Modular vs Stick Built in Connecticut?

Question

I want to build a home in Connecticut but real estate is so expensive that I am considering a modular or pre-fab (not a trailer) vs stick built. Has anyone built such a home? What should I look for and ask? Any advice is much appreciated.

Answer 1

the most important thing that i've seen with the mod. houses is the crappy workmanship of the installers. lived in w.htfd. and saw some funny things on the one put in next door. you have to watch who is overseeing the install for ya. the site workers didn't make the basement knee walls to a size that matched the presided upper part of the house. they didn't put plywood on the ends of the attic, it was some sort of foiled cardboard. in granby now, have friends that have a three story mod. placed on a foundation, it appears better. they have had to replace the front doors as they weren't sealed to the plate and got water damage. the worst was the place next door to my moms place down in westerly ri. the people had a 2nd floor mod dropped on to the existing 1st floor home. the the original framing needed to be beefed up to hold the 2nd story. what a mess of a job the installers did, it looks like they used up all of the scrap plywood they could find. the new owner is fixing an awful lot of stuff and will need new siding when it's done. i think stick is the way to go. the worst that you will likely run into there is settling. and if that worries you buy existing and remodel. i think either of these options are overseen by the town building inspectors better. the houses that i've seen going up here in granby, anyways. btw, i've worked on all of these homes i've been telling you about, that's how i know. also, granby is a great little town if you're in the htfd. market. good luck, and hope i was of some help.

Answer 2

there are many modular home manufactures and you can even get them in 2- story designs. modern quality modular homes are less expensive per square foot and they are built to tighter tolerances than stick homes.i know that some really good quality manufactures are located in Texas and Indiana. i would research under "modular home manufacturers" or dealers on-line for styles and layouts. because they have higher tolerances they are usually more energy efficient. even the less expensive ones.but their are still the set up costs for foundations and utilities. some manufactures or their dealers put together a total package for you. the info is free and could save you thousands.