicals can disrupt the integrity of the septic system and harm the underground soil.

Direct Drainage Away from the Septic System of a Modular Home

When you direct the drainage away from the septic system of your modular, liquid waste can be absorb and neutralize. An efficient plan of the drainage often provide a good diversion for the water. Landscaping, excellent foundation drainage plans and roof gutters are among the best solutions that divert the excess water from the septic drainfield.

Protect the Septic System of a Modular Home from Damage

Avoid placing your car above the septic system. The weight could damage the above area of the system and when this happens it could lead to the destruction of the flow of the septic system.

Keep a Record

It is always wise to keep a record when maintaining the septic system of your modular home. Record the date of when you have pump- out the septic tank so you will know when would be the next schedule. Modular home owners should keep a record of the septic system design, installed equipments, and other service records. Record keeping helps in the maintenance of the septic system by giving the owner and the maintenance worker information on the previous problem and what was done to resolve the problem.

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

Rules and Regulation for Septic System installation In a Modular Home

Posted by Legendary Homes on July 26, 2014 in Modular Home Builder with No Comments Yet

Everything that is installed or placed in a modular home follows a certain rule. The rules and regulation in having a septic system also pursue rules and regulations. These rules and regulations enhances the quality of the system and ensures that each subcontractors perform their work properly.

Size of the Septic Tank

Again, regulations vary, but in many areas a minimum tank size of 1,000 gallons is required in most residential applications. This requirement can change or increase if the modular home is large or contains more than three or four bedrooms.

Location of the Septic Tank to the Modular Home

As a general rule, the septic tank should be placed a minimum of 5 to 10 feet from the foundation of the structure. In reference to some state regulations, a distance of 15 feet between foundation and septic tank is required if the home has a basement while the Uniform Plumbing Code recommends a standard distance of 10 feet.

Distance of the Septic Tank to the Modular Home

Environmental Protection Agency regulations require the septic tank be located a minimum of 50 feet away from any water-supply well. In many areas, this same minimum distance is required for streams, ponds, lakes or springs. Most septic tanks are buried 12 to 24 inches below the surface. General guidelines are tanks must be buried at least 6 inches below the surface.

Design of the Septic System for a Modular Home

Counties are being encouraged in most states to create standard rules and regulations for the design of septic systems of a modular home. This often allows for the licensing of designers who specialize in septic design and hold state or county licenses. In some places on the other hand only professional engineers are allowed to submit designs.

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

Requirements for the Installation of a Septic System in a Modular Home

Posted by Legendary Homes on July 25, 2014 in Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

When it comes to connecting a home to a septic system, a modular home and a site-built home connect same way. They both have to have a building permit prior to the installation. Tests to determine the soil condition is also one of the factors required before the integration of the septic system to the modular home.

Permit and Perc Test of a Septic System in a Modular Home

A permit is needed for the installation of a septic system in a modular home. This is usually obtained through the housing or building department or health department of your county. The county geologist runs a perc test to determine if the soil of the land will absorb water. Depending on the results of the test, the county may or may not issue a permit. If the county cannot issue a permit, then suggestions on alternative means of sewage disposal are usually available.

Size of Tank of a Septic System in a Modular Home

It is the job of the sanitary inspector or engineered whom you hired to determine the size of the septic tank. The size must be congruent to the number of bedrooms in the modular home and the number of occupants. The more bedrooms and occupants, the bigger the tank.

Size of Drain Field of a Septic System in a Modular Home

When the house is big and has many occupants, the drain field is usually wider. The drain field sips the waste water to the ground to prevent flooding. Additionally, the size of the drain field is also determined by the result of the perc test.

Installation of a Septic System in a Modular Home

The most important part of having a septic system is ensuring that the professional you hire is valid and licensed by the county’s housing department. A licensed sanitary inspector or engineer makes sure that the system is installed correctly. Improper installation of the septic system could contaminate the underground water and the harm the soil. Licensed professional usually dig three-foot-deep trenches for the drain field while the unlicensed one might dig just two feet.

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

Understanding the Septic System of a Modular Home and Its Function

Posted by Legendary Homes on July 24, 2014 in Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

Among the first things you need to know in a modular home construction is the septic system. As a homeowner, you must be aware of the parts of the system and how each part functions to decipher what needs to be done during its maintenance phase or if it requires repairs. A septic system of a modular home is primarily compose of the septic tank, and drain field. Other parts are found inside the bathroom or comfort room of a modular home, which are often represented by the toilet bowl. Each element in the septic system has roles to keep the system from overflowing.

Septic System of a Modular Home: Septic Tank

The cost of septic tanks vary from one place to another and sizes. Their different sizes are realized to accommodate the size of the house and number of occupants in a modular home. The septic tank is usually made of concrete or fiberglass. Other home owners use polyethelene septic tanks. Just like in the construction of traditional homes, the septic tank in a modular home is buried below the ground. Septic tanks hold the wastewater long enough to allow solids to settle out, forming sludge. They also keep the oil and grease from the waste materials to float to the surface as scum. Interestingly, a septic tank allows partial decompositions of the solid waste materials.

Septic System of a Modular Home: Drain Field

Also called the leach field, drain field plays an integral role in the septic system. The most common drain field consists of a series of trenches containing perforated pipe surrounded by septic rock, or gravel, and covered with mesh and dirt. Once the wastewater pops out the septic tank, it will head to the drainfield for further treatment. The drainfield in the septic system of a modular home absorb and let the the effluent evaporate partially. Modular home owners must understand that if the drain field has too much liquid, it will cause flooding to the yard.

Septic System of a Modular Home: Soil

One of the often mislook component of the septic system is the soil. The soil provides the last hurrah for the overall purpose of the septic tank. The soil removes harmful bacteria, viruses, and nutrients from the waste, leaving the environment suitable for the living things above the ground such as the plants.

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

Cost of Installing a Septic System in a Modular Home

Posted by Legendary Homes on July 23, 2014 in Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

The cost of having a septic system installed in a modular home depends on a number of factors. These factors would focused on the size of the septic tank, building permit fees, and labor cost. The complexity of the septic design can also contribute to the cost of septic system installation.

The price of septic system installation relies also on the location of your modular home.

Size of The Septic Tank

Availability and prices of septic tanks for a modular home differ from one place to another, but poor soils and extra bedrooms will simply cost you more. A1000 gal tank is recommended for up to 4 bedroom modular home since pumping trucks are usually 1000 gallons and can pump your system in one trip. However larger septic tanks can cost you a higher maintenance fee.

Permit Fees of Septic System for a Modular Home

Just like the other factors concerning about the installation of the septic system, permit fees vary from place to place. In some areas the permit fee for the septic system that is going to be installed in a modular home may run from $100 or less or higher. Other areas especially those where the county have smaller population, it can be higher than $500. If you want to know the specific for the building permit of your septic system, you can call the local health department.

Design of a Septic System in a Modular Home

Plans of a septic system for your modular home have different prices. It can vary from the designer to designer and from its complexity. Designs from professionals are usually higher because they made sure that it conforms with the rules and regulations of the building codes and the sanitary department.

A septic system designer will likely charge a separate fee for providing his service between $200 – $400 or more. His service fee will depend on the current status of the market. However, in some places, local health inspectors even design the system as part of a low permit fee of $100 – $300. Very low fees serve the interests of public health in very low density areas and where resources are strained and experts are few. Some of these counties and states allow excavators to design simple systems for the homeowner. A few far flung counties have no regulations and no requirements for formal design and everyone just does their own thing.

Labor Cost and Professional Fees for Installing a Septic System in a Modular Home

The number of excavators licensed in the area and how busy they are will have a huge affect on septic system costs. The strictness of rules of local health in the design of systems and the toughness of the installer’s test can encourage or discourage the number of contractors competing for the construction of systems. Excavators are already mobile and they can enter a market area looking for better prospects. Hungry new excavators in an area can drive down prices and put pressure on established contractors to lower rates.

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

Modular Home Preparation: Installing of Septic System in a Modular Home

Posted by Legendary Homes on July 23, 2014 in Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

In the construction of a modular home, among the first things to be installed is the septic system. According to Wikipedia, a septic system is a small-scale sewage treatment system common in areas with no connection to main sewage pipes provided by local governments or private corporations. You need to have a septic system installed if your property does not have a public sewer. In modular home construction, it is usually a private one.

Design of a Septic System in a Modular Home

A septic system is built according to a set of engineered plans, called a septic design. This septic design is drawn by a licensed sanitarian or engineer. The septic design is based upon the results of a perc test which would prompt you as the lot buyer to check the perc test results from the seller. You need to verify whether the results are still valid or have not expired. Do not purchase the lot if the perc test is valid or until the test is completed. The expense of buying a lot without a valid perc test can be huge. You may not build your modular home. The expense for a perc test is almost always borne by the seller.

When buying land for a modular home that requires a septic system, be aware of the design. A licensed sanitary officer or engineer will present the design to you and discuss the rules and regulations and how they will get the permit for it.

Size of Septic System in a Modular Home

The work needed to install a septic system often depend on the size of the system. The bigger the tank, the more the work will be because that means more digging and preparation for the tank.

Preparation of Septic System in a Modular Home

The preparation starts with clearing of the lot, then excavation. The amount of digging requires a lot of work when the system is large and complex. The installation of septic system in a modular home usually requires a fair amount of excavation. It can also affect your landscaping design, so be aware of this beforehand.

Building Permit for Septic System in a Modular Home

Septic system for a modular home needs to have a permit. A licensed sanitarian or engineer will be the person to procure the permit from the town office. The policy or prohibitions in the building permit of a septic system will depend on its location and the complexity of the installation process.

Cost of of Septic System in a Modular Home

Installation costs for septic system of a modular home vary significantly. The cost depends on the soil conditions of the lot, perc rates, and the complexity of the designs. If the septic design requires many truckloads of additional fill, the costs can increase by thousands of dollars. Fortunately, if you hire an experienced subcontractor you can have a reasonable estimate of the cost of installing a septic system in your modular home before you buy the land.

Labor Cost of Septic System in a Modular Home

Labor cost is an essential thing to remember when considering the price of having a septic system. Labor is often expensive, and usually higher than the tank itself. Working with a professional will certainly increase the cost to install a septic tank but is absolutely necessary to ensure that everything is correctly installed. In building the modular home, septic tank installation is a complicated process and one that could lead to a lot of damage and extremely pricey repairs if done incorrectly.

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

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Legendary Homes Inc
10197 S Meridian Rd US 127
Clarklake, Mi 49234
(517)206-2435
http://LegendaryHomesInc.com
Todd_Rutledge@LegendaryHomesInc.com

Located in Jackson County Michigan