Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we hear.   

Q:    What is a building system?
A:    Simply put, a building system is a highly engineered method of producing buildings or  building components in an efficient and cost effective manner.  The use of building systems is common in many different types of residential and commercial construction.  A modular home is the culmination of one type of building system.  Modular homes actually begin as components; designed, engineered and assembled in the controlled environment of a modern factory sometimes hundreds of miles away from their final destination.  it is when these components come together on your building site and the final finish is completed by your builder, that the components become a home for you and your family.

Q:    Tell me more about the modular home construction process.
A:    Today's modular systems are models of efficiency and quality assurance.  The building process begins as the design phase.  Most modular producers use state of the art computer assisted design stations which aid them in customizing floor plans and producing drawings and material requirement lists.  Once designed, the building process begins.  This process is similar to what you've seen during the construction of houses in your neighborhood.  The quality materials and care for detail, and the same building codes and standards are observed.  So what's the difference?  Efficiency and quality control!  Efficiency begins with modern factory assembly line techniques.  Your home travels to workstations, with all the building trades represented.  Work is never delayed by weather, subcontractor no-shows or missing material.  Quality engineered and modular construction techniques significantly increase the energy efficiency of your modular home.  A quality control process provides 100% assurance that your home has been inspected for code compliance and workmanship.  In-plant inspectors as well as independent inspection agencies inspect the home on behalf of your state and local government.

Q:    How long does it take to build a modular home?
A:    Speed and consistent quality are two of the many advantages for choosing modular components for your new home.  On the average, a home consisting of two modules will be factory produced in six or seven days.  Once the manufacturing process is complete, typically with interior finish right down to carpets and wall finish, the unit must be transferred to the building site and placed on its foundation.  Final completion is handled by the local builder/representative and includes connection of utilities to the home and a short list of finish items.  Normally the home is completed in two to three weeks.  If additional site work is involved, for instance a garage, deck, porch, etc., additional time is added to the estimated completion time.

Q:    I get confused when I see the terms "manufactured home" and "modular home".  What's the difference?
A:    Manufactured homes, sometimes referred to as mobile homes or double-wides, are another type of building system are are constructed to a different building standard.  This standard, the Federal Construction Safety Standards Act (HUD/CODE), unlike conventional building codes, requires manufactured homes to be constructed on a non-removable steel chassis.  Many communities have restrictions on where manufactured homes can be located.  Modular and site-built homes on the other hand, are constructed to the same building code required by your state, county and specific locality and therefore are not restricted by building or zoning regulations.  Your new modular home is inspected at the assembly plant during each phase of construction.  Evidence of this inspection is normally shown by the application of the State or inspection agency label of approval.

Q:    What do modular homes look like?
A:    Modular homes look like any other home.  Today's building technology has allowed modular manufacturers to build most any style of home from a simple ranch to a highly customized contemporary.  And, it doesn't stop with houses.  Modular producers are busy building banks, schools, office buildings, motels and hotels.  Chances are you've been in many modular structures and probably never realized it.

Q:    Can I make changes to the floor plans instead of using a standard plan?
A:    Yes.  We offer two series of homes.  Our freedom series allows for minimal customization of the home design.  Our custom series is so named because is allows the home owner to make a great many modifications to the plans that are available.  What changes do you wish to make?  Chances are, we can do it!

Q:    I know that modular homes are built to the same codes as site-built homes, but is financing any different?
A:    There is no distinction between modular homes and site-built homes as far as appraisal or financing.  Banks and lending institutions treat both types of construction the same.  Likewise, there is no difference in insuring the modular home either.

Q:    What are the benefits of modular homes?
A:    They are many, including:  highly engineered, constructed in a climate controlled environment, efficient building process and material usage, energy efficient, in-plant inspections, consistent quality, speed of construction, and design flexibility, to name a few.

Q:    What are the cost comparison's between modular homes and site-built homes?
A:    When you add up all the labor, material and time savings inherent in the modular building process, you will find that the price of a modular home is generally lower than a traditionally built home of comparable size.  And you will keep saving money year after year, as the energy efficiency of your home keeps your heating and cooling bills low.

Q:    How do I determine whether I should choose a modular home or a site-built home?
A:    We suggest you first determine the size and style of the home you wish to build.  Second, compare the materials and building specifications.  Many standard modular features (2x6 exterior walls, 200 amp electrical service, garden tubs) are considered upgrades in site-built homes.  And finally, compare the price.  Comparing apples to apples, a modular home may cost as much as tens of thousands of dollars less than the same design being site-built.

Q: What is an allowance?  How does it work?
A:    When pricing a home we set up "allowances" to cover the cost of certain aspects of the home.  This is done when the exact cost of an item is unknown and/or dependent upon the customer.  For example, since we do not know the depth of a well on any given lot, we include an allowance for the well in the total price.  Let's use $3,000 for our example.  Now, if the well costs $2,500, that leaves an extra $500 of the allowance that can be applied to another aspect of the construction.  If the well costs $3,500, then there is an additional $500 which must be added to the total price of the home.

Q:    How do I contact Henley Builders and get started on my new home?
A:    You can contact us by phone at (231) 861-5480 or email us at henleys@coslink.net.  We have customer packages available with floor plans and building information.  If you have a bank or lender that you will be dealing with to finance your new home, be sure to have them pre-qualify you.  This will determine what budget amount you have to use for your new home.  If you don't have a lender in mind, we will be happy to recommend one to you.  If you already own the property you will be building on, gather any information about covenants, restrictions, etc. that may impact the home you build.  If you don't own property and need assistance finding a homesite, we can help you with that too!