Are Modular Homes Safe?

The safety features and advantages of modular homes make them a reliable housing option. At Preferred Homes, we’re experts in creating safe, modern modular homes for West Michigan residents.

What Makes Modular Homes Safe?

There are a number of factors that make modular homes a safe and viable alternative to traditionally built homes. Here are just a few of these features:

• Constructed in a climate-controlled environment: Modular homes are built within a controlled factory setting, protecting the construction process from external weather conditions. This controlled environment ensures consistent quality and reduces the risk of damage during construction.
• Extremely durable: Modular homes are built to be shipped on carriers. Once at the installation site, the modular home is removed from the carrier by a crane and placed on a foundation. To withstand this process, modular homes are built in a way that enhances the overall safety of the home.
• Assembled on site: While modules of the home are prefabricated in the factory, they are assembled on site by skilled professionals. This on-site assembly ensures that all components are properly integrated and securely fastened, further enhancing the safety of the structure.
• Rigorous inspection requirements: Modular homes undergo continuous inspections to meet the standards set by the State of Michigan Residential Building Code. Each home is engineered and inspected to meet wind safety standards and energy efficiency requirements, ensuring compliance with the highest safety standards.
• Placed on a permanent foundation: Modular homes are placed on a permanent foundation, offering stability and structural integrity similar to traditionally built homes. This foundation ensures long-term safety and minimizes the risk of shifting or settling.
• Area-specific building codes: Modular homes adhere to local building and zoning codes, ensuring they meet or exceed the safety standards of traditionally built homes. By following these codes, modular homes are designed to withstand regional weather conditions and other environmental factors, making them as safe as or even safer than traditionally constructed homes.
• High-quality materials & expert craftsmanship: Preferred Homes utilizes high-quality materials and employs experienced craftsmen who pay meticulous attention to detail. This commitment to quality ensures that modular homes are built to the highest safety standards, providing homeowners with a secure and reliable living space.

Modular Home Building Process

There are a few stages to the modular home building process that ensure that each modular home is held to the highest safety standards. 

Design Discussions

During the design phase of a modular home, homeowners have the opportunity to collaborate closely with experts. This collaborative process ensures that the final design aligns with the homeowner’s preferences, specific needs, and lifestyle. 

This approach not only allows for personalization but also ensures that the design meets safety requirements and regulatory standards. Design experts provide guidance and expertise to ensure that the modular home design is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, providing homeowners with a safe and tailored living space.

Factory Prefabrication

In the controlled environment of the factory, modules of the modular home are meticulously constructed and finished with precision. Skilled craftsmen and technicians carry out the construction process, following strict quality control measures to ensure that each module meets rigorous safety standards. 

Through precise manufacturing techniques and quality inspections, the factory prefabrication ensures that every module is built to exact specifications and meets the highest safety standards. This meticulous attention to detail guarantees that the modules are structurally sound and ready for transportation to the site.

Module Delivery

Once the prefabricated modules are completed in the factory, they are transported to the site using specialized equipment and vehicles designed for the safe transportation of modular components. 

The transportation process is executed with utmost care to protect the modules from potential damage during transit. Measures are taken to secure the modules in place and minimize any movement or shifting that could compromise their structural integrity. 

By ensuring a safe and controlled delivery process, the modules maintain their structural integrity and arrive at the site ready for assembly.

On-Site Assembly

At the construction site, professional builders and technicians skillfully assemble the prefabricated modules to create a complete, safe, functional home. Additionally, utilities such as plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems are installed and interconnected, ensuring the home’s functionality and safety. 

Throughout the on-site assembly, thorough inspections are conducted to verify that all components are properly installed, meeting safety standards and regulatory requirements. The expertise of the assembly team ensures that the modules are seamlessly integrated, resulting in a structurally sound and secure modular home for homeowners.

Find Modular Homes for Sale Near You

Ready to explore modular homes for sale in your area? Contact Preferred Homes to find the ideal modular home that suits your requirements and provides a safe living environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are Modular Homes Safe in a Tornado?

Modular homes are designed to meet or exceed wind safety standards set by the State of Michigan Residential Building Code. When installed on a permanent foundation, modular homes can provide a safe shelter during severe weather conditions, including tornadoes. In fact, FEMA has stated that modular homes are a safer alternative to traditionally built homes, noting that they “performed much better than conventional residential framing.”

Are Modular Homes a Good Investment?

Modular homes offer excellent value for investment. They are built with high-quality materials, adhere to building codes, and provide long-term durability. Modular homes also offer flexibility, customization options, and energy efficiency, making them a sound investment choice.

What Building Codes Do Modular Homes Adhere to?

Modular homes adhere to local building and zoning codes specific to the region where they are installed. By following these codes, modular homes ensure compliance with safety and structural standards. In Michigan, modular homes are held to the same standard as site-built homes and must also meet the State of Michigan Residential Building Code.

Are Manufactured Homes Safe?

Yes! In fact, these homes provide a safe and comfortable living environment, offering a variety of floor plans and features to suit individual preferences. Preferred Homes also offers manufactured homes, which undergo rigorous quality inspections and adhere to safety standards. 

What Are the Benefits of Modular Homes?

Modular homes provide numerous benefits, including design flexibility, shorter construction timelines, cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency, and high-quality craftsmanship. They offer homeowners the opportunity to customize their living space while enjoying the safety and reliability of a well-constructed home.