Modular homes are any home in which 80 to 95% of it is built in a factory. It is constructed in sections or modules. These modules are transported to a building site, placed on conventional foundations and assembled, where construction is completed. Unlike stick-built or site-built homes, modular building techniques are used, the on-site builders involvement in limited to excavation, final grading, construction of a suitable foundation, interior and exterior wall finish, HVAC hookup, connection to utitlites, possible garage construction and final finish work.

Modular homes are NOT trailer homes, or mobile homes, or manufactured homes. Modular homes are built to local building codes, not to the less stringent HUD codes used by mobile home or manufactured home companies. There are no axles or telltale signs to indicate that a home is modular.

WHAT IS A HECKAMAN HOME:

* Built to state and local codes - can be built anywhere.
* Inspected by the State of Indiana and the destination State.
* Qualifies for FHA/VA or conventional 30-year mortgage.
* Constructed with 2 x 10 floor joists, 16" on center nominal with 3/4" floor deck.
* Framed with 2 x 6 exterior walls, 16" on center nominal, covered with sheathing.
* 8' ceiling and standard height cabinets.
* Built with drywall, seams taped and mudded and walls prime painted.
* Sidewalls insulated with R19 and roof insulated with R30.
* Floors covered with FHA conforming carpet and resilient vinyl.
* Plumbed with copper water lines.
* Drapery blocks at all windows; caulked exterior wall receptacles.
* Built with dual-glazed, vinyl covered exterior, tilt-wash wood windows.
* Moved to the site on special lowboy carriers.
* Crane-set on a crawlspace or basement foundation.
* Home and Property that appreciates (real estate).

WHAT IT IS NOT:

* Made of materials (decking, paneling) containing formaldehyde.
* Constructed with I-Beam underneath, with axles.
* Constructed with 2 x 6 floor joists.
* Insulated with R11 sidewalls and R11 or R19 in roof.
* Built with paneleing or open seam interior walls.
* Moved to the site on its own chassis.
* Slid onto blocks or a perimtere and rail blocked foundation.
* Personal property that tends to depreciate.

SOME OTHER BENEFITS OF A HECKAMAN HOME:

* Known price - no overruns or material price changes once order has been placed.
* Built in an indoor environment, sheltered from the weather.
* Brand name components.
* Scheduled completion date.
* Eliminates problems of weather, vandalism, and material delays.

Are modular homes of inferior quality when compared to site built homes?

NO, and arguably modular homes are of better quality. The two primary reasons for this are supervision and weather. Site built homes are subject to the elements. Modular homes are built in the controlled environment of the factory. This protects building materials from the harsh outdoor environment and enables laborers to work in comfortable environs improving the quality of their work.

The second reason for the better quality of modular home sis the quality control programs used by modular manufacturers. Few builders who construct site built homes have a quality control manual or program in place. For a copy of Heckaman Homes quality control manual, please contact Sayre Builders at 517-740-3168. Furthermore, regular inspections occur during the building of a modular home. Modular homes are inspected once on the assembly line, once more by a third party independent inspector required by the state in whick the home is to be built, and lastly by the local building inspector - for quality, as well as form, fit and accuracy.

Can a modular home have a basement?

Yes, and most of them do, often with 9' high sidewalls, walk-out basements, and expanded living areas on lower levels, but that is up to you and your modular home builder.

Can modular homes be customized?

Yes, they can. Heckaman Homes offers a wide array of options to customize your home. To customize your home, please visit Sayre Builder's model and their representative will walk you through the process. Essentially the same design flexibility exists that you would have with a site built home.