MYTH: Modular homes are much more stronger than traditional homes.

FACT: Yes, modular homes are built stronger than traditional stick built homes, but they also experience a lot more initial wear and tear. Each module is shipped on the back of a truck that bounces as it drives along the highway. To ensure a quality home, modular manufacturers will use more screws (instead of nails) and also add glue to joints to increase their strength. Modular homes are generally built stronger than typical stick built homes, but traditional stick built homes also don't endure a long trip. It is hard to prove that a modular home is still stronger after it endures its road trip. But it is easy to see that modular homes are as strong as traditional homes.

MYTH: Modular buildings are hard to be financed.

FACT: Modular buildings are treated the same as traditional stick built buildings. Mobile homes (which are not modular homes) are more difficult to gain financing due to their depreciation. Modular buildings actually can be better than traditional buildings to finance since they reduce the amount of construction time. The reduced construction time can help business. If a business takes a mortgage out to pay for a new modular manufacturing facility, it can be constructed before the first mortgage payment is due. Thus it can lead to faster payments and less interest charges incurred. Also modular home owners may have an easier time since the manufacturing facility is a known value to bankers and can respond to any requests for plans or quality control. This modular myth is another example of confusion between modular homes and mobile homes.

MYTH: Modular buildings depreciate in value.

FACT: Modular buildings appreciate and gain value the same way traditional buildings do. Once a modular building is fully assembled, it is near impossible to tell the difference between it and a stick built home, that is why modular buildings appreciate in value. Mobile homes (which are moveable) do not appreciate in value. That is probably where the confusion comes in with this modular home myth.

MYTH: Modular buildings are unproven and don't last.

FACT: Modular buildings started becoming popular in the 1950s due to the high demand for homes after World War II. The industry has not slowed down and has been continuously constructing and assembling modular homes since then. Many homes that were constructed in the 1950s are still around and have greatly increased in value. Modular buildings are more proven that the traditional construction today. This is because each modular home can be traced to a manufacturer that has a long established successful track record. A traditional building relies on the current construction firm which probably does not have a track record that goes back 50 years. Whoever you decide to build your house make sure to check their credentials.

MYTH: Modular buildings all look identical and are ugly.

FACT: Modular homes and offices can all be customized to look exactly how you want them. Each modular building manufacturer has hundreds of different designs to choose from. In addition you can easily customize the windows, doors, siding, colors etc. Modular buildings make it very easy to have a custom looking home at an affordable price. As for looking ugly, that is up to how you the home buyer chooses to make your home look. Think twice before picking hot pink as your exterior color on your new home. Modular homes can be anything you want them to be. If you do not see what you want, you should contact another modular home manufacturer.

(reprinted with permission from Turnpike Pennysaver- dated week of May 13, 2007)