Modular homes have been around for a long time. The structure is built in a controlled environment having a New York Department of State approval.
The factory can be outside of New York, but approved by the Department of State.
For a modular home, the foundation is built just like any other conventionally framed on-site single family dwelling.
Usually heat and A/C are installed on site, after the house has been lifted onto the foundation.
A modular is very different from a mobile home, which are actually now called “manufactured homes.”
A manufactured home does not need a foundation like a regular house.
Although there are specifications for the pad and piers, the unit will be towed in like a trailer, placed and leveled.
Even though both modular and manufactured are basically built off-site, the Code Office is still very much involved with either process.
Most framing, interior plumbing, electrical, insulation, doors and windows have already been installed, and approved as part of the factory assembly, there are still many things left to be verified after the delivery of the house.
Of which, the foundation is one of the biggest things.
New York State has a lengthy process for modular home companies to enable them to sell their homes in this state.
Department of State inspectors are regularly going to these factory facilities for inspections.
Each model, each house built, is given an approval number as shown on the original approval letter.
This number must match the number that is permanently attached to the house when delivered.
When the modular home company supplies the plans for the house, each page must be stamped with an original NYS licensed Engineer or Architect.
Copies are not acceptable.
The cover page of the plans should be the NYS Department of State approval letter for that particular house.
All the general construction criteria should be itemized that shows the snow load design, energy compliance, wind zone categories, and anything that is appropriate for the region or area where the house will be placed.
Under a separate cover, a complete energy compliance check list should be provided, and that needs the stamp and signature of the licensed professional as well… again in original form.
These plans that are provided by the modular home companies are actually quite detailed, except for one rather major component—the foundation.
They will provide a generic foundation plan.
They cannot, and will not provide detailed plans for the footings, foundation, walkout (if used), any windows, or the potential use of space.
If a walk out basement is part of the design, or maybe a garage or other living space is intended to be part of the basement area, detailed plans must be submitted by a NYS licensed design professional showing this.
Stepped footings for frost protection, the requirement of the NYS Energy Code, fire safety issues, egress requirements may all be different and shall be included separately as part of the plans submitted for the building permit.
Not all modular home companies are approved to have their homes placed here in the Town of Webb.
Again, this is not because of some local ordinance or prohibition, it is only because the particular company, or a particular model, has not been approved by the Department of State to meet the Code requirements for this area.
The two most obvious code related requirements would be snow load and higher standard for energy conservation that is needed for this area.
It is amazing that going through some older files, building permits were issued based on a modular home company’s sales brochure.
A nice color flyer showing the floor plan and room layout of a certain model was submitted for the actual permit.
Totally void of any of the structural, mechanical, energy conservation standards of the State building Code for this area.
Is it possible that Rockland County may have different standards of construction than northern Herkimer County?
Modular homes have become much more popular over the years.
Although the site work is no less work than a conventionally built on-site house (foundation, septic system, final grading, driveway, drainage), when everything is ready for delivery, it’s amazing how fast the house “goes up” on the lot.
To find out more about modular home standards, visit the NYS Department of State website at www.dos.state.us, or stop in to the Code Office anytime.