We’re getting calls left, right, and centre about our new modular homes. In this post we’ll share the most frequently asked questions that hopefully will help you make the decision whether modular is right for you.
Table of Contents
1. Are there any special requirements or permits required on a modular home?
If you’re worried that the process might be more complicated than a traditional home build, good news, it’s not! Modular homes follow the same standard building process as any other home in British Columbia. They are engineered, inspected, and stamped in the factory, making it a streamlined process for getting your home up and running.
When it comes to the site, we’ll have to submit permits like you would with a regular home, get inspections on the footings, foundation works etc. Then all we need is a final occupancy inspection signed off by your local authority, and that’s it! No need to stress about any additional permits or requirements. We make the process quick and easy, so you can start enjoying your new home as soon as possible.
2. What does it cost to buy a modular home?
Starting at $225 per square foot, Cameron modular homes are an incredible value. And the sky’s the limit when it comes to customization options. Want a different flooring or countertop option? No problem! Need a unique color for your walls? We’ve got you covered. And don’t forget about outdoor features like walkways, patios, and driveways – we can take care of those too.
For an immersive experience step inside our show suite and see, touch, and feel the quality of our fixtures, appliances, and closet organizers (none of that flimsy wire racking here!). You can even try a chin-up and see how sturdy our homes truly are. For more detail on the cost of modular homes, check out our post on the true costs of modular vs traditional homes.
3. What’s the process of installing your new modular home?
The process of installing a new modular home is pretty quick and easy.
Firstly, let’s talk about the manufacturing process. Our modular homes are constructed in a factory environment, protected from the elements until they are shipped to the site. The units are shipped out from the factory directly to your lot.
Now, for the installation phase. Your modular home will arrive on the back of a truck which we position as close to the foundation as possible. Most of the time we use a crane to place the modular unit onto the foundation and secure it in place. Our team loves this part of the process!
The installation process can take as little as a week for single units with simple plumbing and electrical work. Double wides can take up to two to four weeks, as we need to connect the two units and complete some trimming, flooring and painting work.
4. Is it possible to customize your modular home?
The answer is a resounding yes.
Let us break it down for you. We offer both modern and traditional versions of all our floor plans. The traditional ones have more classic roof lines style (pitched roofs, also known as gable roofs), while the modern ones come with a standing seam metal sloped roof. You can customize anything from the colours of the windows and doors to the finishing of the siding.
But that’s not all! You can also play around with the placement of the windows and doors, cabinetry, colors, flooring, and fixtures. We have a few stock options, but if you want to get fancy, we can definitely accommodate you.
And when it comes to siteworks, there’s unlimited potential! You can add a hot tub, patios, carports, garages, carriage houses, and much more! There is an infinite number of things that we can do to get you into your dream modular home.
Have you ever seen inside a modular home? Come take a look.
5. Advantages to modular over standard construction?
One of the biggest advantages of modular homes is that they are built in a factory setting, resulting in significantly less waste compared to traditional construction. The controlled environment in the factory also allows for better control over the variables (i.e.: weather impact on materials) associated with the build.
Another huge advantage of modular is when building in rural areas access to trades and materials can be limited, which can be a real challenge. Modular home builders have access to a variety of trades and materials at competitive prices. You can take advantage of our expertise and access to resources, which makes the process much more efficient and cost-effective.
Modular homes are also more environmentally friendly. With less waste and more control over the manufacturing process, we’re able to minimize our impact on the environment while still delivering a quality product.
And lastly,the timeline for building a modular home is also a significant benefit. Construction can begin virtually on the same day that the building permit is submitted, cutting the process time by almost half, and you get to move into your new home much more quickly than you might have thought possible.
Learn more about the big advantages of modular homes over regular construction.
6. Is Modular a Cost effective alternative to standard build?
Is it economical to choose a modular home or a standard stick frame house?
In most instances, the answer is absolutely yes. Modular is more effective especially when building in rural areas or where access to trades is limited.
Modular homes offer better quality as most of the work is done in the factory, allowing for more precise quality control. You can even inspect the home before it leaves the factory, which is a huge bonus.
If you’re looking at building a traditional stick frame house in a rural setting, you’ll have limited access to materials and trades, which of course impacts the longevity, durability, and craftsmanship of your build. We don’t have those problems with modular homes.
What’s not cost effective is when you want to get into a significant amount of customization to the units, or change standard floor plans. This can also impact the Mods ability to be shipped out on the roads. If it’s not possible to meet your expectations, then a single-family home may be a better fit for you. And we can help with that too!
So whether it’s modular or traditional stick built, Cameron can help build you a custom home of your dreams.
7. What is the Difference between a modular home and manufactured home?
Modular homes are held to the same standards as any other house in British Columbia, so you don’t have to worry about any fancy loopholes. They meet the BC building code, and the BC step code ensures they are environmentally friendly, sustainable, and promote healthy air quality. Plus, they are conventionally mortgaged, making the process straightforward.
Manufactured homes (aka: Mobile Homes), on the other hand, are like a glorified RV. They’re built on a steel frame and use cheaper building materials, resulting in that classic wood paneling and slats that shake when you slam the door. They’re financed and insured differently and don’t come close to the quality of a modular home.
Unfortunately we are fighting against the stigma left behind by manufactured homes. Our modular homes are built in a factory setting, which means they are protected from the elements until they are shipped and dropped off at your site with a crane.
Of course, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have and show you the key differences between these two types of homes at our show suite at 1089 Braidwood Road. Also check out our other post for more details where we compare modular vs prefab vs manufactured homes vs tiny home.
8. What’s the Energy Efficiency of Modular Homes?
Firstly, on the topic of energy efficiency in modular homes, it’s important to note that modular homes are held to the same standard as any other house in British Columbia when it comes to the BC building code. In fact, modular homes are built to meet BC step code level three, which is all about environmentally friendly and sustainable practices. This means that your modular home will promote healthy air quality and have a more energy efficient design.
And the best part? It’s much easier to achieve this level of energy efficiency in a modular home. Why? Because we have complete control over the variables and settings during construction, which allows us to really hone in on the process of making your home airtight and sealed up. Plus, we have access to the latest and greatest technologies on the market, so we can incorporate them into your modular home.
Questions about energy efficiency and how it applies to modular homes? Our team of experts can educate you on all sorts of energy-efficient practices and technologies. Don’t settle for a drafty, inefficient house – choose a modular home for an eco-friendly and cost-effective option.
Learn more about energy efficient homes
9. How durable are modular homes?
It’s a common question we get asked, “How durable are modular homes?”
If you think about standard stick frame construction, there are not many variables in the loading of the house. But for modular, these homes are designed in a superior way to withstand the most extreme environments in British Columbia, in relation to seismic and engineering standards, allowing us to place them in virtually any jurisdiction.
Modular homes are designed to be transported down the road, so they can withstand forces that a single-family home would never experience. They are stronger and more durable than traditional homes, thanks to the trademark laminated beams that run from one end to the other. These beams have no seams, providing superior strength for shearing and ensuring long-lasting durability. Learn more about the ins and outs of Modular Homes in our post the Future is Modular.
10. How long does it take to build and deliver a modular home?
And last but not least.
We do our best to give you a realistic timeframe on how long it takes to get your modular home up and running.
When it comes to the manufacturing process, it typically takes around four months to complete the construction of your modular home. This timeline allows for a bit of wiggle room to ensure everything is perfect from engineering through to design. However, this is just the beginning of the process.
While your new modular is in the factory getting manufactured, we need to consider additional factors like building permits, siteworks footing, foundation, and possibly rock pits. Every site is different, so it’s hard to give a definitive timeline for this process.
Once your modular home is on-site, it can take as little as a week to get up and running, but more complex units may take up to a month. During this time, we’ll connect the plumbing and ensure everything is working correctly. Before you know it, you’ll have a brand new home that’s ready to be lived in!
Want to chat Modular?
Cameron’s Modular Homes are available for tours, Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm.
The modular homes show suites are located at 498 Old Island Hwy, Courtenay.
And the Cameron Office HQ: located at 1089 Braidwood Rd, Courtenay.
Give us a call to schedule a tour.
Learn more about our modular homes and to compare the different models
Get in touch with us, let’s have a conversation. Building dream homes is our business and we look forward to working with you. Please connect with a Cameron team member via phone, email, or by popping into our Home Centre showroom in Courtenay.
