What are the benefits of modular homes versus stick built homes? Which type of home is right for you?  Since Martell Home Builders constructs both modular and traditional stick built homes, here is a point by point comparison of each type of construction.

Appearance:
Modular: The same as any traditional site-built home. You can add any style of window, door, wall or architectural feature you prefer. Once completed you cannot tell the difference between modular and traditional homes.
Stick Built: The appearance can be customized to the home owners preference. Traditional homes can accommodate any architectural preference.

Floor Plans and Design:
Modular: Modular homes are normally highly customized in their interior and exterior appearances. Full custom modular builders, while rare, offer the ability to design from scratch or accept private architect’s renderings for conversion by the factory to modular.
Stick Built: Most custom builders can provide sample plans they’ve built, offer design services, or direct you to plans. You can also hire an architect to design your home according to your preference. In either case, full customization is standard.

Timeframe:
Modular: The normal timeframe is 3.5-4 months for turnkey projects. There are some time savings since construction can begin in the factory at the same time your foundation is being created on your site. The weather has almost no impact on the schedule.
Stick Built: The normal timeframe is 5-6 months for turnkey projects. Since all construction occurs on-site, work projects have to be scheduled more carefully. The work schedule is dependent on weather conditions.

Building Process:
Modular: Assembly-line building, constructed in a  factory. Delivered in sections to the home site.
Stick Built: Built from scratch, so all steps and materials are visible to the new owner. Stick built uses local labor and material suppliers, so this keeps your neighbors working.

Cost Comparison:
Modular & Stick Built: The same cost when comparing “like” materials.

Resale Value:
Modular: Well built, high-quality modular homes retain their value well.
Stick Built: Traditionally, constructed homes held their value better. But that is changing, now that modulars, like Martell Home Builder’s  are of high standards.

Building Codes:
Modular & Stick Built: Modular houses and stick-built meet the same building codes.

The difference with Martell Home Builders is that we do BOTH types of construction and can advise you on what is best for your individual needs and situation. Which is right for you? It depends on these and so many other factors.

Contact Martell Builders for more information, click here or call (845) 856-7951 and we’ll help you make a decision that’s right for you!

Includes:
• Lot clearing, brush chipped, log lengths stacked in clean pile, (lot clearing an average 25’ perimeter around home)
• Burying of stumps on lot, if possible
• Building, driveway, well, and septic permits, – acquired, paid for, and all inspection handled
• Use tax/sales tax
• 100’ of driveway (crusher run gravel) and walkway to front steps
• Culvert (if applicable) (size as per town specifications)
• Foundation hole, all excavation
• Concrete footing with rebar 8” X 16” and 8” of crushed stone beneath concrete floor -10”x20” and 10” of crushed stone for 2-story homes
• 4” Concrete floor with vapor barrier, and wire mesh
• 4” Perimeter drain to daylight (if possible)
• Full foundation 8” X 8’0” tall poured concrete
• Foundation wall “Delta drains” water proofing (10-year limited warranty)
• Solid concrete support columns (Lally columns)
• Backfill
• Final grade, hay and seeding of all disturbed soil areas (machine grade only), grading done as best as possible with material on site
• Well ($4,000) allotment for well drilling only
• Complete septic system (standard septic only, – 1,000-gallon tank, 300 linear feet of standard drain field)
• Pressure treated sill plates
• Sill insulation
• Electric hook-up, 200 AMP panel
• Set-up and delivery of home (modular)
• Trim out home
• All specification on home sheet (stick-built or Modular)
• Basement stairs and handrails
• Washer, dryer, and range – wiring and plumbing
• Power to site by power company (unless otherwise addressed)
• Home is professionally cleaned
• Full gutters and leaders
• Certificate of Occupancy
• Ten-year written homeowner warranty (through Residential Warranty Corporation)
• Complete plumbing using Pex water lines and PVC Schedule 40 waste lines
• Well pump ($1,850 well pump and tank allowance)
• 45 Gallon water storage tank
• Additional 1-year warranty on door alignments, sheetrock stress cracks, etc.

EXCLUDES:
• Appliances
• Removal of stumps from lot (stumps are to be buried on lot)
• Blasting or hammer work and additional machinery time due to blasting or hammer work
• Removal of rocks over 1 cubic yard
• Any additional backfill /landscape material, plus machine time to install
• Any additional driveway sub-material plus machine time to install
• Excessive water, rock, or unforeseen conditions
• Concrete pump, if needed
• If an ultra-violet system is needed for water purity or any other water treatment is needed, homeowner is responsible for additional cost
• Air exchanger, if needed
• Winter mix concrete, if needed

REQUIREMENTS, OWNER RESPONSIBILITIES
• A fully engineered and approved building lot
• Engineered septic design
• Survey
• Professionally flagged and staked lot
• Builders risk insurance policy (homeowner policy)
• Use of basement dehumidifier for a minimum of first year of occupancy (poured concrete foundations)

Note: Feel free to call our office with any further questions.

So you have decided you want to build a new home, but you are not familiar with the process or how to get started. The process can be very simple if you follow the guidelines below.

1) Check your credit report to see if there are any discrepancies. This gives you the chance to clean up anything that needs attention.

2) Meet with a mortgage consultant and get pre-approved so you know how much you can afford for a land & home construction package. It is also good to ask your builder for their recommendation for a mortgage consultant or lending institution.

3) Find a builder with a good solid reputation and experience, one who is willing to walk you through the entire construction process and coordinate a full turn-key project. Why a full turn-key? A full turn-key project is a very seamless way to have your home construction completed. With one firm that handles all your needs it eliminates loose ends, hidden fees, and reduces your stress. You will no longer have to worry over scheduling contractors, getting permits, or handling proper inspections yourself.

4) Find a suitable building lot that is fully engineered, or you can have your builder coordinate with an engineer. Some things to consider when purchasing a lot to build are: Is there power to the site? What will be the costs involved to have the utility company bring power to the site? Driveway length is also a consideration. Do I need a well or does the property have municipal water? Do I need a septic system or does the property have central sewage? Are septic systems generally costly in the area I would like to build?

5) Decide on a home floor plan that will meet your family’s needs while staying within your budget for your land & home package. Many floor plans can be found on our website. If none of those plans seem appealing, start sketching something and we would be happy to look at it and help custom design your home.

6) Once you have a floor plan designed, we can begin drawing contracts. These contracts can then be used at the bank, when applying for a construction loan. While you go to the bank we can have architect plans drawn.

7) With architect plans in hand, and financing set it’s time to get a building permit. Building permits are required for all new home construction and is a service that is included in our complete home packages

Now that the paper work is completed its time to start construction!
The process is that simple! If you have more questions give us a call and we would be happy to walk you through the building process.