What Is a Modular Home?
What does “IRC code” mean?
Modular homes are built to meet the International Residential Code (IRC), which is a set of strict building standards used across the U.S. The IRC ensures that homes are safe, sturdy, energy-efficient, and up to modern requirements. This means your modular home is held to the same safety and quality standards as any new, traditionally built house—giving you peace of mind and lasting value.
How Are Modular Homes Built?
Factory Construction Process
Quality Control & Inspections
- Multiple Checkpoints: As each module moves through the factory, it passes through a series of inspection stations. Specialists check framing, plumbing, electrical systems, insulation, and finishes at every stage.
- Third-Party Inspections: In addition to in-house quality checks, independent inspectors—often required by state and local authorities—review the work to ensure it meets all building codes and regulations.
- Detailed Documentation: Every step, from the first nail to the final finish, is logged and tracked. This documentation isn’t just for quality—it’s proof your home meets or exceeds standards.
- Final Inspection: Before leaving the factory, each module undergoes a comprehensive final inspection. At Leland’s Modular, this means a 131-point checklist covering everything from structure to safety features.
- On-Site Verification: After delivery and assembly, there’s another round of checks to make sure everything fits together perfectly and that utilities and systems are safe and functional.
- Warranties and Support: This thorough process is backed by strong warranties (one year for the home, ten years for the structure), so you can feel confident in your investment.
Delivery & Installation
Each module is securely wrapped and loaded onto specialized trucks. Professional drivers transport the modules from the factory to your site, often coordinating with local authorities to ensure safe passage—especially for larger or multi-section homes.
Before delivery, your home site should be prepared with the proper foundation (crawl space, slab, or basement) and clear access for delivery vehicles. Our team provides guidance and checklists to help you get ready.
While some modular homes—especially larger or multi-story models—are set onto their foundations using cranes, not all deliveries require this.
- Cranes: Used for multi-section homes, two-story models, or sites with limited access. The crane carefully lifts each module and places it onto the foundation, ensuring a precise fit.
- Roll-On or Roll-Set: For single-section or smaller homes, modules may be rolled directly from the truck onto the foundation using hydraulic jacks or rollers. This method is efficient and doesn’t require a crane, making it ideal for many residential deliveries.
Once the modules are set, skilled crews join the sections together, seal all connections, and complete the exterior and interior finishes. Utilities (plumbing, electrical, HVAC) are connected, and any site-built features—like porches or garages—are added at this stage.
After installation, there’s a final round of inspections to ensure everything is safe, functional, and up to code. Once approved, your new home is move-in ready—often in just a few days after delivery.
Modular vs. Manufactured vs. Site Built Homes
| Feature | Modular Home | Manufactured Home | Site-Built Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building Code | IRC (International Residential Code) | HUD (U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development) | IRC (International Residential Code) |
| Foundation | Permanent (slab, crawl, or basement) | Steel chassis, sometimes on piers | Permanent (slab, crawl, or basement) |
| Where Built | Factory (indoors) | Factory (indoors) | On-site (outdoors) |
| Transportable After Setup | No | Sometimes (can be moved) | No |
| Financing | Traditional mortgages, FHA, VA | Limited, often chattel loans | Traditional mortgages, FHA, VA |
| Resale Value | Market Value | Typically lower | Market Value |
| Inspection Process | Frequent, includes third-party & state/local inspections | Factory inspections, HUD compliance | Local building inspectors at each site |
| Time to Build | 12–18 weeks (factory + installation) | 8–12 weeks (factory + delivery) | 6–12 months (weather-dependent) |
Understanding these distinctions is crucial for financing, zoning, and long-term investment value. For more details, visit our FAQ or Financing Options pages.
Who Should Consider Modular Homes?
Downsizing Retirees & Empty Nesters
First-Time Homebuyers & Young Families
Modular homes offer an affordable, reliable path to homeownership—perfect for young families or anyone buying their first home. With a variety of floorplans and finishes, you can get a brand-new, move-in-ready home faster than with traditional construction, often at a more accessible price point. Safety and energy efficiency are built in, meeting or exceeding the latest building codes. Customizable layouts mean you can plan for a growing family, add extra bedrooms, or include flexible spaces for playrooms or home offices. With less construction time and fewer weather delays, you’ll spend less time waiting and more time enjoying your new home.
Second Home & Vacation Property Buyers
Dreaming of a lakeside cabin, mountain retreat, or weekend getaway? Modular homes are a top choice for second homes and vacation properties. The ability to deliver and assemble your home quickly—even in remote or rural locations—means you can start relaxing or renting out your space sooner. Modular homes can be customized for seasonal living, with options for cozy fireplaces, large decks, bunk rooms, or even loft spaces for extra guests. If you plan to use your property for short-term rentals, modular construction delivers the durability and low maintenance you need, while still offering the charm and comfort vacationers love.
Investors & Developers
Landowners & Rural Buyers
If you already own land—whether it’s a rural property, hunting acreage, or a site for your future homestead—modular homes are a practical way to build in areas where skilled labor or materials might be limited. The factory-built approach means less disruption to your site and a faster move-in date, even in challenging or off-grid locations.
For homesteaders, modular homes offer flexible layouts for self-sufficient living, space for gardens, livestock, or workshops, and energy-efficient construction to support your sustainable lifestyle. Hunting enthusiasts will appreciate the ability to create a comfortable, durable hunting cabin or seasonal retreat that can be delivered deep into the countryside or woods.
Anyone Wanting Customization & Quality
If you want a home that truly reflects your style, needs, and lifestyle, modular homes offer extensive customization. Choose your floorplan, finishes, fixtures, and even special features like built-in storage, gourmet kitchens, or spa-inspired bathrooms. The precision of factory construction means your home will be built to exacting standards, with thorough inspections at every stage. You get the peace of mind that comes with a high-quality, warrantied product, and the flexibility to create a living space that’s uniquely yours—without the long delays, weather risks, or cost overruns of traditional builds.
Explore our wide variety of modular floorplans to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle, space needs, and design preferences.
Why Choose Leland's Modular?
- 30+ Years of Experience & Proven Craftsmanship
Since 1993, Leland’s Modular has been a leader in factory-built homes and commercial spaces, serving families and businesses across the country. Our decades of expertise mean you benefit from time-tested construction methods, innovative design, and a team that knows how to deliver lasting quality. - Superior Quality & Rigorous Inspections
Every Leland’s Modular home is built to the highest standards in our climate-controlled facilities. We use traditional building materials, advanced insulation, and a 2×6 exterior wall system for strength and energy efficiency. Each home undergoes a 131-point inspection and is certified to meet or exceed state and local codes, so you can trust your investment is safe, durable, and built to last. - Customization for Your Lifestyle
Your needs are unique—and your home should be too. We offer a wide range of customizable floorplans and finishes, from cozy cabins to spacious family homes and commercial solutions. Our team will guide you through every step, helping you select layouts, finishes, and features that fit your lifestyle, whether you’re building a forever home, a hunting retreat, or a rental property. - Sustainability Commitment
We believe in building a better future, not just great homes. For every home we build, we plant 20 trees—helping restore natural habitats and support a healthier planet. Our efficient construction process also reduces waste and environmental impact. - Comprehensive Warranties & Ongoing Support
Your peace of mind matters. Every Leland’s Modular home comes with a one-year home warranty and a ten-year structural warranty, plus manufacturer warranties on key systems like HVAC and roofing. Our dedicated customer care team is here before, during, and after your move-in, offering support by phone, email, or live chat. - Trusted by Customers Nationwide
From Texas to Kentucky and beyond, our customers rave about the quality of our homes and the professionalism of our team. We’re proud of our reputation for clear communication, transparency, and delivering on our promises—just check out our testimonials and success stories.
Ready to experience the Leland’s Modular difference?
Contact us for a free consultation, explore our full range of floorplans, or review our buying guides to get started on your journey!