Conventional built vs. Modular built - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

D.A.S.Anthony · 03-01-2009, 11:16 AM

I have now been searching the forums for hours as to not repeat information about this topic but I just cannot get an exact answer on this subject.

Obviously this is going to reflect some strong opinions from one side or the other but I need help from both sides. I truly want to hear from the mod builders too on how thier build will be better than mine.

HERE IS WHAT I HAVE BEEN DEALT WITH.....

An architect says to me last week I am in direct competition with a modular home company for construction of a new home. The client loves my company and the modular home company so the decision she has to make is only.... modular or conventional built.

Can we please keep this point in mind when answering, I need to re-pitch this HO next week about the differences in construction and why my custom built 5000sq ft house will be better than the competitions. Remember I need to sell product vs. product not company vs. company.

A few facts to help your answers. This house was designed by a outside architect intended to be stick built.

it includes:

-2 story stone venner
-cedar roof with open copper valleys - 2 chimneys 4 fireboxes
-marvin integrity's
-4 bed/ 4 1/2 baths,
-marble tile and cherry floors
-3 car garage
-complete build from foundation.
-3 total stories
-top of the line finishes. construction budget is est 1.3 mil hard cost.

So, pitch away....

tcleve4911 · 03-01-2009, 11:27 AM

How about a combination of the two?

Sounds like the finishes are the main differences.

You can order a modular done to the point where you take over.

Speeds up some of the framing process and, if you're building in the winter/spring, your quality control is better.

Just a thought.

macatawacab · 03-01-2009, 11:38 AM

I did several mod homes three years ago in MI. I am a believer in them and saw some million dollar homes in E Lansing that were mod and owners loved them. So I am not anti mod. We are talking Boca not HUD.

I found I could site build cheaper by about 5 to $ 10sqft than mod. Factor in transport, taxes (MI taxes everything), crane, and set crew and I could beat the price and make profit. I was buying from IBS in Indiana and they came up to argue the point with me because I bought 5 from them then stopped. Numbers are what they are and I stick build only right now.

Talking point # 1 price = you should be able to beat
Talking point # 2 schedule = mod is faster. 6 weeks lead time on order and 4 to 6 weeks finish. Tough to stick build to punch list in 12 weeks.
Talking point # 3 features = you have the advantage. you can walk the HO thru at framing and confirm lights, switches, cable, closet,etc. No can do with Mod unless factory allows and that is rare.
Talking point #4 customization = you can do this and there are always constraints in a factory. IBS allowed me to draw my own floor plans and elevations but there are constraints in the mod manufacturing. this may not be applicable in your situation since the plan is done and I guess the mod house can be done to meet the plan. but here is where salesmanship on your part can analyze the print and you suggest something the mod house can't do.
Talking point # 5 subcontractors = you use local subs and can give the HO their names and years from now HO can call for repair or additional work. Can't do this with mods.

I'm sure other people will come up with more things than this.

Good luck. Hope you get the job

**loneframer** · 03-01-2009, 11:46 AM

I would sell them on the ability to be involved step by step, allowing for more personal input along the way. Most homeowners need to see it before making decisions on switch locations and soforth. I'm not a big fan of huge jambs in doorways between modules either, just a personal taste thing, I'm sure just as many people like the feeling of mass.

D.A.S.Anthony · 03-01-2009, 02:57 PM

Great points so far! Nothing from the modular builders? I am really interested in knowing how custom a modular builder can get the house according to drawings not intended for a modular home.

Can you get the exact room dimensions that an arch has speced? I really have no experience with mods and the last I heard and from what I have seen, when you butt 2 "boxes together you will get a thicker threshold , or thicker wall between two rooms. Does this always ring true?

I am thinking if a arch specs a room 15' wide and that happens to butt the room next to it (different box) with a 4 9/16" doorway that saomthing has to give.

**loneframer** · 03-01-2009, 03:10 PM

Stairway runs would need to change also, every modular I have seen with 2 floors had a 2x spacer between ceiling and second floor, for a total of 18" of floor thickness, adding at least 1 more tread/rise.

The only benefit I see is possibly reducing framing time, maybe. With high end finishes inside and out, I cant see partially installing any of them.My vote is definitely built on site. What is the turnaround time for a one off custom modular? Also consider your local economy, where does the modular ship from? If there are second floor baths, how much on site tying in needs to be done? To me I think there are too many variables, especially with a 5000 sq. ft. custom.

macatawacab · 03-01-2009, 03:10 PM

You can get exact room dimensions But that depends on the factory. Out of 8 I visited only 2 offered customization and only when I put out that I was signing on for several units right then.

I did not experience the "thicker" jamb on my homes.

I don't expect you to hear from "Mod Builders". There are factories and then there are the assemblers. The assemblers are not really builders and rarely employed by the manufacturer for liability and risk management issues.

Bender · 03-01-2009, 04:14 PM

Just a painters humble two cents...
I'm not sure I have ever seen a 20 year old Mod in as good shape as a 20 year old stick built. I'm thinking lower end though and not 5000 SF customs.

rbsremodeling · 03-01-2009, 04:18 PM

The day it came down to someone building a modular home and it being in competition to me building a custom home. Especially a house with a 1mil plus budget, is the day I pull the trigger.

I know that didn't help

D.A.S.Anthony · 03-01-2009, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbsremodeling

The day it came down to someone building a modular home and it being in competition to me building a custom home. Especially a house with a 1mil plus budget, is the day I pull the trigger.

I know that didn't help

Yeah it is not good. That is what I am up against right now though. Actually it is not the economy as much as it is the type of HO's I deal with. There is always something new, something different to work with each day. It is why I love and hate my clientele. They are some of the greatest, wealthiest, affluent, customers in all of the US. With that said, they can be a real pain in my arse.

rbsremodeling · 03-01-2009, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D.A.S.Anthony

Yeah it is not good. That is what I am up against right now though. Actually it is not the economy as much as it is the type of HO's I deal with. There is always something new, something different to work with each day. It is why I love and hate my clientele. They are some of the greatest, wealthiest, affluent, customers in all of the US. With that said, they can be a real pain in my arse.

I would act insulted.

Tell them if they want a cookie cutter template that everyone has do modular.

If you want the pieces of crap you read about on the news that falls apart in 2 years get you a modular

I am a craftsman

I build the Picasso of homes that you and your family can see and enjoy the craftsmanship in every detail I put in your home for years to come.

There is not a kit or a template for craftsmanship

Beauty is an original it has no template, it can't be boxed up and shipped here from a plant, there is no substitute for craftsmanship.

I am a builder Damn IT

seifconst · 03-01-2009, 05:34 PM

Has the HO researched the difference between mod and custom? Or are they simply basing their decision upon costs? In addition to the above mentioned [all very good points] I would point out the fact that with a custom build, changes to the plans are more easily accomodated. I've yet to be on a job where something hasn't changed. This should make the HO feel more comfortable knowing that all decisions and every aspect of the plan doesn't have to be made up front.
How's your warranty for post construction? I'd have a hard time believing that you can not warrant a home better than a modular home.

Modulars around these parts are nothing short of junk, course I've yet to experience one of this size. Most of them are 1200-2200 SF. The ones around here don't even need to following local electrical code. Can give examples if need be, but don't want to side step the topic. Point is, I would sell them on your quality of work and the warranty once you hand over the keys. (give specific examples of what you do that they don't or can't). Good luck and I hope you are offered the job. Seif

D.A.S.Anthony · 03-02-2009, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seifconst

Has the HO researched the difference between mod and custom? Or are they simply basing their decision upon costs? In addition to the above mentioned [all very good points] I would point out the fact that with a custom build, changes to the plans are more easily accomodated. I've yet to be on a job where something hasn't changed. This should make the HO feel more comfortable knowing that all decisions and every aspect of the plan doesn't have to be made up front.
How's your warranty for post construction? I'd have a hard time believing that you can not warrant a home better than a modular home.

Modulars around these parts are nothing short of junk, course I've yet to experience one of this size. Most of them are 1200-2200 SF. The ones around here don't even need to following local electrical code. Can give examples if need be, but don't want to side step the topic. Point is, I would sell them on your quality of work and the warranty once you hand over the keys. (give specific examples of what you do that they don't or can't). Good luck and I hope you are offered the job. Seif

As far as I know NO! The Ho is letting us, myself and the mod builder do that for her. That is why I wanted to try and come up with the most points I could against the mod style of building.

Also, the thing a few people mntioned here is it is not a cookie cutter house. The mod has to follow the plans from the architect exact!. So whatever was designed will be built by either me or him.

Very good points here so far. THanks