Problems of Using Precast Concrete And Ways to Avoid Them

Posted by Legendary Homes on March 16, 2015 in Insulated Pre-Cast Foundations, Jackson with No Comments Yet

The use of precast concrete can provide an economical and attractive method to build a modular home. But there are different forms of issues associated with its use and installation.

Problems with Precast Concrete

Problems with precast concrete modular homes are most often related to differential movement of wall panels and foundations and the way they are absorbed or articulated by the structure. Precast concrete can also produce an incomplete sealing between foundation sections, leading to water entry.

Excessive spanning of areas by precast concrete foundation sections with no fill and no footing at all may lead to future water entry, floor slab settlement, or in severe cases, foundation movement. Corrosion and deterioration of metal components, such as structural connections and metal wall framing can be obtained with precast concrete.

Solutions to Avoid Precast Concrete Issues

An effective solution to avoid this problem is choosing a contractor or modular home builder who works with precast manufacturers. See to it that the contractor is working with an authorized manufacturer since only authorize plants regulates quality precast concrete.

Problems with the installation or assembly of precast concrete are prevented if the construction team has trusted workers. The transportation, handling, and assembly are done properly by trained workers, leaving costly delays or issues at bay.

As a home owner, you have to monitor how the modular construction team works during the on- site work so that you are satisfied that the precast concrete walls are hoisted or connected properly. You should also make use of the third party inspectors who are stringent in checking each step of the process. They ensure that everything falls within the precast standards and HUD Code rules.

In case you still have questions 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, Precast Concrete

Cost of Precast Concrete in Jackson, Michigan

Posted by Legendary Homes on March 11, 2015 in Jackson, Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

Precast concrete has a competitive cost, particularly when costs are examined as an assembly that includes footings and sub-slab drainage. Its initial and total cost is dependent with your manufacturer and the size of your modular home.

Initial Cost of Precast Concrete

Priced in the $55 – $65 range per linear foot of wall, precast systems are competitive with other foundation walls, particularly when costs are examined as an assembly that includes footings and sub-slab drainage. Precast concrete walls can be installed quickly in any weather. Because the concrete is cured in the factory, precast foundations can be backfilled as soon as the slab is placed and first floor bracing is in place, enhancing jobsite safety and site accessibility.

Total Cost of Precast Concrete

Precast foundation walls are relatively maintenance free. Regular maintenance of eave gutters and grade and plantings around foundation to assure that water is not ponding adjacent to the wall is required of any foundation system.

Savings from Precast Concrete

Precast is the material of choice for modular homes in Michigan. This is because it provides big savings during construction, especially during transportation. Traditionally, to cast in place concrete might require a crew of 25 carpenters or 20 laborers and a few months of false work. Then add a fleet of concrete trucks, pumps, cement masons, and traffic control details to get the construction completed.

Contrast this high cost scenario, having all concrete components cast off site in factory is beneficial. Instead of having longer construction time, trailers of precast and a small crew with heavy lift cranes accomplishes the work in a fraction of the time, generating huge dollar savings.

In case you still have questions 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, Precast Concrete

What is Precast Concrete?

Posted by Legendary Homes on March 9, 2015 in Insulated Pre-Cast Foundations, Jackson, Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

Manufacturers and builders are keeping up to produce sturdy and durable modular homes in Michigan that they make use of precast concrete.

According to Wikipedia, precast concrete is a construction tool that is made from concrete, which is molded into desired form and is cured in a controlled environment. Once the concrete is cured, it is transported to the construction site and assembled by the construction team.

Precast concrete are produced or manufactured by authorized precast producers or plants. In America, many states are requiring these precast plants to be certified by the National Precast Concrete Association or Architectural Precast Association. The certification ensures that the manufacturing plant follows the standards of producing quality precast products.

Advantages of Precast Concrete

In Michigan, modular home builders are utilizing precast concrete because of its benefits.

Precast products are known to have quality features. Manufacturers of precast see to it that their product meets the protocols or standards of the regulating body. Quality control team is also present to check the concrete from start to the end of the process.

Because of precast concrete, construction time is reduced into half. Building a modular home in Michigan is faster than the stick- built house because the team doesn’t have to wait for the concrete to cure. They will just assemble the delivered precast concrete and apply necessary finishes to the modular home. The on- site construction can be achieved within two to three days with precast system.

The reduced construction time spent with the utilization of precast concrete is converted into savings. The home owners will not worry on the labor fees per day with precast concrete. Builders will also be comforted because costly construction delays are prevented. Additionally, precast concrete makes a modular home energy efficient, which then give savings on monthly electric bill.

In case you still have questions about modular homes and precast concrete, 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, Precast Concrete

Planning the Modular Home Floor Plan Based in Land Area

Posted by Legendary Homes on February 28, 2015 in Jackson, Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

One of the important things in modular construction is your land. You cannot plan or design a modular home floor plan if you do not understand the location and landscape of your land. For this reason, planning and designing your modular home must be correlated with your land area and its topography.

Choosing a Modular Home’s Site

Sometimes, as a home buyer, you have chosen a floor plan first before considering the land. Often this can bring issues, so it is advised that you must select or have your land assessed prior to planning the modular home floor plan.

When searching or buying for land, do not select the land with clay soil. Construction of foundation would be difficult and could shrink your modular home in the long run.

Topography of Land vs. Modular Home Floor Plan

Slopes are often found to be a challenge in modular construction. They can modify the standard floor plan and can make the construction longer. Clean up or excavation will be done to the land’s elevation or gradient to place a sturdy and solid foundation may cost you.

To prevent this, hire a trusted and experienced general contractor or home builder. Our experienced contractor in Jackson, Michigan makes planning, designing and building prefab homes possible.

In case you still have questions 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 Floor Plan

Are Custom Modular Home Floor Plans A Reality?

Posted by Legendary Homes on February 26, 2015 in Jackson, Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

There are many manufacturers providing 100% custom designed modular home floor plans. Some of them don’t even offer pre- designed floor plans anymore. If you look at their photo galleries of completed custom modular homes you will be surprised that the floor plans can be modified to your taste or needs.

Common Modular Home Floor Plans Customization Options

Even the smallest factory will allow for some modular home customization. The most common customization options are the external siding, windows and flooring. For the external siding, you will probably have options including vinyl siding, aluminum siding and maybe even a brick exterior. Of course, if you choose brick that will probably be added after the home has been delivered to the construction site. The window placement can normally be adjusted and you can also choose what types of windows are used. You can usually pick the type of flooring, whether it is hardwood or carpeting. Even if you go with these minimal customization options don’t worry. Modular home providers usually have many different pre- designed homes for you to choose from. These are not cookie cutter mobile homes; these are attractive modular homes that are intended to blend in with stick-built homes.

The full customization capability has even started a new category in modular home construction, the modular mansions. Rich people like saving money and also being able to have their dream mansion built several months faster also helps convince them. Some modular home builders have started specializing in $1,000,000+ modular mansions. These custom mansions will use a hybrid of modular construction and stick-built construction to deliver the ultimate result in the fastest time.

100% Custom Designed Modular Homes

We fibbed a little when we said that 100% modular home customization is possible. When talking about customizing a modular home, there are some physical limitations. For example it is impossible for a modular home to have a 70 foot wide open space. The home does need to have load bearing walls that keep the roof above your head. These load bearing walls cannot be spaced that far apart. But other than extreme design requests everything can be accommodating by today’s custom modular home providers.

The manufacturers in Michigan that are offering 100% custom modular homes will let you change just about anything. You can change the number of floors in the home. You can change the placement of the walls. If you want a two story home with a brick exterior and have all the bedroom window designs installed – you can.

In case you still have questions 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 Floor Plan

Mistakes in Modular Home Construction and Easy Ways to Avoid Them

Posted by Legendary Homes on February 23, 2015 in Construction Company, Jackson, Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

In a modular home construction process, you cannot help but make mistakes. These pitfalls are usually minor ones and can be avoided by applying certain techniques.

Hiring a Wrong Modular Home Company

It is inevitable that you will work with the incorrect modular home company. Often this mistake is initiated by the immediate need of a home. You should not hire the first modular company you saw because you are ‘encouraged’ by their work and price. Be a wise home buyer. Search for three to five companies and compare their offers on modular home construction. The company with excellent credentials and bids diligently must be your choice.

Choosing a Contractor Based on Low Price Deal

Modular homes are not always constructed on lesser cost. Do not be afraid to ask what is included in the price. If the presented cost only includes the modular home, then you must price out the home preparation work. The entire modular home construction cost should also include the excavation, septic system, foundation, electrical, mechanical, permits, well, and other necessary prerequisites before you take delivery of your home. Review everything on the list so that your home will be built to the quality level you expect and includes all the necessary items to complete your project.

You Do Not Forsee the Landscaping Fees

Modular homes need to be installed on cleared lots. This requires homeowners to remove any grass, debris and trees before a module can be brought in. Not doing this beforehand can delay installation or cause construction crews to work overtime due to obstacles. Be smart and make informed decisions concerning the cost of landscaping vs. the extra cost of setting the home if you have not properly cleared the building lot. It will often be cheaper and more attractive to clear the land and then paying a landscaper to replace any lost grass and shrubbery.

In case you still have questions 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 Construction

The Bright Side of Energy Efficient Modular Home Construction in Jackson, Michigan

Posted by Legendary Homes on February 22, 2015 in Construction Company, Jackson, Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

We always look forward to the bright side of everything, and modular home construction is included.

Modular construction is realized to give energy efficient homes to the people of Jackson, MI. It is a process by which many have invested. The building process of a modular home is controlled to meet efficiency standards and bring positive outlook to the modular market.

Legendary Homes Inc. of southern Michigan has become a premier home builder who continuously promotes and constructs energy efficient modular homes. The following benefits are offered by our efficient homes;

Energy Efficient Modular Home Design Conserves Energy

Each energy efficient modular homes offer a variety of beneficial features, and the first advantage to having one is enjoying the modular home design. Legendary Homes Inc. designs and builds high quality homes that reduce energy consumption. Solar panels and other heating and cooling techniques or advancements are installed with modular homes to meet the energy efficiency standards.

Efficient Modular Homes Reduce Utility Cost

Because of the controlled process and installed insulation, owners of modular homes in Jackson, MI enjoys with the lower monthly costs. The energy consumption each month is lower since heating and cooling techniques are placed with modular home construction.

Energy Efficient Modular Home Construction is Environment- Friendly

Environmentally minded individuals will be pleased to know that the method in which we build our homes minimizes building waste and utilizes sustainable construction materials. Pre-built components including trusses and pre-hung doors, allow a more efficient use of raw materials while oriented strand board used to sheathe roofs and walls, is an engineered wood product that comes from fast growth forests.

In case you still have questions 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 Construction

Modular Home Construction in Michigan Provide Big Cost Savings

Posted by Legendary Homes on February 21, 2015 in Construction Company, Jackson, Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

The moment you hear modular home construction, you should think of cost savings. Michigan’s trusted home dealer offers a building process that does not only produce quality modular homes. The modular construction process also gives cost savings to its owners.

A modular home construction present huge cost savings through the following techniques;

Quality Control Throughout the Construction Process

Legendary Homes Inc. in Michigan makes sure that from the beginning of the construction process, a quality and controlled environment is practiced. Each step of the modular building process is meticulously done and inspected following the standards of HUD Code. With the controlled and quality practices executed in the construction process of a modular home, cost savings is attain by the owner.

Bulk Material Purchases

Modular home manufacturers are savvy individuals. They do not buy their materials in retail stores, instead they purchase in bulk. Materials bought in huge masses give more savings not only for the home owner but also for the manufacturers and contractors.

Use of Modern Technology

Because of the contemporary world, lesser force is needed in modular home construction. General contractors no longer hire interior designers or architects to devise the insides of the modular homes. This modern technology lowers the labor costs and thereby giving the home owner comfort from paying the labor fees.

Available Modular Home Floor Plan

With modular home construction, general contractors or home dealers have a ready- made floor plans to present. The available modular home floor plan for Michigan is set to answer the needs of people. It is preset to the standard layout wished by most in Jackson, Michigan. The floor plans create an easy avenue for general contractors and home owners as an architect is no longer needed in designing the floor plan, leaving no labor costs to be paid.

In case you still have questions 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 Construction

The Pros and Cons of Investing in Modular Home Construction in Jackson, Michigan

Posted by Legendary Homes on February 20, 2015 in Jackson, Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

There are lots of misconceptions in investing in modular home construction. Many say the prefab buildings are not as strong as the site- built house. Other profess that modular homes are not modifiable.

To enlighten us, let us go through the advantages and disadvantages of modular home construction in Jackson, Michigan;

There are lots of misconceptions in investing in modular home construction. Many say the prefab buildings are not as strong as the site- built house. Other profess that modular homes are not modifiable.

To enlighten us, let us go through the advantages and disadvantages of modular home construction in Jackson, Michigan;

Modular Home is High Quality

Building standards and vast improvements hone modular homes over the years. The quality of modular home construction and its finish products can be compared to traditional houses. Most of the time, modular homes have higher quality since the standards of construction process follows with innovation, safety, durability, and efficiency.

Modular Home Construction Costs Lesser

For manufacturers that offer standard modular home floor plans, the base price of a modular home typically includes construction, transportation of the modules to the final build site, and setting the home on its foundation. Buyers can tweak a builder’s preset plan — say, you want hardwood floors throughout the home instead of carpet — at additional cost.

It costs significantly less to build a modular home, which results in an instant appreciation when the modular home hits the market. Your home will be worth more the very moment you list it.

Modular Homes Do Not Depreciate in Value

Modular homes are a valuable purchase, and well worth investing in. People assume that modular homes depreciate in value, but this is one of many myths surrounding modular homes. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Just like site-build homes, modular homes can increase in value.

Modular Home Construction Completes Faster

Home modules are constructed and inspected in a factory, where weather won’t delay the process. The modules are then transported to the final building site. It takes about three days to fully assemble those components at the site. Additional site work such as electrical and plumbing hook-ups, driveway paving, final grading of the land and landscaping, and a host of inspections before a certificate of occupancy can be issued, can take several weeks.

Customization is Allowed

If you decide to invest in the bathroom or kitchen of your dreams, there’s nothing that would preclude the reconfiguration of a home simply because it’s a modular build. Prefab homeowners looking to remodel should let their contractor know early on that they have a modular home.

In case you still have questions 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 Construction

What Type of Foundation Suits Modular Home Construction in Jackson, Michigan?

Posted by Legendary Homes on February 19, 2015 in Jackson, Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

Choosing a foundation for your modular home in Jackson, Michigan should be done carefully. You will want to consider the price, construction time, and land when selecting a foundation. The foundation of home is necessary to support the considerable weight of the house and to provide a level surface in which to place the home. A strong, well-built foundation is essential for a sturdy and secure home. This is true whether you are building a traditional or modular home.

Slabs, basements, and crawl spaces are the three main foundation systems used for most houses. Each system has its own unique benefits that make it attractive to homebuilders and homebuyers. When choosing a foundation for your home, you should take time to consider each of your choices.

Concrete Slab as Modular Home Foundation

A concrete slab is simply a flat, concrete pad that is poured directly on the ground. It usually consists of three to five inches of concrete. Because it takes little labor, site preparation, or formwork, a slab is typically the easiest foundation to build. While it is ideal in warmer climates, it has issues in places where the ground freezes in the winter. The freezing may cause the slab to shift, which could be detrimental to the stability of your modular home. Slab foundations are the most affordable option as compared to crawl spaces and basements.

Basement Foundation for Modular Homes

Once a modular home is complete, it can be lifted by a crane and placed on a basement foundation. While a basement is more expensive than a slab, it is a good investment. Many homebuyers appreciate the added living space that can be used for a variety of purposes. Well-constructed basements are usually considered a positive selling point for most buyers. Using durable materials means that your basement will stay comfortable and dry, no matter what the weather is like outside. There are basement options for modular homes that are highly energy efficient. The strong walls are well insulated to maximize energy conservation and prevent unnecessary energy loss through the basement walls. Saving energy is good for your wallet as well as the environment.

Some modular home builders offer poured basement that are completely sealed and insulated from the outside environment. They are designed to protect the area from the elements, including damaging moisture.

Crawl Space for your Modular Home

A crawl space is the area between the ground and the bottom of a house. It is much lower than basement and usually does not allow enough room for an adult to stand upright. While it does not provide livable space like a basement, a crawl space provides support for the house, allowing it to get off of the ground. This is especially important in areas that have damp soil or are prone to termite infestations. With a crawl space, plumbing and ductwork is more easily serviced than with a slab.

In case you still have questions 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 Construction

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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