Modular Home Construction FAQ's
Thanks For Asking
We love to answer questions about our system built modular homes as it gives us the opportunity to describe the very important differences between Stratford Homes® and other building methods.
Q: What’s a “mod?”
A: Mod is short for module, one section of a home about the size of a large semi-tractor trailer.
Q: Is modular construction what makes a Stratford Home® different?
A: Stratford Homes® uses a systems-built approach, and modular construction is an important part of this. However, modular construction is just the beginning.
Other aspects of the Stratford Homes® system include the consistent high level of quality and follow-through achieved by our team of expert craftspeople. Each task is performed without cutting corners. The pride and care of our employees is evident in the elements that you can’t readily see, but which make a big difference in the lasting value of your home over time.
Our process ensures you receive excellent value for your investment. Every step of construction adds value to the finished product, from design through material selection and continuing with Stratford Homes’® solid warranty protection.
Q: How are Stratford Homes’® modular designs different from the modular homes of years ago?
A: Modular homes started as an economical alternative to "stick-built" homes. They were limited in their design for economic and delivery constraints, making for an uninspired "box-like" home.
Today, Stratford Homes® proudly offers a broad selection of unique plans, the ability to customize your home, while maintaining the modular homes economical appeal. Visit our E-Cataloge of Homes to see the amazing variety of homes Stratford® has available for you today.
Q: What’s the difference between a stick-built and a modular home?
A: The term “stick-built” is often taken to mean construction “from scratch” at a job site. The term became popular when panelized construction – a method which uses pre-built wall sections – came into frequent use. Modular homes are partially built in large sections that are delivered to the job site, connected, and finished. Because of the way Stratford Homes® builds its modules in the factory, you could consider the mods themselves to be “stick-built.”
Q: Can I see my home while it’s under construction?
A: Yes, by all means! We invite you to visit our indoor, climate-controlled manufacturing facilities to get an exciting look at your home during construction. You’ll see how Stratford Homes’® highly engineered method of producing a home’s structural modules incorporates many valuable improvements compared to less-advanced alternatives.
Each module of a house is “stick-built” at stations by highly qualified trades people with methods, materials, quality control standards, and independent code inspections that, as a rule, far exceed the building codes of the home’s final location.
Modules are built at our construction facilities, rather than at the job site. This reduces problems with weather delays, sub-contractor no-shows, and damaged or missing materials. One thing you won’t have to do is visit your site late at night or on the weekend to, “make sure everything is okay.”
Q: What happens between the time my home leaves the manufacturing facility and move-in day?
A: When your home’s modules are complete, they are tightly weather-wrapped for delivery to the building site. Site contractors will have already fully prepared the grounds and foundation of your home for arrival and assembly of the modules. You can watch as a huge crane lifts each module into position upon your foundation. When all modules are in place, your builder will complete or coordinate all necessary finishing work.
Q: How long will the entire process of building a Stratford Home® take?
A: It really depends on the type of home you have selected. Construction lead times also vary seasonally. Typically the process takes about 4 months. Once you have chosen the home you wish to build and have made your deposit, the process begins. Your home will be scheduled for construction in our facilities and delivered to your site. At the same time, building permits are being purchased, site preparations are being made and the foundation is prepared. After the home is placed on the foundation, the finish work is coordinated.
Q: How many designs can I choose from?
A: Stratford Homes® offers 45 basic home plans and designs – but easy customization makes your options virtually unlimited. You can even provide your own floor plan for consideration.
Q: How do I add a garage, basement, or deck?
A: These and other features are constructed on site by Stratford Home Center.