Legendary Homes Modular Homes Sales and Service: July 2014

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Modular Home Utilities: What Are the Methods Used in Drilling a Water Well in Michigan?

In the planning phase of the modular home construction, the homeowner decides to have water well drilled within his property. He will seek for a subcontractor to do the work and will discuss what are the factors related drilling a well. Along with the cost, process of drilling a well and getting a permit, the modular home subcontractor will present the methods used in well drilling.

In Michigan, contractors used several different types of drilling methods. Each method is unique to each contractor and varies in different ways. Modular home contractors also used one or two of these methods. In this blog post, we will discuss the common methods used in drilling the water well in areas around the Michigan state.

Methods Used in Drilling a Well for a Modular Home

Rotary Drilling

According to Michigan.gov, rotary drilling is the most popular well drilling method in Michigan. Mud rotary is widely used in the Lower Peninsula where substantial overburden exists, while air rotary rigs are found primarily in the Upper Peninsula and the few high bedrock areas of Lower Michigan.

The principle of rotary drilling is based upon a rotating drill stem made of lengths of drill pipe about 15 feet long. A bit is attached to a heavy stabilizer or drill collar at the end of the column of drill pipe. The extra weight and larger outside diameter of the stabilizer, just above the bit, helps to maintain a straight drill hole. The drill stem is hollow and has a drilling fluid of either mud or air circulating down the drill stem out through the nozzles in the bit and up along the outside of the drill stem. The rotating action of the bit breaks up the material and the drilling fluid carries the cuttings to the surface where they settle out in a mud tank.

Cable Tool Drilling

Cable tool drilling, also known as percussion drilling or spudding, is a widely used well drilling method in Michigan. Michigan has more cable tool rigs than any other type of drilling machine. Some rigs are combination rotary-cable tool, enabling the operator to use the rotary along with the casing driving ability of the cable tool. Although it is a slower drilling method, the cable tool is less costly and simpler to operate than a rotary drill rig and is suitable for most geologic conditions.

Auger Drilling

Other modular home general contractors and subcontractors use the auger drilling method in drilling a water well. The most common type of auger used is the continuous-flight, spiral auger well drilling rigs which are found in those parts of western, central and northern Lower Michigan where sand is the predominant glacial drift material. In some areas, augers are used to drill the upper portion of the well and then the well is completed with the cable tool method. In other areas of the state, augers are used to drill the entire well.

Hand Driving

Driven wells are common in many areas of Michigan, especially around lakes where groundwater may be close to the surface. Simple installation methods and the low cost of materials make them attractive to homeowners or cottage owners who wish to install their own water supplies. However, since the well point and casing are driven into the ground, soil conditions are a major factor in suitability of the site. The site must be generally sandy and free of boulders or bedrock to be suitable for a driven well. Hard clay, silt, and very fine sand are generally difficult to drive through.

Jetting

Jetting is a drilling method suggested to modular home owners in the sandy areas of southwestern Michigan. Jetting remains a popular method for drilling small diameter wells due to its simplicity and inexpensive cost of equipment. Many of the portable, do-it-yourself drilling machines advertised in magazines utilize the jetting method.

Jetting and hollow-rod equipment are quite similar except that drilling water is pumped with the jetting method and the direction of water flow is opposite. The jetting method involves using a high velocity stream of water to break up the formation material and wash the cuttings away.

In case you still have question about modular homes, you may contact Legendary Homes Inc in Jackson, Michigan. A representative will be happy to assist you. Meanwhile you can check our modular home price sheets by signing up to our blog

Topic: Modular Home

Modular Home Utilities: What Are the Methods Used in Drilling a Water Well in Michigan?

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Hiring a Subcontractor for Water Well Drilling within the Modular Home Property

In Michigan, there are lots of subcontractors that can drill a water well within your modular home property. Each subcontractor possesses unique distinctions that often make them stand out from the others. Some offers state- of- the- art equipments a...
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Modular Home Utilities: What Are the Methods Used in Drilling a Water Well in Michigan?

Modular Home Utilities: Difference of Drilling a Well and Connecting to a Public Water Supply

Many modular home owners, in their quest for water, face a choice between drilling a water well on their property or connecting to the local municipal or rural water district. Drilling a well near a modular home is different from connecting to a public water source in many ways.

The advantages and disadvantages to each approach include the following:

Cost of Drilling a Water Well for a Modular Home

Drilling a water well may involve a high initial cost, but the subsequent ongoing expenses, the cost of electricity for pumping the water and maintenance of the system, can be lower. Connecting to a water district also may involve a high initial cost, but it is often less than drilling a well. Subsequent monthly costs for water service can mount quickly if large amounts of water are used. Another important consideration is that a water meter generally improves the resale value of your property.

Risk of Drilling a Water Well for a Modular Home

Drilling a well within the modular home property can be risky. There are no guarantees that you will hit adequate water of good quality, even in areas where other wells have been successful. Connecting to a water district essentially removes the risk involved in obtaining a dependable, high-quality water supply.

Maintenance of Drilling a Water Well for a Modular Home

When you have your own well, maintenance and its attendant costs are your responsibility. This can be troublesome, inconvenient, and expensive if pump, electrical, or piping problems arise. Being connected to a water district transfers most of the responsibility for maintenance to the district. Additionally, you most likely will still have water service even during electrical power outages at your house.

Availability of Water for a Modular Home

In some water districts, water meters are limited, and long waiting lists force applicants to wait years for a hookup. In such cases, a water well may be an attractive alternative if adequate ground water is available within reasonable drilling depths. In other places, no adequate ground water exists and connecting to a public water utility may be the only alternative, unless you are willing to have water hauled to your property and placed in a storage tank.

Topic: Modular Home

Modular Home Utilities: Difference of Drilling a Well and Connecting to a Public Water Supply

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Modular Home Utilities: Difference of Drilling a Well and Connecting to a Public Water Supply

Cost of Drilling a Water Well in a Modular Home

How much does drilling a water well in a modular home cost? What are the factors that could influence the increase of its cost?

The cost of drilling water well within a modular home property vary from site to site. Sometimes it is impossible to get an accurate estimate due to unforeseen circumstances of the modular home construction. For example, a contractor may bid a well at $5000. But because he had to drill deeper than anticipated and go through rock, the well can cost $9000. With this, it is suggested to discuss with the subcontractor about the cost overruns before commencing everything.

In some areas, drilling a 100-foot deep water well near a modular home will cost about $1,200, with the exemption of the well pump.

Preparation to Well Drilling

There is a lot of preparation in drilling a well near a modular home. Once again, you start with a starter hole that is made by a post hole digger. In addition, you’ll need to dig a small pool of water, as the well hole has to remain filled with water. This water acts both to cool the drill and motor, as well as to pump the mud back up to the surface for disposal. Without removing the mud, you’ll just end up with a drill stuck down in the ground, without a hole.

Modular Home Preparation: Options to an Inexpensive Well Drilling

Although most well drilling rigs are intended for use by professionals, it is possible to use them yourself to drill your own well. Some rental companies do provide well-drilling rigs for rent, but they are rather rare. However, there is one option for drilling your own well, which is affordable and possible to do yourself.

On the website www.howtodrillawell.com, you can buy a kit for drilling your own well. This kit uses air power to drive an air motor which is down the hole in the well, directly behind the drill bit. While a totally different concept than other well drilling methods, it is quite effective.

Topic: Modular Home

Cost of Drilling a Water Well in a Modular Home

How much does drilling a water well in a modular home cost? What are the factors that could influence the increase of its cost? The cost for the water well will vary from site to site. Sometimes it is impossible to get an accurate estimate due to ...
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Monday, July 28, 2014

Drilling a Well for a Modular Home in Allen, Michigan

A modular home in Allen, Michigan can acquire lots of convenience after installing water well within the property. The homeowner will have a continuous water supply that could be use for daily needs, and cleaning of garage and other areas. The well can be a source to water the plants in your garden.

Water well situated near your modular home brings a lot of benefits. Aside from providing a good source of water, it can also lessen the utility cost. However, planning to drill one requires excellent planning.

In drilling a well in Allen, Michigan, a modular home owner needs to consider the location, depth, cost and hiring a subcontractor.

Location of the Modular Home Well

If the well is not connected to the city’s water source, the location of the well is usually determined by the driller. The driller or a professional (geologist) knows where the location of the water is. This usually impacts the planning of the modular home’s floor plan.

In the case where a homeowner wanted to have a well, he must look first for a subcontractor. A known modular home contractor in Michigan who offers digging a well along with the construction of the modular home is Legendary Homes Inc.

Depth of the Well for a Modular Home

The men drilling the well had to drill down almost 580 feet through solid granite for this particular well. They hit some water at around 250 feet but the water pressure wasn’t sufficient so they kept drilling.

They wound up drilling to approximately 500 ft. to get 20 gpm. They said that they’ve drilled down as much as a couple thousand feet to get a good well and as little as 100 feet, or so. Not only that, the depth needed to hit water could vary 50 feet over from where this well is drilled. Go figure.

Cost of the Well for a Modular Home

The cost of drilling a well for your modular home depends on a number of factors. The depth to hit the water source, the kind of soil and the labor cost can influence the overall cost of having a well. In some areas, digging a well can be inexpensive when the water source comes from the city.

Topic: Modular Home

Drilling a Well for a Modular Home in Allen, Michigan

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Care and Maintenance of the Septic System of a Modular Home

Maintenance of a septic system installed in a modular home is similar with the stick built home’s septic system. Nowadays, taking care of your septic system is not that difficult because there are lots of modern equipments available. Simple as their design may be, septic systems require the homeowner to monitor them before problems arise. Usually, simple solutions are too late when the problem in the septic system occurs or become obvious. But if you follow the basic guidelines in maintaining the septic system of a modular home you can attain a worry free seepage disposal.

Pump Out Your Septic Tank Regularly

Regular pumping of the septic tank leads to a smooth sailing septic system. Not pumping the tank on regular basis can lead to an overflowing system. The overflow will then go to the modular home, where toilets vomit what’s supposed to be in the septic system. This circumstance will lead to the waste flooding in the drain field, leaving your yard to be flooded by waste materials. These wastes can also run to the nearest bodies of waters like creeks, rivers; or sip underground, which could pollute the normal environment of these areas and thereby harm people’s health.

Do Not Flush Any Degradable Materials and Strong Chemicals in the Toilet

Never make the toilet of your modular home your trash can. Never throw degradable materials like tissue papers, diapers, sanitary napkins, and cotton swabs because they could clog the septic system. Additionally, do not flush strong chemicals in the toilet. Harmful chemicals can disrupt the integrity of the septic system and harm the underground soil.

Direct Drainage Away from the Septic System of a Modular Home

When you direct the drainage away from the septic system of your modular, liquid waste can be absorb and neutralize. An efficient plan of the drainage often provide a good diversion for the water. Landscaping, excellent foundation drainage plans and roof gutters are among the best solutions that divert the excess water from the septic drainfield.

Protect the Septic System of a Modular Home from Damage

Avoid placing your car above the septic system. The weight could damage the above area of the system and when this happens it could lead to the destruction of the flow of the septic system.

Keep a Record

It is always wise to keep a record when maintaining the septic system of your modular home. Record the date of when you have pump- out the septic tank so you will know when would be the next schedule. Modular home owners should keep a record of the septic system design, installed equipments, and other service records. Record keeping helps in the maintenance of the septic system by giving the owner and the maintenance worker information on the previous problem and what was done to resolve the problem.

Topic: Modular Home

Care and Maintenance of the Septic System of a Modular Home

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Care and Maintenance of the Septic System of a Modular Home

Rules and Regulation for Septic System installation In a Modular Home

Everything that is installed or placed in a modular home follows a certain rule. The rules and regulation in having a septic system also pursue rules and regulations. These rules and regulations enhances the quality of the system and ensures that each subcontractors perform their work properly.

Size of the Septic Tank

Again, regulations vary, but in many areas a minimum tank size of 1,000 gallons is required in most residential applications. This requirement can change/increase if the home is especially large or contains more then three of four bedrooms.

Location of the Septic Tank to the Modular Home

As a general rule, the septic tank should be placed a minimum of 5 to 10 feet from the foundation of the structure. According to Missouri state regulations, a distance of 15 feet between foundation and septic tank is required if the home has a basement while the Uniform Plumbing Code recommends a standard distance of 10 feet.

Distance of the Septic Tank to the Modular Home

Environmental Protection Agency regulations require the septic tank be located a minimum of 50 feet away from any water-supply well. In many areas, this same minimum distance is required for streams, ponds, lakes or springs. Most septic tanks are buried 12 to 24 inches below the surface. General guidelines are tanks must be buried at least 6 inches below the surface.

Design of the Septic System for a Modular Home

Counties are being encouraged in most states to create standard rules and regulations for the design of septic systems of a modular home. This often allows for the licensing of designers who specialize in septic design and hold state or county licenses. In some places on the other hand only professional engineers are allowed to submit designs.

Topic: Modular Home

Rules and Regulation for Septic System installation In a Modular Home

Friday, July 25, 2014

Rules and Regulation for Septic System installation In a Modular Home

Everything that is installed or placed in a modular home follows a certain rule. The rules and regulation in having a septic system also pursue rules and regulations. These rules and regulations enhances the quality of the system and ensures that eac...
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Requirements for the Installation of a Septic System in a Modular Home

When it comes to connecting a home to a septic system, a modular home and a site-built home connect same way. They both have to have a building permit prior to the installation. Tests to determine the soil condition is also one of the factors required before the integration of the septic system to the modular home.

Permit and Perc Test of a Septic System in a Modular Home

A permit is needed for septic system installation. This is usually obtained through the county’s building or health department. The county geologist runs a percolation test (commonly called a “perc test”) to determine if the soil of the land will absorb water. Depending on the results of the test, the county may or may not issue a permit. If the county cannot issue a permit, then suggestions on alternative means of sewage disposal are usually available.

Size of Tank of a Septic System in a Modular Home

As part of the permit process, the geologist will design the septic system. The size of the tank is usually determined by the number of bedrooms in the modular home and the number of occupants. The more bedrooms and occupants, the bigger the tank. A common size for three bedrooms is a 1,000-gallon tank; this is a minimum, however. Your local county may have different criteria.

Size of Drain Field of a Septic System in a Modular Home

A drain field is a vast array of perforated pipes placed below the surface of the ground to slowly “leach” the waste water into the ground. Based upon the results of the perc test, the geologist sizes up and designs the field accordingly.

Installation of a Septic System in a Modular Home

Designing a septic system for a modular home is only half the battle; the other half is installation. To ensure the system is installed correctly, most counties specify that the installers are licensed for septic system installation. An unethical installer, for example, might dig the leach field trenches only two feet deep to save time, when the geologist specified three-foot-deep trenches. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that an improperly installed system can contaminate well water, which is used for drinking.

Location of Septic Tank installed in a Modular Home

Because a modular home cannot be towed across the tank, the geologist or planning engineer will want to see a plat before the building or health department issues a permit. A plat is a top view of the land, drawn to scale. On the plat, the location of the mobile home is depicted, along with the route the home will take to the location. The engineer then locates the tank on the plat away from the route taken.

Topic: Modular Home

Requirements for the Installation of a Septic System in a Modular Home

Understanding the Septic System of a Modular Home and Its Function

Among the first things you need to know in a modular home construction is the septic system. As a homeowner, you must be aware of the parts of the system and how each part functions to decipher what needs to be done during its maintenance phase or if...
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Understanding the Septic System of a Modular Home and Its Function

A septic system of a modular home is primarily compose of the septic tank, and drain field. Other parts are found inside the bathroom or comfort room of a modular home, which are often represented by the toilet bowl. Each element in the septic system has roles to keep the system from overflowing.

Septic System of a Modular Home: Septic Tank

The cost of septic tanks vary from one place to another and sizes. Their different sizes are realized to accommodate the size of the house and number of occupants in a modular home.

The septic tank is usually made of concrete or fiberglass. Other home owners use polyethelene septic tanks. Just like in the construction of traditional homes, the septic tank in a modular home is buried below the ground.

Septic tanks hold the wastewater long enough to allow solids to settle out, forming sludge. They also keep the oil and grease from the waste materials to float to the surfance as scum. Interestingly, a septic tank allows partial decompositions of the solid waste materials.

Septic System of a Modular Home: Drain Field

Also called the leach field, drain field plays an integral role in the septic system. The most common drainfield consists of a series of trenches containing perforated pipe surrounded by septic rock, or gravel, and covered with mesh and dirt.

Once the wastewater pops out the septic tank, it will head to the drainfield for further treatment. The drainfield in the septic system of a modular home absorb and let the the effluent evaporate partialy. Modular home owners must understand that if the drainfield has too much liquid, it will cause flooding to the yard.

Septic System of a Modular Home: Soil

One of the often mislook component of the septic system is the soil. The soil provides the last hurrah for the overall purpose of the septic tank. The soil removes harmful bacteria, viruses, and nutrients from the waste, leaving the environment suitable for the living things above the ground such as the plants.

Understanding the Septic System of a Modular Home and Its Function

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Cost of Installing a Septic System in a Modular Home

The cost of having a septic system installed in a modular home depends on a number of factors. These factors would focused on the size of the septic tank, building permit fees, and labor cost. The complexity of the septic design can also contribute to the cost of septic system installation.

The price of septic system installation relies also on the location of your modular home.

Size of The Septic Tank

Availability and prices of septic tanks for a modular home differ from one place to another, but poor soils and extra bedrooms will simply cost you more. A1000 gal tank is recommended for up to 4 bedroom modular home since pumping trucks are usually 1000 gallons and can pump your system in one trip. However larger septic tanks can cost you a higher maintenance fee.

Permit Fees of Septic System for a Modular Home

Just like the other factors concerning about the installation of the septic system, permit fees vary from place to place. In some areas the permit fee for the septic system that is going to be installed in a modular home may run from $100 or less or higher. Other areas especially those where the county have smaller population, it can be higher than $500. If you want to know the specific for the building permit of your septic system, you can call the local health department.

Design of a Septic System in a Modular Home

Plans of a septic system for your modular home have different prices. It can vary from the designer to designer and from its complexity. Designs from professionals are usually higher because they made sure that it conforms with the rules and regulations of the building codes and the sanitary department.

A septic system designer will likely charge a separate fee for providing his service between $200 – $400 or more. His service fee will depend on the current status of the market. However, in some places, local health inspectors even design the system as part of a low permit fee of $100 – $300. Very low fees serve the interests of public health in very low density areas and where resources are strained and experts are few. Some of these counties and states allow excavators to design simple systems for the homeowner. A few far flung counties have no regulations and no requirements for formal design and everyone just does their own thing.

Labor Cost and Professional Fees for Installing a Septic System in a Modular Home

The number of excavators licensed in the area and how busy they are will have a huge affect on septic system costs. The strictness of rules of local health in the design of systems and the toughness of the installer’s test can encourage or discourage the number of contractors competing for the construction of systems. Excavators are already mobile and they can enter a market area looking for better prospects. Hungry new excavators in an area can drive down prices and put pressure on established contractors to lower rates.

Topic: Modular Home

Cost of Installing a Septic System in a Modular Home

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Cost of Installing a Septic System in a Modular Home

The only way to get a true estimate is to circulate an approved design to several licensed system installers. The following costs should be considered "ballpark" only. The cost of a standard gravity system for a three bedroom house on a ...
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Requirements for the Installation of a Septic System in a Modular Home

Modular Home Preparation: Installing of Septic System in a Modular Home

In the construction of a modular home, among the first things to be installed is the septic system. According to Wikipedia, a septic system is a small-scale sewage treatment system common in areas with no connection to main sewage pipes provided by local governments or private corporations. You need to have a septic system installed if your property does not have a public sewer. In modular home construction, it is usually a private one.

Design of a Septic System in a Modular Home

A septic system is built according to a set of engineered plans, called a septic design. This septic design is drawn by a licensed sanitarian or engineer. The septic design is based upon the results of a perc test which would prompt you as the lot buyer to check the perc test results from the seller. You need to verify whether the results are still valid or have not expired. Do not purchase the lot if the perc test is valid or until the test is completed. The expense of buying a lot without a valid perc test can be huge. You may not build your modular home. The expense for a perc test is almost always borne by the seller.

When buying land for a modular home that requires a septic system, be aware of the design. A licensed sanitary officer or engineer will present the design to you and discuss the rules and regulations and how they will get the permit for it.

Size of Septic System in a Modular Home

The work needed to install a septic system often depend on the size of the system. The bigger the tank, the more the work will be because that means more digging and preparation for the tank.

Preparation of Septic System in a Modular Home

The preparation starts with clearing of the lot, then excavation. The amount of digging requires a lot of work when the system is large and complex. The installation of septic system in a modular home usually requires a fair amount of excavation. It can also affect your landscaping design, so be aware of this beforehand.

Building Permit for Septic System in a Modular Home

Septic system for a modular home needs to have a permit. A licensed sanitarian or engineer will be the person to procure the permit from the town office. The policy or prohibitions in the building permit of a septic system will depend on its location and the complexity of the installation process.

Cost of of Septic System in a Modular Home

Installation costs for septic system of a modular home vary significantly. The cost depends on the soil conditions of the lot, perc rates, and the complexity of the designs. If the septic design requires many truckloads of additional fill, the costs can increase by thousands of dollars. Fortunately, if you hire an experienced subcontractor you can have a reasonable estimate of the cost of installing a septic system in your modular home before you buy the land.

Labor Cost of Septic System in a Modular Home

Labor cost is an essential thing to remember when considering the price of having a septic system. Labor is often expensive, and usually higher than the tank itself. Working with a professional will certainly increase the cost to install a septic tank but is absolutely necessary to ensure that everything is correctly installed. In building the modular home, septic tank installation is a complicated process and one that could lead to a lot of damage and extremely pricey repairs if done incorrectly.

Topic: Modular Home

Modular Home Preparation: Installing of Septic System in a Modular Home

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Modular Home Preparation: Installing of Septic System in a Modular Home

If the property does not have public sewer, you will need to have a private septic system installed. A septic system is built according to a set of engineered plans, called a septic design, drawn by a licensed sanitarian or engineer. As indicated els...
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Excavation and Grading the Building Lot for Modular Homes

The first step in building modular homes is preparing the lot which involves excavation and grading of the building lot. General contractors are ensuring that this part of the process is done accordingly and effectively to assure the continuity and quality of the modular home being built. In the construction of modular homes, the cost of excavation and grading of lots vary considerably from one lot to another. The extent of excavation and grading will greatly depend on whether the lot has ledge, rocks, big boulders, hardpan, clay and other difficult soil condition. Extensive deposits of ledge and rock require blasting, which is expensive; while huge boulders and hardpan may require more powerful and expensive excavation equipment. Clay is very difficult to work with, particularly when wet, that is why modular home contractors do not recommended this kind of soil. Additional fill is almost always required when the result of excavation does not fit for the backfill and/or the appropri
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Excavation and Grading the Building Lot for Modular Homes

In the construction of modular homes, the cost of excavation and grading of lots vary considerably from one lot to another. The extent of excavation and grading will greatly depend on whether the lot has ledge, rocks, big boulders, hardpan, clay and other difficult soil condition. Extensive deposits of ledge and rock require blasting, which is expensive; while huge boulders and hardpan may require more powerful and expensive excavation equipment. Clay is very difficult to work with, particularly when wet, that is why modular home contractors do not recommended this kind of soil.

Additional fill is almost always required when the result of excavation does not fit for the backfill and/or the appropriate level for grading is not met. This can cause additional cost to the preparation of the building lot for modular homes.

Excavation of the Building Lot for Modular Homes

Excavation work is also required for connecting modular homes to underground municipal water and sewer lines or a well and septic system. Trenches are required if you are running underground utility lines for electrical, telephone, or cable services.

Creating the appropriate grades on a lot is critical to minimizing water problems, making the site usable, and making the driveway accessible. Although you will want to direct water away from your home, you will need to do it without causing problems for the neighbors. You will also want to take into account how water from neighboring properties flows onto your property.

Grading of the Building Lot for Modular Homes

Grading of lot is the process where shaping and sloping the land to direct surface drainage away from buildings is done. Lot grading plans have been part of the approval process for residential properties ever since. Plans for grading the lot specify design elevations, surface gradients, lot types, swale locations, and other drainage related information required for lot grading. Moreover it also establishes the grading relationship between adjacent properties and its approval is an effective basis for the control of surface drainage.

Additional grading of lot for modular homes may be needed to make the site accessible for the modular transporters and the crane on delivery and set day. If the lot is made up of many rough and uneven hills, the task can be more difficult for the excavator and thus more expensive. If additional fill is required to complete the grading, your costs will also increase.

Topic: Modular Homes

Excavation and Grading the Building Lot for Modular Homes

Clearing the Building Lot for Modular Homes

In the construction of modular homes, buying a vacant lot is an important and complex decision to make. There are plenty of reasons to buy a parcel of land. If you buy an existing modular home, it s probably so you can live in it; but with land, you could plan the design or style of your own modular home. However a building lot also introduces a host of issues you don t normally face when buying a house. One of them is buying a lot that requires shredding of trees and other plants before the construction commences. Some building lots for modular homes are densely populated with trees and shrubs while others are completely clear and plain. Cutting down the trees, removing the shrubs and logs, and digging up and burying or disposing them are important prior to the start of the construction process. Though lumber companies pay for the cutting and clearing of trees and other unnecessary products in the land, most potential modular home owners or lot buyers do not have enough re
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Clearing the Building Lot for Modular Homes

Some building lots for modular homes are densely populated with trees and shrubs while others are completely clear and plain. Cutting down the trees, removing the shrubs and logs, and digging up and burying or disposing them are important prior to the start of the construction process. Though lumber companies pay for the cutting and clearing of trees and other unnecessary products in the land, most potential modular home owners or lot buyers do not have enough resources in paying for their removal.

The importance of clearing the lot in preparation for the building of the modular homes leads to the easy and continuous work of the construction team. Before the general contractor and his team start with the assembly of the modules, they make sure that the lot is plain and clear. No trees and other objects are present that can obstruct the setting up of the modular home. Since then, the modular homes construction team has been practicing different of methods in clearing lot.

Different Methods of Clearing the Lot for Modular Homes

Clearing of the building lot involves the removal of trees and shrubs on a piece of land. Depending on the size, location, and purpose of the land, the excavation and grading may require professional land clearing equipment. Clearing of the building lot for modular homes involves different methods that first time home owners can use;

Push Over Method

The pushover method in land clearing often involves the use of major construction equipment. The trees are pushed over and hauled off the land with the roots intact. Once the trees are moved to a central location, they are often processed for sale or ground for use as a mulching material. This method is usually expensive yet beneficial for the environment.

Cut and Grind Method

The building lot for modular homes sometimes use cut and grind method clearing. The method begins with cutting down the trees on the piece of land. Then, these trees are often moved to a processing location, but the stumps are left in the ground. These stumps can be ground into mulching material or pulled out of the grown using a large piece of construction machinery.

Controlled Burn Method

Though controlled, this method of clearing the building lot for modular homes is most dangerous. Burning involves starting a controlled fire and maintaining that fire until all trees and brush are burned to the ground. After the fires are extinguished, the land can be cleared using a bull dozer or other piece of construction equipment.

Topic: Modular Homes

Clearing the Building Lot for Modular Homes

Monday, July 21, 2014

Modular Homes and The Quest in Finding the Best Building Lot

Shopping for the building lot for modular homes is always a fun quest especially for first time homeowners. Considering the many things such as the location, land cost, and its dimension adds to the tedious job. Nonetheless it will always be worthwhile once you pick an excellent piece of lot. Topography will be the first thing you need to consider when scouting for a building lot for modular homes. You may plan what the modular home’s appearance when facing the street, what part of the house kissed the east, and what landscape you want to place in your front yard. A first time home owner will also think of how much is the cost of a building lot that is accessible to everything. The best building lot for modular homes can be influenced by the size, shape, slopes, and grading of the land. Existing trees, streams, ponds, stone walls and landscape can also impact your decision making process. The location of the lot and its surrounding environment may interfere your decision. Questions
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Factors Affecting the Building Lot of a Modular Home

A building lot for a modular home may seem easy to find but you need to consider a number of things first. You will likely consider its location, purchase price, and condition. These factors provide a great impact to the stability, durability and quality of your home. Location of the Lot for Modular Home The choice of location for the building lot is likely to be determined by a variety of considerations. The type of neighborhood, tax rate, length of commute to work, and quality of the school system are likely to be important. Proximity to family and friends, the distance to shopping centers, and access to recreational activities might also matter. Privacy, traffic noise, and what you can do with the lot may be paramount concerns. The location of a building lot is seldom in itself of special consequence when considering a modular home. However, the route to the site, as well as its size and shape, can occasionally pose delivery difficulties. Also, building lots sometimes come with cov
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Renting vs. Buying a Modular Home for Senior Citizens in Jackson, Michigan

Should I rent or buy a modular home for my retirement? This is certainly an intimidating question, and one that’s difficult to sum up in one post, but I'll do my best to cover as many pros and cons for renting and buying a modular home as possible...
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Modular Home: A Housing Option for Senior Citizens of Allen, Michigan

Options abound when you are planning a new home and now that you know what you are looking for, in terms of downsizing and universal design, you will hear the terms site built, modular homes and manufactured homes. It is important that you know the d...
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Factors Affecting the Building Lot of a Modular Home

Location of the Lot for Modular Home

The choice of location for the building lot is likely to be determined by a variety of considerations. The type of neighborhood, tax rate, length of commute to work, and quality of the school system are likely to be important. Proximity to family and friends, the distance to shopping centers, and access to recreational activities might also matter. Privacy, traffic noise, and what you can do with the lot may be paramount concerns.

The location of a building lot is seldom in itself of special consequence when considering a modular home. However, the route to the site, as well as its size and shape, can occasionally pose delivery difficulties. Also, building lots sometimes come with covenants, deed restrictions, or easements that can restrict what you can and cannot build. For those on a budget, the price of the building lot will affect how much money is left over to build a house.

Cost of of the Lot for Modular Home

Land costs in many areas have risen appreciably in recent years. In some areas, the rise has been astronomical. Buying a piece of property is one thing, but turning it into a usable building lot can be a different matter entirely. There are many factors in developing land that can add thousands of dollars to the cost of building a house. If you are unprepared for these costs, they can make a complete mess of your budget.

Condition of the Lot for Modular Home

A wise modular home buyer is keen in examining the condition of the land where his home will be built. He ensures that it is not in poor condition where soil settles. He must see to it that the lot is not clay soil and no underground work was done in his lot to prevent untoward circumstances. Modular homes must be situated in a land where sinkholes are not going to appear.

In addition, it is better to determine the size of the lot so you can discuss the floor plan of your modular home with your general contractor effectively.

Topic: Modular Home

Factors Affecting the Building Lot of a Modular Home

Modular Homes and The Quest in Finding the Best Building Lot

Topography will be the first thing you need to consider when scouting for a building lot for modular homes. You may plan what the modular home’s appearance when facing the street, what part of the house kissed the east, and what landscape you want to place in your front yard. A first time home owner will also think of how much is the cost of a building lot that is accessible to everything.

The best building lot for modular homes can be influenced by the size, shape, slopes, and grading of the land. Existing trees, streams, ponds, stone walls and landscape can also impact your decision making process. The location of the lot and its surrounding environment may interfere your decision.

Questions To Ask About the Building Lot for Modular Homes

Since a property’s topography can also play a determining role, here are the following questions to help you find the best building lot for your modular home;

What does it mean to have unambiguous title to a property and how can I protect myself against a title flaw?

Before you purchase the lot ensure that the property does not have any legal flaw. Dig deeper on the history of the lot prior to closing a deal. You may never know how much burden you may when legal matters strike. You can protect yourself from any legal flaw on the property you purchase through a land insurance.

What are deed restrictions and how might they affect my ability to build a modular home on property?

Knowledge on the deed restrictions allows you to determine what are the things you can do with the property or not since in some cases, building lots for modular homes can impact the construction process. There are property where you cannot expand your home on either sides because the other area of the lot is clay.

Who determines whether my property has any “wetlands” and what should I do if it does have?

Often the general contractor of modular homes work with the engineer to determine whether the lot has wetlands. If they determine any appearance, they will discuss with you the building of a strong foundation such as crawl space.

Why should a property be formally surveyed and boundary markers put in place before purchasing it?

These things ensures that the building lot for modular homes is excellent for construction. There are no concerns in terms of the soil noted and it is safe to build a modular home in the property. Boundary markers are placed accordingly to let other people know that the property is owned.

Topic: Modular Homes

Modular Homes and The Quest in Finding the Best Building Lot

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Modular Home Floor Plan for Senior Citizens

Many senior citizens are opting to build a modular home that years before they retire, they are looking for manufacturers, floor plans and locations. Their willingness to shred time for researching on the modular home floor plan pays off when high quality home and energy efficient is produced.

A floor plan of a modular home for senior citizens is usually attached to the left side of another modular home. This has been the practice since many families are not choosing nursing homes as their elderlies’ home. The layout of the modular home is suitable to accommodate the needs of an elderly who needs a level floor, wide hallway and doorways, and accessible bathroom. Moreover the typical location of the bedroom is located at the center of the modular home floor plan to give the seniors a wide ocular view of his surroundings.

Nowadays, many manufacturers are integrating the Universal Design to the floor plan. This design is promoted and utilized to prevent unwanted circumstances to happen. With the Universal Design, seniors are able to do daily tasks comfortably because the modular home they are living in are more manageable and has accessible utilities. Items like handrails to prevent falling, easier to manage locks, handles and latches all make life easier for elderly or mobility-impaired residents in an assisted living environment.

Moreover, a wheelchair ramp is also added in the options provided by manufacturers. This ramp provide an easy access to the entry and exit points of the house without worrying on lifting the senior’s arthritic pain.

As a tool for understanding the floor plan for senior citizens, here are some of the examples proposed by seasoned general contractors and the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).

Plan for Kitchen and Bath of a Modular Home for Seniors

Bath Plan of Modular Home for Seniors

Kitchen Plan of Modular Home for Seniors

Topic: Modular Home

Modular Home Floor Plan for Senior Citizens

Modular Home Customization: Making A Room For Senior Citizens

Do you know that there are select modular home manufacturers that produced small dwellings for senior citizens? This type of abode is also called modular home but are attach to another home, usually their children’s home; or situated in the backyard of another house. The layout and floor plan of this modular home is designed specifically for seniors with the idea that the senior can maintain some independence while still being close to family.

Modular Home in Michigan

With modular construction, making a room or a new dwelling place for senior citizens is now possible. It is an effective method to build an addition. You get the quality and price advantage that modern modular homes are known for along with faster build time. Speed is particularly beneficial when building modular home additions, since the construction will temporarily disrupt your family’s life, especially if you remain in your home while the work is being done.

Types of Modular Home Room for Elderlies

Modular home additions come in two types. The most popular type is attached to the side of a home to create either a separate living unit, such as an in-law apartment, or additional rooms. Some customers build an in-law apartment at the same time that they build a new modular home. The second type of modular addition is set on top of a one-story home to make it into a two-story. But when it comes to senior citizens, attaching the room to either side is most recommended and sought after.

Advantages of Modular Home Room Addition for Elderlies

An advantage to using a modular home for an addition is that it can be disassembled into a few intact sections that can be easily relocated. This is seldom a viable option for an addition to the stick- built home. This should take considerably less time and cost considerably less money than the assembly. The general contractor would likely need to disconnect the plumbing, electrical, and heating systems; remove the siding on the gable ends; and separate the modules at the connecting wall, inside and outside. Some often work on lowering the roof of the modules and lift the modular home’s foundation with a crane.

When building a modular home, it is recommended that you hire a general contractor with years experience and excellent reputation . In some respects, this advice is even more important when building custom modular home for senior citizens.

Topic: Modular Home

Modular Home Customization: Making A Room For Senior Citizens

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Achieving the Universal Design in a Modular Home for Senior Citizens

Modular home is manufactured under controlled conditions in a factory. It can come in many shapes and sizes. Every modular home is designed to accommodate the needs of its occupants.

A modular home is comprise of several modules that house areas of the house. Each module may or may not be complete housing units. The modules can be customized to make room for a wide variety of designs, including the design for senior citizens.

Universal Design in Modular Home for Seniors

Today, many general contractors are embracing the Universal Design to give the utmost service to their senior citizens or aging clients. Though broader in concept, Universal Design is a growing its reputation in modular construction. At some point this design is misinterpreted as a way to describe a handicapped- accessible home by some clients. Universal Design is actually intended to create houses that are usable by all people, regardless of their age, disability and health.

Modular homes can readily accommodate the principles of Universal Design. We can modify most standard plans to enlarge the doorways, hallways, and bathrooms. Universal access may require us to change the shape and size of some rooms, but this usually will not present problems if the floor plan is large enough, and it is unlikely to cost much.

In addition to changes in the floor plan, universal home design incorporates user-friendly items like lever door handles and faucets. If you want to build a home that is usable by all of your family and friends, consider including some of the following Universal Design products and options in your home.

One of the benefit of incorporating the Universal Design in the modular home construction is that it becomes easier to roam around the home when pushing a wheelchair or a child’s stroller. The design promotes wider hallways, larger doors, and stepless home that could give a safer and comfortable living to the modular home’s residents.

Universal Design meets the needs of the occupants today and into the future. When anyone in the family age, the modular home is still providing him easy access to the bathroom, kitchen and outdoors without worrying about the space he would eat when he’s on a wheelchair. With Universal Design, you don’t need to shell out huge amount for expensive renovations later on or alter your lifestyle in the future.

Building a modular home with universal accessibility standards makes an aging parent move as independent as possible. The Universal Design allows seniors to enter the modular home without climbing the steps and access to full bathroom that is adjacent to his bedroom in the first floor. Seniors in wheelchair or with a walker will be able to gain access to entry and exit points without the difficulty of lifting their painful extremities.

By incorporating the Universal Design in a modular home construction, families is given a better option not to spend huge money in nursing homes.

Topic: Modular Home

Achieving the Universal Design in a Modular Home for Senior Citizens

Customizing A Modular Home To Answer the Needs of Senior Citizens

Senior citizens have needs that would be answered by a customized modular home. They need to have wheelchair ramps, wide and safe bathroom, and a comfortable bedroom. All these special things inside a modular home must be given to ensure safety and comfort; and to promote independence. We can achieve these goals by customizing the floor plan.

During the construction and even once the modules are delivered, modifications to the modular home can be realized. These modifications are focused on how to help the seniors achieve independence and safety.

Installing Easy To Use Tools

Modular Home in Michigan

In the factory, the manufacturer and his workmen typically install the necessary tools needed to create an accessible bathroom, wheelchair turnaround room, and accessible sink. Raised outlets, and lowered light switches are also placed in the modules to prevent reaching and bending. Additional electrical wiring can also be installed during the construction process of a modular home to accommodate automatic switches, locks, alarms and etc.

Widened doorways and hallways are also measured and realized inside the modular home factory. Lever-handle type door knobs, that senior citizens can easily push down instead of gripping and turning, can also be installed in the factory.

Once the modules are delivered on site, kitchen counters can be customized to accommodate the needs of the senior citizens. ADA faucet options or special faucets are also among the many options in a modular home for seniors, which the contractor can add.

Modular Home with Wheelchair Ramp

On site work for modular homes for senior citizens also include the building of wheelchair ramps. The ramp provides an easier and safer path to navigate around the home than the steps. The general contractor will consider building the wheelchair ramp in relation to the modular home foundation as the ramp cannot be set on a slab- on- grade. There is also some factors to consider with the height of the ramp from the ground to the door. Wheelchair ramp is an effective aging- in- place design that is encouraged even the owners or residents are not on wheelchair.

Modular Home with Walk in Bathtub

In an assisted living or any care environment, making the bathroom area safer is of utmost importance. One item that can provide a safer bathroom for senior citizens is a walk in bathtub. This type of bathtub allows easy entry and exit by providing a door in the side of the bathtub and a low step, which eliminates lifting the legs. Walk in bathtubs can also have increased height to allow easy sitting position.

Even if no one in the modular home has any current aging or mobility issues, having some of these designs in place can really come in handy if someone suffers an injury and finds themselves temporarily in a wheelchair or on crutches or using a walker. It’s a great relief to know that your doors are already wide enough to accommodate assistive medical devices, and that you have ramps and grab bars to help you move around, so you don’t become a prisoner in your home just because of a temporary injury!

Topic: Modular Home

Customizing A Modular Home To Answer the Needs of Senior Citizens

Friday, July 18, 2014

Modular Homes: A Housing Option for Senior Citizens of Allen, Michigan

Numerous alternative housing options are given when you are planning a home for your retirement and now that you know what you are looking for in Allen, Michigan, you will hear the terms like modular homes and manufactured homes. It is important that you know the difference whether considering an existing home or plan to build on a vacant lot from scratch. And for now, let’s have a quick look about the modular homes.

Modular homes are excellent option for retirement. With a lot of advantages it has, you are given a variety of floor plans which you can customize to meet the retirement needs of senior citizens. Also, buying a modular home is less inexpensive and could give you a more energy efficient and high quality home.

Pros and Cons of Modular Homes

High Quality

Modular homes are built in modules in a controlled factory. Each phase of the construction process conforms to all of the state and local building codes which ensures high quality modules. Reducing a building into modular component pieces to enable quick assembly is not a new concept. The module has been developed to simplify and standardize the building practice and the components. These modules are transported to the home site on a truck bed and put together by local contractors.

Versatile Designs

Modular homes look like any other houses and can range from small simple “starter home” designs to large custom-built homes. Affordable log and timber homes are included in the category of modular homes. A modular home which is designed, engineered and built in a factory, is constructed in sections and put together by a builder on your own site. The technology used can produce homes that are not only more affordable than traditionally built homes but of higher quality.

Faster Construction

Speed and efficiency are the most popular concepts of modular home construction. Because the modules are constructed in a factory and are not subject to variables, such as the weather, you can think in terms of weeks rather than months for a start to finish outcome. Modular homes are constructed to the building codes required by your state and locality are not restricted by any zoning regulations.

Lower Cost of Construction

Modular homes are sometimes less expensive than site built homes and interesting increase in value over time. These homes, when you add up the costs of labor and materials, are generally lower in cost than its site-built counterpart of a comparable size.

Topic: Modular Homes

Modular Homes: A Housing Option for Senior Citizens of Allen, Michigan

Renting vs. Buying a Modular Home for Senior Citizens in Jackson, Michigan

Should I rent or buy a modular home for my retirement? This is certainly an intimidating question for seniors. It is also a difficult topic to discuss but nevertheless we should present the pros and cons of renting and buying a modular home.

A modular home is considered to be the top alternative house once the home buyer cannot afford to build a stick built house but its price has been rising and financing is plummeting. You should not be wary since after all seniors can have a home less than $100,000 with mortgage better than anyone else. But nothing is ever that easy, is it? With homeownership comes responsibility, while renting may be relatively carefree.

Pros of Renting a Modular Home

While seemingly the same price or even more expensive than owning, one of the pros of renting a modular home is having a cheaper lifestyle. You will be paying a certain dollar amount each month only. This monthly payment is like the cost of your mortgage but it fortunately lower.

Additionally, when renting maintenance and repair is not your problem. You can notify your landlord about any breaks (such as toilet breaks), and he will be the one to call the resident plumber and get a free fix. There’s also a huge psychological freedom to renting. You are at least on 12-month lease agreement rather than the 30 year lockin. And there’s even a good chance you’ve got a month-to-month deal in place when renting a modular home.

Cons of Renting a Modular Home

The downside of renting a modular home is always associated with the word temporary. You cannot establish your own household if you rent a home. Renting is also synonymous with limited. Some of the landlords do not allow pets or repainting of the place. You are also not inclined to have a 30 years lock- in agreement and despite those payments you are not entitled for home equity or ownership, leaving you issues during your retirement.

Another con about renting a modular home is the high possibility of having an increase in rent. There are some level of rent control that is most likely not practiced well. Your rent can rise at some point due to, probably, economic issues. You might be paying more than your neighbor who is paying a fix mortgage.

Pros of Buying a Modular Home

Seniors buy a modular home because of home equity or home ownership advantage. In simple words, the home will become yours whether you pay in cash for the construction or you asked for the assistance of modular home financing for senior citizens. Interestingly, owning a home is a cheaper alternative than renting these days in many areas in the United States today because of the low interest rates. All you need is to research and find a place good for your retirement.

Owning a modular home is inexpensive compared to renting one. Mortgage payment cost lesser than monthly rent payment in most cases. You can pay at $2,000 for mortgage instead of $2,500 while renting a home. Home ownership also offers tax benefits to homeowners which is cost efficient in the long run.

Additionally, there are fewer restrictions and you can modify or customize your modular home following your preference. This significantly mean you can make your home’s worth higher over the years and turn it to be more attractive and energy efficient.

Cons of Buying a Modular Home

Having a number of disadvantages will always be part of buying property as well. In buying a modular home, the first constraint here is shelling out huge amount of money for mortgage downpayment or to start the construction process. As per FHA loan guidelines, seniors must pay at least 3.5% of the purchase price, which can be a hefty amount in higher-priced areas of the nation. Mortgage payments can also be higher than the rent in some areas in the United States so don’t be surprised if it comes at a premium. You also have to pay real estate taxes and insurance, which don’t stop once the mortgage is paid off.

One con about buying a modular home is the responsibility of fixing any faults in the house like the pipes and electrical wires. The cost of home maintenance and repair will be shouldered by your own pocket. This is unlikely when you rent a modular home where a smiling plumber solves problems with you plumbing system for free.

Topic: Modular Home

Renting vs. Buying a Modular Home for Senior Citizens in Jackson, Michigan

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Modular Home Financing for Senior Citizens: FHA Reverse Mortgage Application Process

Modular home financing for senior citizens is available through a program called FHA reverse mortgage. Seniors can apply to this program as long as they meet the requirements and are eligible.

A FHA reverse mortgage application process generally takes about 30-45 days from start to finish and has five major steps. However, the longest part of the reverse mortgage loan process is the decision-making process that leads up to the application.

The average FHA reverse mortgage applicant his application process by typically researching about the reverse mortgages using resources such as this site. He will request information by signing up in our newsletter. The homeowner may invest one to two months meeting with the specialist in person and reviewing the good faith estimate and other loan documents.

Initial Application for FHA Reverse Mortgage

The application legally authorizes the lender to begin the application process but the lender cannot incur any costs on your behalf until counseling is completed. The application is not binding and can be canceled at any point during the process. The application will specify the reverse mortgage fees, interest rates, and loan amounts.

Reverse Mortgage Counseling

Even though the application has been completed, the lender is not legally permitted to incur any costs on the applicant’s behalf until the applicant has submitted a signed HECM Counseling Certificate. This is proof that the applicant has completed the mandatory counseling session with a HUD-approved counseling agency. The counseling can be completed before or after the initial application in most states.

Appraisal for FHA Reverse Mortgage

The appraisal establishes the legal value of the applicant’s property. The FHA reverse mortgage appraisal must be conducted by an FHA-approved appraiser and it must follow a specific FHA format. This means that even if a homeowner has already had an appraisal, it will most likely have to be re-appraised at this point in the process.

Underwriting for FHA Reverse Mortgage

The lender will confirm the applicant’s legal ownership of the modular home by conducting a title search and purchasing title insurance. They will also work with the applicant to clear up any issues with trusts, unpaid liens against the title, bankruptcies, etc. Once the lender has finished underwriting and has approved the application, it’s status will be changed to “clear to close”. This means that everything has been completed and the final closing date can be set.

Closing of FHA Reverse Mortgage

The lender and the applicant set a closing date where a notary or attorney meets with the applicant to sign the final closing documents. This is the applicant’s opportunity to review the closing documents to make sure that the interest rate, fees, and loan amounts are the expected amounts. Once signed, the application goes into a three-day ”right of rescission” period. This means that even though the closing has taken place, the applicant can still cancel the application with no penalty for three business days after the closing.

Immediately after this waiting period, the title company will issue a check to the homeowner if proceeds are available from the reverse mortgage. If the applicant was using a reverse mortgage to pay off an existing mortgage, the title company will also send the mortgage payoff amount to the lender.

Topic: FHA Reverse Mortgage

Modular Home Financing for Senior Citizens: FHA Reverse Mortgage Application Process