Custom Modular Direct offers a large variety of different styles of modular homes. With a build area that stretches from Georgia straight north (including the eastern parts of Tennessee and Kentucky), their catalog includes every classic home style imaginable. They are able to do standard customization on standard homes, and even build custom homes from scratch.
Every single one of Custom Modular Direct’s homes qualifies for Energy Star Certification making them at least 20-30% more energy efficient than standard homes. Additional products and services can be installed to make your modular home even more efficient and in most cases it won’t change the layout or floor plan of your home at all.
Custom Modular Direct Build Area
Conneticut, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennesee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia
Building a modular home is a distinct advantage over a traditional site-built home. In most cases, 85% of the work to construct a modular home is done in the factory. This in turn reduces the scope of work needed to be completed on the job site.
Use this section to find out more information about our program and how we help you build instant equity, save thousands of dollars, and get in with little or no money down. You can also find links to a library full of useful step-by-step guides and checklists, and to financial help, on our "Resources" menu located in the right-hand column of every page.
Why Modular Homes
Why So Inexpensive?
You will no doubt wonder why modular homes sell at such competitive prices and offer so much in them! The efficiencies of factory production allow modular homes to sell for less than comparable site-built homes. Industry analysts cite average savings ranging from 10% to 30%.
"They laughed at Henry, but Mr. Ford's critics aren't laughing now!"
The Factory Advantage
Unlike "traditional" homes constructed on site, modular homes are built inside, under ideal conditions in a controlled environment. The houses are never subjected to the vagaries of the weather. The lumber doesn't warp because it doesn't get rained on, and then baked by the sun. It doesn't lie in the mud exposed to the elements, as sometimes happens on construction sites. And the workers and subcontractors who construct these homes don't get rained on or frozen. It's a lot easier to perform quality work when you're comfortable. And quality control is a more efficient function when inspectors are "on the job" at all times.
How Modular Homes by Custom Modular Direct Built?
Quality!
Modular homes are built in sections called "modules" or "boxes" inside and then shipped to the new home site where they are assembled. The modular home is constructed using "jigs" or patterns to ensure that all corners and joints are square. Quality control in a factory is a requirement if the home is to be assembled properly. The result to the consumer is a home where all the corners are square and all the windows and doors are plum.
Building Codes
Modules are built in compliance with the same building code followed by conventional builders. Moreover, every modular home is inspected by a third party building inspector before it is shipped. This inspection is far more restrictive than the requirements for a conventionally site-built home. The result, however, is a home built to exacting standards with absolutely no shortcuts.
The Benefits of Modular Homes by Custom Modular Direct
Modular Is The Way To Go
Sounds good so far? We've given you a basic explanation of what the differences and similarities are between modular homes and conventional built homes. Let's review some of the key benefits associated with modular homes...
The Benefits Of Modular Homes
- Custom Built, Computerized Designs
- Tight Quality Controls, Superior Equipment
- Highly Engineered & Built Stronger
- Cost Effective
- Reduced Site Construction Time
- Design Flexibility
- Meets/Exceeds Local Building Codes
- Energy Efficient
Cost Savings
When it's all added up... labor, material, and time savings... you will find that a modular home is the best investment you will ever make.
How Custom Modular Direct Program Works
Through Custom Modular Direct many years of on-the-job experience building modular homes, Custom Modular Direct has created a program that allows you to build your own modular home with little or no down payment!! Custom Modular Direct provides you with the assistance to act as the Project Manager. This enables you to greatly reduce the cost of the entire project and gives you the advantage of creating "sweat equity".
Imagine being able to save thousands on a custom home and create the best investment of all - equity! Custom Modular Direct was designed to eliminate builders overhead, profit and sales commissions by dealing directly with the modular manufacturer on your behalf. If you have the ability to coordinate and manage 5-10 subcontractors, you have the ability to save THOUSANDS! If you think this sounds too good to be true, read what our customers have to say.
What Does Custom Modular Direct Do?
Making It Easier For You!
- Custom Modular Direct takes you through a step-by-step process to select, design and price out your home.
- Custom Modular Direct works with the manufacturer to define and coordinate the blueprints and order processing of your home based on your selections, material specifications and ideas.
- Custom Modular Direct guides and assists you in the construction process using their comprehensive Construction Building Manual and Construction Checklist.
- Custom Modular Direct keeps you on track in the order processing and delivery scheduling of your modular units.
- Custom Modular Direct helps you establish a construction budget.
- Custom Modular Direct provides you with a list of experienced set crew subcontractors.
- Custom Modular Direct coordinates the delivery of your modular home. Custom Modular Direct provides customer service & technical assistance once the units are set.
- Custom Modular Direct helps you through the Financing process. Custom Modular Direct can suggest lenders or you may wish to use your own local lender. Custom Modular Direct gives you assistance in structuring your draw schedules and setting up your loan so your out-of-pocket expenses are minimal.
What should a modular home homeowner do first?
Qualify With A Lender
One of the first steps in the process is to get qualified with a lender for a construction to permanent loan. This is important! You need to know what you are eligible to borrow. NOT ALL LENDERS qualify the same way. Some are more liberal than others. Be selective in who you approach to pull your credit. Each time a lender pulls your credit using your social security number your overall credit scores are reduced. Credit scores (the higher the better) are one of the main components lenders use to qualify you.
OK... What's Next?
After you have been pre-approved, Custom Modular Direct will work with you to price out a home you have selected. All of the following items have the potential to be included in your loan depending on the programs available from the lender you select:
- Land
- Site Improvements
- The Modular Units
- Permits and Closing Costs
It is quite possible, due to the degree of equity on your project, to secure a loan with 100% financing! Credit scores and loan-to-value (LTV) ratios play a significant part in this. That's why it is important to know how much you qualify for.
What Is My Role As A Project Manager?
Your Tasks
You will need to oversee the construction of your home by keeping everything and everyone on schedule and within budget. You will need to make daily visits to your site to verify that the subcontractors you have hired have completed their work, on schedule and in a satisfactory manner. You will need to coordinate the progression of the job following the guidelines set forth in our Construction Manual. You must be organized and be willing to "roll with the punches" -- construction at it's best is NEVER perfect -- scheduling conflicts, material shortages, cost overruns, weather problems, and unanticipated construction issues can and will happen.
Be Flexible
You will need to schedule and meet with building inspectors and material suppliers; work with the regulatory agencies to ensure that you are building to local codes and observing their rules and regulations. The fact that you are building modularly reduces approximately 85% of your work. We are able to help you make your project a success. With our guidance and years of experience, you will appreciate the ease at which you can quickly build equity!
How Much Money Will We Save?
On Average...
Based on industry standards, you should save at least 15%. On a home that appraises for $200,000 and costs $170,000 to build, you would have $30,000 in equity. You could also save more by performing many of the project tasks, for which you are qualified, yourself. We have found that most customers' homes on the market appraise for 18%-24% more than what they borrow. Remember this is your profit and serves as your down payment.
Your Decision
It is also important to realize that every customer's situation is unique. You may want to hire a professional general contractor to oversee certain aspects of your project which may affect your bottom line. Or you may already be involved in the trades and take on more of the project than most - thereby increasing your profit. We would always suggest the services of a licensed subcontractor to perform any major work unless you are already involved in that particular aspect of work.
9 Simple Steps
I'm Pre-approved & Have A Building Lot... Now What?
Contact Custom Modular Direct so that we can finalize your home design and pricing. Once you have decided on a floor plan you can follow the steps below...
The 9 Steps
1. Submit Form #200, the Preliminary Drawing Request. Once your preliminary drawings are completed by our engineering and design staff, you will review them, make any needed changes and submit them back to us, approved. You will use the preliminary prints to secure an appraisal from your lender and to obtain quotes from sub-contractors and material suppliers.
2. Fill out a Selection Sheet (form #300) and choose colors and selections from our sample kit.
3. Submit a signed and deposited Home Purchase Agreement and...
4. You then must sign-off on your final blueprints using Form #202, Final Print Approval. At this stage, submit for your building permit, begin your site clearing (if you have already settled on your loan) and once your building permit has been obtained, complete your foundation. A detailed step by step guide is provided in your Construction Manual. As a quick guide you can always refer to your Construction Checklist.
5. Form #201, Permit Print Request to receive FINAL building permit copies of your blueprints. Once CMD has received these forms, our staff begins the process of coordinating the order and delivery of your home with our manufacturer and your lender.
6. Delivery Procedure Sheet (form #400) must be submitted so that we can finalize and coordinate the delivery of your modules.
7. Production Release Form (form #500) - This form tells us that you are ready to place your home into production and at this point we require a 10% start deposit.
8. C.O.D. Acceptance Letter (form #600) needs to be signed by your lender and on file with us. Through form #600, the lender agrees to pay for your modular units upon delivery.
9. Accept delivery of the modules and proceed to finish your new home!
Teamwork!
Remember, we are here to help make building your own home a success. With your commitment and the many years of CMD's construction experience supporting you, that desire can become a reality.
Frequently Asked Questions from Custom Modular Direct
What is the difference between modular homes and the houses I see built on different construction sites?
Today's modular systems are models of efficiency and quality assurance. The building process begins at 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 requirements 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 engineering 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 & local government.
How long does it take to build a modular home?
Speed and quality are two of the many advantages for choosing modular components for your new home. On the average, a home consisting of two or more modules will be factory produced in six or seven days. Once the manufacturing process is complete, typically with the interior finish right down to cabinets and wall finish, the unit must be transferred to the building site and placed on its foundation. Final completion is usually handled by various subcontractors and includes connection of utilities to the home, and a short list of finish work. Normally the home is completed in 6 to 8 weeks.
What is the difference between "Modular Home" and "Manufactured Home"?
Manufactured homes, sometimes referred to as mobile homes, are another type of building system and 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 homes 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 a State or inspection agency label of approval.
Do Modular Homes look different?
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. Check out our Gallery which is full of pictures of some of our completed custom modular homes, and see if you can see any difference.
Can I Design My Own Modular Home?
YES! Our modular manufacturer allows our customers complete design flexibility. In addition to ranch designs of every size, homes are available in split levels, cape cods, two & three stories and are being designed in all styles from traditional to contemporary. Our floor plans and styles can be changed to reflect minimal customization or totally re-designed to your very specific ideas. Moreover, exterior construction materials are not limited to vinyl siding. Natural wood, brick, stone and stucco can be used to enhance the look you wish to convey. Your interior design can be crafted with fireplaces, elaborate kitchen & Bathroom fixtures, sunrooms & morning rooms, in-law suites and home offices. It is up to you.
I know that Modular Homes are built to the same codes as Site-Built Homes, but is financing any different?
There is no distinction between modular 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 property. For additional information, tips and links to recommended lending institutions, check out our Financing Page, which is always accessible on our resource toolbar.
Does Custom Modular Direct offer Free Blueprints?
Because the blueprints are created specifically for you, we require a deposit for preliminary prints contingent upon the square footage of the home. $1,000 or $2,000 is required. This is part of the total amount of your home package and as such can be financed back into your mortgage. You must instruct your lender to do this. It is considered a deposit to Custom Modular Direct and will be credited against the cost of your package.
Do I have to come up with any other money?
We require a deposit upon contract signing. And, in order to start the building of your home we require 10% of the factory cost of the house, less your $1000. These funds DO NOT need to come from out-of-pocket. Most lenders realize modular manufacturers require a 10% start deposit and release that amount when you settle on your construction loan. Again, this amount is deducted from your house package cost but should be part of your total loan amount with your lender. The equity you have in the project is the cushion that allows the lenders to release these funds.
What is equity again?
Equity is the difference between what your completed house is worth and what it costs to build. It is your PROFIT!
How do we know how much our completed house will cost?
We supply you with a Construction Estimate Worksheet. You will need to get quotes from various subcontractors and material supplies and fill in the blanks. That worksheet combined with the cost of your lot and financing costs will give you a very good figure from which to work.
What if we can't do much of the work?
You still will save money by not having to pay for a builder's profit and overhead. You are eliminating the middleman. It depends upon you and the scope of your involvement.
Do we need a General Contractor's License?
Most states do not require you to have a general contractor's license. Only one state, Maryland, requires you to secure a special registration number in order to apply for your building permit.
How long does it take to finish a modular home?
That depends on you and your local building requirements. We have had motivated customers who have sub-contracted out most of the work and were finished in 3 weeks time. Others with difficult regulatory agencies, or those doing most of the work themselves, have taken 3-4 months. On the average, figure 6-8 weeks depending upon the complexity of your project and how motivated a Project Manager you are.
How much customization can I do on my modular home?
A LOT! Floor plans can be completely re-done; each home that we show has the flexibility to reflect your taste. Computer drawn floor plans allow you to decide on room size and placement, to determine the types of doors and windows, to add options and finishing touches, to personalize your home the way you want it. Custom Modular Direct modular homes can be reduced in size or enlarged. Modules such as morning rooms, in-law suites, and home offices can be added. You can composite modular homes to come up with a truly unique floor plan - that is, pick an exterior from our design section, a first floor from another home, a 2nd floor from a third home, & create your plan. There are also architecturally designed modular home plans available
Custom Modular Direct Contact Information
| Address | Taneytown, MD 21787, United States | |
| Phone | +1 410-346-7200 | |
| Toll-Free | +1 800-310-5161 | |
| info@modulardirect.com | ||
| Website | https://www.modulardirect.com// |