Frequently asked questions
- Modular homes are built in a factory in sections called modules. Framing, insulation, drywall, roofing, windows, siding, cabinetry, plumbing, and wiring are installed in the factory. Finished modules are covered for protection, then transported to the home site. They are placed on a pre-made foundation and joined by our installation crew.
- Most can be built in the factory in as little as 1 to 2 weeks. The actual time from ordering until delivery, however, is more likely to be 3 to 4 months, depending on the complexity of your design and our current back log. The time savings inherent in the modular process is that the construction and the site work can be completed simultaneously.
- No, and unless you were there to see a house delivered and assembled, you would probably never guess it’s a modular home. We use computer aided design programs to draw to your specifications, or to modify one of our plans to suit your needs, so nearly any plan can be turned into a modular home.
- It varies, but construction costs for a modular home are usually less per square foot than the costs for a similar site-built home. When you add up all the labor, material and time savings inherent to the modular building process, you will find that the price of a modular home is generally lower than a site-built home.
The main cost benefit is your ability to control your costs upfront. If you choose to stick build your home there are many variables that can cause increases to your final price such as weather and labor shortages. When you sign a contract with us you lock in a price and unless you make changes or upgrades that price does not change.
In addition, our modular homes are very energy efficient, which helps reduce your heating and cooling costs thus saving you money throughout the life of your home.
- There is no distinction between modular and site-built homes as far as appraisal or financing. One difference, however, is that with the modular process, your loan is in the construction phase for a shorter period of time and therefore turns into a mortgage faster. There is no difference in insuring the modular property.
- Alouette has a one year warranty that covers everything in the house and a five year warranty that covers structural and hidden defects. All the individual components in the house such as windows, doors, siding, etc. have their own warranties which often exceed our warranty.
- There is no difference in the resale value of a quality modular home and a quality stick-built home.
- Green building is building in such a way that protects and promotes a better environment. The modular building process minimizes the impact on the global and local environment by doing most of the construction work off-site. It also improves the quality of the air inside your new home because the materials are not exposed to the weather during the construction process. The result is a better home and a healthier environment for you and your family.
- Energy efficiency means being able to control the energy loss/gain in your home and being able to maximize the use of that energy. The main requirement for an energy efficient home is to be well insulated and sealed. Maximizing the use of the energy can be accomplished in many ways. One way that we do this is by installing an air exchange system in every one of our homes. This system has a 76% heat recovery and controls the humidity and air flow in and out of our homes. One benefit of an energy efficient home is lower energy bills throughout the life of the home.
- Modular homes use the same types of foundations as stick-built homes, so yes, you can have a basement. We cannot install on a slab.
- Yes, we would be happy to set up an appointment for you. Our factory is in a small town in Quebec called Ste-Anne-de-la-Rochelle. It is about a 3 ½ hour drive from our office.
