California Modular Houses, Inc., is one of the most experienced modular home companies in the state of California. We have local sales representatives who are knowledgeable and excited to work with you on your project from conceptual design through the completion of your home.
The fastest way to build is choosing a stock model from our website. This is generally the most economical solution and is with considering, given that this is one of the few choices that you have that can make the project easier.
California Modular Houses, Inc. has built a reputation helping people to build custom plans specific to their needs, their property, preferences, and while keeping to your budget. If you have design ideas, please share them with your sales agent so we can discuss a modular translation of your plan.
The following steps are general guide to an average project. Yet, life is rarely average. Each project has its own unique schedule, requirements, and nuances. Some jurisdictions have additional planning and permitting requirements like the California Coastal Commission or a picky Architectural Review Board, or more departments reviewing the plans than is typical.
California Modular Houses, Inc. has worked on projects from the California Coast to the Sierra, from the Mojave Desert to the Redwood Forest on the Oregon border, and all the way down to San Diego. We are happy to help you wherever you want to build.
We invite you to pick up the phone and call us to talk about your project. We will help get you initial questions about pricing and the process answered and then we can get start to guide you through the process.
(800) 800-0065
chris@californiamodularhouses.com
Modular Steps to Building
STEP 1
PROPERTY:
California Modular Houses, Inc. can help you whether you already own a property or you are just purchasing a lot. Property constraints and zoning regulations will impact you & your home choice. As a general rule, having a flat property with utilities already on-site helps to keep your costs to a minimum. Obtaining property is the first step.
STEP 2
BUDGETING & FINANCE:
Start by establishing a preliminary budget for the modular home based on the size home you require. While some of our clients pay cash for their homes, many finance their homes with construction loans. We do have lender options who can pre-qualify you for a loan.
STEP 3
MODULAR FEASABILITY STUDY:
A modular Feasibility Study is a critical step in the modular process. This is where your California Modular House, Inc. rep. visits your property to determine the maximum sized module that can be delivered safely. There is a small fee for this service, but it is a credit on the price of your home. It’s also a great time to ask any questions you have.
STEP 4
DESIGN:
The design stage could be as simple as choosing a stock plan from our website as it is drawn, or doing minor tweaking to make it your perfect plan. Another option is to engage our design to draw an idea of yours our layout your home based upon your requirements and lot restrictions. Please remember to allow additional time for design of you require this service.
STEP 5
MODULAR ESTIMATE:
Once the design phase is complete, your sales agent will work with the production team to prepare a written formal estimate based on your preliminary preferences and known building department requirements like snow loads, fire sprinklers, and high fire hazard zone specifications.
STEP 6
MODULAR ENGINEERING:
California Modular Houses, Inc. provides the modular plan set as part of our package. This is for the portion of the project that is built in the factory. Floor plans, elevations, structural engineering, energy calcs, fire sprinklers & mechanical plans are all completed here. There is an engineering deposit though that cost is applied to the price of your home.
STEP 7
SITE ENGINEERING:
This usually begins with a property topographical survey and a soils report which are done at the same time as the modular engineering Once the modular plans are complete, your foundation can be engineered, site & civil plans can be finalized, and local Planning & Building department requirements can be addressed for submission.
STEP 8
PERMITTING:
Once all of your plans are prepared, a package based on the requirements of your local jurisdiction can be submitted for Planning & Building department review. The jurisdiction provides the final building permit, often specifying additional requirements (best to expect a couple rounds of resubmission). Permitting is an optional service, not everyone requires it but for most people it is highly recommended.
STEP 9
CONSTRUCTION BIDS:
California Modular Houses, Inc. works with several construction companies. Once your plans are approved, we can introduce you to a contractor who can provide you with an estimate of the work done at your site. We strongly recommend working with a general contractor who is familiar with modular construction. Clients who accept this advice end up with fewer surprises and are always happier.
STEP 10
MODULAR SPECIFICATIONS & UPGRADES:
Your fixed costs for the modular home and the site work have been mostly identified. You can now select your specifications & upgrades, working with your sales representative to choose colors and types of cabinets, countertops, siding, hardware finishes, interior and exterior door styles, etc.
STEP 11
FINAL BUILDING DEPARTMENT APPROVAL:
At this time, the various departments of the local jurisdiction have reviewed the plans, provided the required local changes, and corrections have been made. It is a process that takes, but once this is done and the approval is granted; the contractor can then provide you with a formal contract and pick up your final building permits.
STEP 12
FINANCING:
Already having been pre-approved when you established your preliminary budget, it is now time to work on closing your loan. It is usually easiest for us to provide the home directly to the contractor so everything is included in one contract. While it’s rare that it happens, the goal is to have permits and financing completed at the same time.
STEP 13
ORDERING YOUR HOME:
This is where the real fun begins. We build fast! Agreements are finalized and a production deposit is paid. Your home is now in queue for production! You won’t believe how fast the process moves. We order the materials and begin building your home. Your contractor at the same time can begin building the foundation according to the plans.
STEP 14
MODULAR CONSTRUCTION & SITE WORK:
While your home is built in the factory, the site contractor is clearing the property, grading, pouring the foundation, and preparing the utilities. This is when an experienced modular contractor comes in handy. They build to the plans, understanding the house that is coming on the trucks, and can keep up with the fast modular home pace.
After the construction is done, the local jurisdiction with provide a Certificate of Occupancy and the only thing left is to move in and enjoy your home for many years to come. Congratulations On Your New Home!!!!
STEP 15
MOVE INTO YOUR NEW HOUSE:
Modular Construction Time
Site-Built Construction can’t compete with the speed of modular building in California. Modular construction is simply a more effective and efficient method of building in a state with all the challenges of site-built projects. Building a home in a factory can save you time, money, and lots of headaches.
Design, Engineering & Permitting:
California Modular Houses, Inc. has helped clients permit homes all over California. Obtaining permits can be a time consuming process. We recommend starting the plans 6-12 months before you want to begin construction, even sooner is better. Starting early helps to make building your dream home and enjoyable & memorable experience with less stress about the schedule. We can’t predict how long it will take to get permits since every project is different. The safest bet is to allow as much time as you can as revisions and plan check comments understandably add to the process time. Many cities and counties also find themselves understaffed to handle their current work loads.