Although we’ve tried to provide answers for questions we receive most frequently, we understand you may have inquiries regarding a specific project or situation. If you’d like to schedule a tour of our factory to get better acquainted with the modular construction method or speak with a member of our team directly, please reach out to info@sbsmod.com. Please note that we will be following all social distancing guidelines established by the CDC regarding COVID-19.
What is modular construction?
Modular construction is a building method in which individual components (or “modules”) of a structure are built in an offsite controlled facility prior to assembly at the final building site. These modules vary in size and character depending on the floor plan, as the contents of an individual module can range from multiple bedrooms and bathrooms to an expansive great room containing a kitchen, living room, and dining room.
We handle the offsite portion of the homebuilding process in our Moosic plant, following your custom-designed floor plans to get a headstart on the overall construction. The modules will then be transported to your lot, where they will be assembled onsite as depicted in this set video.
After the modules are assembled, your licensed builder will put the finishing touches on your Signature home, finalizing all the details agreed upon throughout the design process.
Why is your timeline so much quicker than standard design & build?
We expedite standard timelines by relying on our proven construction process and the efficiency of an assembly line--not by cutting corners. Our dedicated team of craftspeople, led by industry experts, has years of experience in modular construction. Many of these team members have expertise in specific areas of construction (such as framing, plumbing, or electric) and are able to provide guidance throughout the entire building process, preventing unnecessary delays that might occur on a jobsite. Additionally, our climate-controlled environment allows us to build year-round, keeping a steady rhythm of projects rotating through our assembly sequence.
How much time will it take to complete my home?
Once the design has been approved by all parties and requisite permits are acquired, Signature will insert the home into our production sequence, procure necessary materials, and build the individual modules. One major benefit of offsite construction is that builders can undertake site work simultaneously, eventually allowing many projects to be delivered and set onsite in a single day.
Check out this video to watch a modern farmhouse in New Jersey get assembled in one day.
How does pricing work?
There are some notable fiscal advantages to building modularly, such as more stable labor costs, a coordinated procurement process enabling volume cost savings, and a project schedule that doesn’t rely on busy seasons. If you’re interested in a deeper overview of pricing, we encourage you to speak with one of our approved builders about your budget. Please email info@sbsmod.com to be connected with a Signature-approved builder in your area.
Why does the cost vary so much?
Although we provide a portfolio of standard floor plans to get you started, our goal is to ensure the final product is uniquely yours, perfectly aligning with your needs and preferences. Custom construction inherently includes more variables: design, engineering, structural elements (steel and LVL beams), and finishes (countertops, cabinets, tile, etc.), for example. All of these customizations will increase the overall cost of construction, while maintaining standard finishes throughout a project will provide a more consistent baseline price. Additionally, although our procurement team works tirelessly to secure the best rates for required materials, our costs inevitably fluctuate in accordance with the general construction market.
Why do I need to select a builder?
Prefab construction can provide a higher degree of certainty to the homebuilding process, especially in areas with high construction costs and longer development timelines. However, it’s vital to have an experienced project manager who can lead the entire process, bringing a homeowner or developer from floor plans to punch lists.
As a modular manufacturer, we work closely with local home builders across the East Coast to take an idea from inception to reality. Your selected builder will coordinate with you on the design of your home, starting completely from scratch or by utilizing any one of our tested floor plans. Once your plans are approved, permits are acquired, and requisite site work is completed, we begin to build the modules comprising your future home. Then, the modules are safely transported from our factory to your final site, where your experienced builder will oversee the home’s completion.
Is modular construction the future?
Building modular is a more sustainable construction model than traditionally built homes, as a factory environment generally creates less waste and curbs the chances of moisture accumulation in construction materials. Purposely created to withstand highway transportation over hundreds of miles, finished modules can also be more efficiently relocated and reused in the future.
Although prefab construction was once stigmatized for repetitive design schemes, our portfolio speaks for itself: this versatile collection of Signature homes showcases the intricate level of personalization achievable through modern modular construction. Our customization opportunities allow homeowners and builders to get creative throughout the design process, circumventing limitations imposed by other modular manufacturers.
Together with our builders, we will build a home that’s uniquely yours.
