FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS A MODULAR ADDITION?

What is a modular addition? Simply put, a modular addition is a highly engineered method of producing a first floor extension or second floor addition for your home in an efficient and cost effective manner. It is designed, engineered and assembled in the controlled environment of a modern factory and then systematically installed on your home. The building process begins at the design phase. State-of-the-art computer assisted design stations aid in customizing floor plans and producing drawings. Once designed, the building process begins. This process is similar to what you’ve seen during the construction of houses in your neighborhood. Modular additions use the same name-brand quality materials as a conventional stick built home.

DO THEY MEET BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS?

Does a modular addition home meet building code requirements? Modular home additions must meet the same NY State and local building codes as a conventional stick built home. These codes include building codes, fire protection codes, electrical codes and plumbing codes.

IS A MODULAR HOME THE SAME AS A MOBILE HOME?

What is the difference between a Mobile Home and a Modular Home? A mobile home is built on a trailer which can be moved to different locations and secured. It is built to a different set of building standards than a regular house. A mobile home is limited to a single story and cannot be attached to anything and nothing can be attached to it. A modular home is built in a factory according to the same building codes as any home or commercial building. Modular homes can be lifted by crane and permanently attached to your existing home.

WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE OF MODULAR VS. CONVENTIONAL CONSTRUCTION?

What is the advantage of modular vs. conventional construction? Modular construction is stronger, more efficient and of consistent quality! STRONGER. Modular additions are built using 2×10 floor joists and 2×6 outer walls. In addition, fastening techniques include using glue in addition to screws and nails. Moreover, metal reinforcement hardware is also used to add rigidity enabling modular homes to be transported from the factory to your home via the highway and then lifted in the air to be set on top of your house.

HOW MUCH DOES A MODULAR ADDITION COST?

How much does a modular addition cost? There are some variables to consider which affect the cost of any addition. • Will it be two bedrooms and a bathroom or a master bedroom with master bath and two additional bedrooms with a shared second bathroom. • Pine stairs, or solid oak stairs? • Economy windows or Andersen windows? • Any specialty windows like oval, arch, springline or picture windows? • How about a second floor deck with a sliding glass door? • Linoleum bathroom flooring or ceramic tile? • Stain Master carpet or top-of-the-line Burlington? • Vinyl siding or cedar shakes? • Separate room air conditioners or central air with a heat pump? • Need an upgrade to 200 AMP electrical service? • Ceiling light, ceiling fan & light or chandelier in every room? • Separate hot water heater? • Cable TV, computer network and telephone jacks in every room? Typically builders are forced to give an instant ball park price, and reluctantly they give a price based on square footage. However that price is based on average building costs previously tabulated by past building accomplishments in addition to standard costs published by companies such as RS MEANS. However, the price per square foot varies as widely as there are home buyers with different home styles, tastes and budgets. For a more personalized estimate based on your specific requirements call East Coast Dormer and speak with a design professional.

MAKING SENSE OF DIFFERENT COSTS ESTIMATES.

Making sense of different cost estimates. It is unwise to pay too much, but it is worse to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little money, that is all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything. Because the thing you bought is incapable of doing the thing you bought it to do. The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot. It cannot be done! If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add something for the risk you run. And if you do that, you will have enough to pay for something better!

WHAT KIND OF WOOD IS THAT? IS THAT PRESS BOARD?

(OSB) East Coast Dormer typically utilizes SPF lumber in all its farming of modular homes and additions. The kiln-drying process of SPF lumber inhibits the natural staining of the wood, improves its strength and stiffness, enhances its appearance and increases its resistance to decay and attack by insects. SPF has a high strength-to-weight ratio and is well known for its outstanding working properties. It takes and holds nails exceptionally well and is easily worked with hand and power tools. It has good gluing, painting and staining properties. In addition, CDX plywood is used for all exterior sheathing of walls and roofs. CDX plywood is the most widely used and popular material for all rough construction. The glues and adhesives that are used to connect and bond the wood layers enable the plywood to be water resistant and have the capability to better withstand moisture. OSB or “oriented strand board” can be used as an alternative for the “green” conscious consumer. It differs from the other wood scrap-products because its long strips of wood are placed strategically rather than randomly. OSB has come into fashion as a product with the same purpose and function as plywood. Manufactures of OSB have engineered their product to make sure it is strong, multifunctional, uniform and workable.

HOW DO I GET A MODULAR ADDITION INSTALLED ON MY HOUSE?

10 Steps to an East Coast Dormer Modular Addition: