Hiring a Contractor to Complete Your Modular Home
Many people think because a modular home is constructed in the factory and essentially finished when it is delivered to the site. With that in mind, they feel they can handle the job of overseeing the completion of the home, rather than hiring a contractor. Unless you have experience with contracting, this is probably not a good idea.
While it is true that there will be less site work than with a traditional stick build, the work is critical and requires a not only a contractor but one with specific knowledge and experience with modular homes. When choosing a contractor, it helps to understand that there are different types of contractors.
General Contractor
This type of contractor is more of a manager than a laborer. A general contractor may have his own staff, or he may employ subcontractors to complete the work.
When it comes to the site preparation and the finish work on your modular home, hiring a general contractor is your best option. It will cost more money, but it will save you time and aggravation as well as ensuring that all work is completed properly.
If you are a prospective or new homeowner with little or no construction experience, the cost of hiring a general contractor is a wise investment. They can make sure the subcontractors do the work right and you don’t end up overpaying them for poor work.
Subcontractor
These are the people hired by the general contractor to do the actual work. They will build the foundation, do the electrical work, connect the plumbing, paint walls, and anything else necessary to complete your modular home.
In order to save some money, you can be your own general contractor and hire subcontractors yourself. If you have experience, that might work out well for you. Keep in mind, being a general contractor is a full-time job, requiring almost constant availability to answer subcontractor’s questions as well as coordinate and supervise their work.
If you have no experience, you will be unable to judge the quality of the work the subcontractors provide. It is highly recommended that in most cases, prospective homeowners do not act as their general contractors and hire a contractor.
Self-Proclaimed Contractor
When hiring a contractor, your first question should be to ask what their license number is. A self-proclaimed contractor refers to those who are unlicensed and uninsured. They should not even be considered when choosing a contractor.
You should verify that the license number is legitimate by checking with your local state authority. Even after you hire a licensed and insured contractor, you should also check to make sure they are in good standing with the Better Business Bureau.
Hiring a Contractor for Your Modular Home Build
Many aspects of modular home site work are similar to traditional stick built home, but there are some differences. For example, the excavation contractor must prepare the site for the delivery and set of the modules. Even contractors with years of excavation experience often underestimate the logistical difficulties of maneuvering modules that are usually long, wide and always heavy.
Most reputable and established modular home companies either have their own general contractors on staff or work with contractors who have experience with modular homes on a regular basis. If you have to hire your own, knowing what ask and what to look for in a general contractor will help you make a good choice.
Statewide Custom Modular Homes comes from three generations of award winning Custom Modular Home Builders since 1963. We have set a precedent as a leader in customized modular homes for the entire state of New Jersey and offer three types of programs for purchase, the “Turn Key” and “Drop n Set”, and for our handymen our “Sweat Equity Program.”
Do not hesitate to call us at 1-732-270-0050 to speak with one of our modular specialists in reference to any of your modular home needs.
