A Simple Guide to the Modular Home Construction Process Near Calgary

1. Designing Your Modular Home

The first step in the modular home process is to choose or design a floor plan that fits your needs. Many modular home manufacturers offer a variety of customizable plans, ranging from small, simple layouts to larger, more elaborate designs. You can work with the manufacturer to select finishes, materials, and features that meet your lifestyle preferences.

2. Construction of Modules in a Factory-Controlled Environment

Once your design is finalized, the construction of your modular home begins in a factory-controlled environment. This method offers numerous advantages:

• Efficiency: Building in a factory allows for precise control over every step of the construction process, ensuring consistent quality.
• Weather-Protected: Construction indoors means there’s no risk of weather-related damage or delays, allowing for faster completion.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Factory construction reduces labor costs and material waste, keeping the overall cost lower than traditional home building.

Each module is framed, insulated, and wired for plumbing and electricity before being inspected and approved for transport to your property.

3. Transporting the Modules to Your Property

Once the modules are built and inspected, they are carefully transported to your property by flatbed trucks. Transporting modular homes requires expert coordination to ensure the modules arrive safely and on time. In some cases, a modular home can consist of several large modules that need to be moved separately.

4. Preparing the Land for Your Modular Home

While your home is being constructed in the factory, the land will be prepared to receive the modules. Preparing the land involves several key steps:

• Clearing and leveling: Any existing vegetation or obstacles need to be cleared from the site, and the ground must be leveled.
• Installing utilities: Ensure that electricity, water, and sewer connections are established, either by connecting to local infrastructure or installing alternative systems like septic tanks.
• Foundation preparation: The foundation is one of the most critical elements of the land preparation process.

5. Best Foundation for Modular Homes: Grade Beams with Helical Screw Piles

Modular homes require a solid foundation to ensure long-term stability and durability. One of the best foundation types for modular homes, especially in areas near Calgary, is a grade beam foundation supported by helical screw piles. Here’s why:

• Helical Screw Piles: These are steel shafts with helical plates that are screwed into the ground to create a deep, secure foundation. They provide excellent support for modular homes and can handle various soil conditions found in Alberta.
• Grade Beams: Once the screw piles are installed, a grade beam is laid across the piles to form a solid base for the home. This type of foundation is ideal for modular homes because it’s cost-effective, quick to install, and provides a strong, level surface for the modular units.

6. Erecting the Modular Home on the Foundation

After the land is prepped and the foundation is in place, the modular home is ready to be erected. The modules are delivered to the site and carefully placed onto the foundation using cranes or other lifting equipment.

• Securing the modules: Once the modules are set in place, they are aligned and fastened to the foundation and to each other. This ensures the home is structurally sound and stable.
• Connecting utilities: After the modules are in place, the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems are connected to the pre-installed utilities on the property.

7. Finishing the Home On-Site

The final step in the modular home construction process is finishing the exterior and interior of the home. While most of the construction and finishing work is done in the factory, some elements are completed on-site:

• Sealing the joints: The seams where the modules connect need to be sealed and finished to ensure a seamless exterior and interior look.
• Exterior finishes: Siding, roofing, and other exterior features may be added or adjusted on-site to complete the home’s appearance.
• Interior finishes: The interior work includes any final touches like painting, flooring, and connecting appliances.

Once the home is finished, it’s inspected to ensure it meets building codes and quality standards, making it move-in ready.