Modular Homes Report

Build Informed

Modular Home Setup and Finish

MODULAR HOME SETUP AND FINISH – TERRAIN  PREPARATION  BEFORE DELIVERY

It is the builder’s task to prepare  the site to receive the modular structure, to contract crane service and to provide an area from which the crane can work. The following is a list of requirements for establishing a proper  site, but  requirements may not  be limited  to the criteria  noted.  Difficult  sites may require additional preparation. Consult  with the manufacturer if any questions  arise.

SITE PREPARATION

The site should be cleared of all obstructions (boulders,  trees, power lines, etc.,) which may affect the ability of the tractor trailer/transporter or crane to have access to and maneuver  around the foundation location.

  1. A. Inspect the route of travel from the nearest town to the site. Minimum and maximum clearances to allow for transport of structure are:
  2. 1. Road width: 15’-0”
  3. 2. Overhead clearance: 14’-0”
  4. 3. Power line clearance: 15’-0”
  5. 4. Carrier axle clearance: 14”
  6. 5. Slope on access ways: 12” in 20’
  7. 6. Bridge weight limit: 15-ton
  8. 7. Approaches to exits, bridges and underpasses must be long and wide enough to accommodate a 75’ tractor trailer/transporter.

Again, if there is any doubt  about  the adequacy  of the site route,  contact  the manufacturer’s transportation manager  for assistance. Manufacturers will work with the builder and local traffic control  officials to resolve any difficulties with travel requirements. The builders’ cooperation is requested  in routing  the homes to final destination as a requirement of the permits.

NOTE: More heavily populated areas may require special traffic control  allowances  (such as staging areas, traffic officer control,  and parking  bans).

  1. B. The site should have two 30’ x 60’ areas cleared for use by the crane and transporter with reasonable access to these areas from the road. The driveway  should be level to avoid costly repairs to the home on delivery. Site should have two areas adjacent  to one another with one area having

its dimensions  abutting the foundation wall. The area against the foundation supports the crane and should be reasonably level with undisturbed soil or well-compacted fill.

  1. C. When the grade is in excess of an 18’ run, a 5-ton crawler/dozer may be required to assist with the modular delivery. Discuss prior with your manufacturer.
  1. D. Recommended entry-road minimum clearances required are as follows: When paved road is over:

40’ wide – use a minimum  radius  clearance of 6’

30’-40’ wide – use a minimum  radius  clearance of 10’

24’-30’ wide – use a minimum  radius  clearance of 20’

<24’ wide – use a minimum  radius  clearance of 30’

Most manufacturers recommend that an on-site inspection  by the crane contractor be made prior to  the  set.  A modular home  is not  necessarily  a heavy  item  to  lift, however,  its size and  any  site restrictions must be clearly understood by the crane contractor. The crane contractor should determine the size of the crane needed to do the job based on the site requirements. Be sure to consider grade and soil conditions expected  on the day of the set. Decide on a location  for the crane  in relation  to the modules  during  the  setting  operation. Inspect  the  area  for  low  wires,  tree  limbs  and  other  such obstructions that  may  cause  problems  on  the  day  of the  set.  Decide  what  obstructions should  be removed  prior  to  delivery.  Consult  with  your  crane  contractor on  the  equipment  necessary  (slings, spread bars, etc.) to set a modular and discuss who’s responsibility it is to bring them to the set.

Careful planning and coordination of the crane and contractor will save unnecessary cost resulting from carrier, crane and set crew layovers due to delays while site obstructions are cleared.

ON-SITE  ACCEPTANCE OF HOUSE DELIVERY

  1. 1. The builder or his/her authorized representative should meet the house and drivers upon delivery at the job
  1. 2. The house shipping papers are checked to assure the specifications ordered match  all sections of the home
  1. 3. The builder or an authorized representative should inspect each home when it arrives at the
  1. 4. The builder may have to have payment in hand to pay the driver, after inspection and prior to detaching  from module.  Discuss payment  schedule with your manufacturer.
  1. 5. It is recommended you arrange delivery of the modules a day or two prior to set if

This helps avoid delays on set day due to traffic and weather.

SITE ERECTION OVERVIEW

The following information has been developed  to assist builders with modular home set up and finish by providing  an overview of the sequence of events and planning  required to set a modular home. Proper planning  is the key to assuring the customer  that  a home will be safe and secure over the lifetime of the building.  Poor planning  and lack of attention to detail can cause a reoccurrence of any number  of problems for the homeowner and must be avoided.  In addition, service costs to the builder and manufacturer can be avoided.

This overview is an outline  which describes the site erection  sequence.  Here,  we will discuss the minimum  acceptable  practices  for site set up and connection. Again, consult  with your manufacturer for answers to any questions you may have. This is only a guide, and each manufacturer will have their own specifications.

Site Preparation:

Before the modules arrive at the site, the builder must have the foundation prepared using the guidelines laid out in the typical drawings  and in accordance with local codes. The sill plate must be installed and level to provide the bearing surface for the floor rails.

Arrival On-site:

Prior to removing the module  from the carrier,  the builder  should  check the home for any in-transit damage  and document it.

Setting The Module:

  1. 1. Lift points are located and holes are drilled in the rail within 1/2” from bottom of double rail for lifting cables. The only accepted method  of set-up is by the use of a crane. Spreader bars and slings must be used to lift the modules with the slings going the whole way around the module.  Lifting point shall be one fourth  to one third of the length in from each end, when two slings are used, or 10’ feet in from each end.  If the length of the module exceeds 46 feet the use of three spreader  bars is
  1. 2. All carrier bolts and clips are removed from the floor system. They hold the module on the carrier.
  1. 3. All shipping plastic is removed from the marriage wall side of module making sure no nails or bolts are projecting past the wall. Do not remove the sheathing between the modules if

Foundation Wall:

  1. 4. An energy seal should be installed by the factory around the perimeter of the marriage

To ensure an energy-efficient seal between the modules,  a foam gasket may be used for this insulating  process. Except for modules that are the first floor of two story units, the roof is lifted up using cables and hooks,  avoiding splice locations  of the ridge rail. Kneewalls are installed in their designed location.

  1. 5. The home may now be lifted onto the foundation. Cables are placed through the rail holes and up over the carrier. The cables are tied together to complete  a loop or sling with the spreader  bar. The use of a becket is recommended.  Spreader bars will assure that the cables do not rub against the side of the building.  If the cable comes in contact  with the finish material,  place blocking between the sheathing  and cable to prevent damage while
  1. 6. A rope is attached to opposing outside corners to help guide the home to its proper

Begin lifting the module,  keeping the one outside corner slightly lower than the rest. Set this module down  on the foundation (low corner first), and adjust the placement  of the other outside corner to be even with the foundation. (For full basement  sets be sure that lolly columns for the basement  are centered at the floor rail with steel plates installed on top of the column.) Let the home down  the rest of the way until the cable slacks, check the alignment  at each corner,  then disconnect  the cables and pull them out through the rails.

  1. 7. The perimeter rail is nailed to the sill plate with 16d nails @ 12” C. (For basement sets all lolly columns are located per the recommended schedule and lagged to marriage  wall floor rails/girders  with four 3/4”  x 4” lags each one preferably  into each rail. Additional  columns are required  under each side of marriage  wall opening in excess of 52”.)
  1. 8. The empty carrier is moved away from the staging area and the next module is brought into
  1. 9. Follow the same procedure on this module as was followed on the

Setting of Second Module:

  1. 10. Come-alongs are attached between the first module and second module to help draw them tight. The second module is drawn to the first one while the cables have a slight tension on them. The come-along  is used to pull the modules as close as possible. Cable tension is released and the modules are allowed  to come to total rest keeping the come-alongs   Usually a 5/8”  gap will remain between the units. This is normal.
  1. 11. Foundation alignment is then checked and adjusted as necessary.
  1. 12. The second module is nailed and the units are then bolted together, using 1/2” through-bolts.
  1. 13. The come-alongs are removed from floor area and the rails are lagged to the lolly
  1. 14. The roof system is then finished or closed, per the appropriate
  1. 15. Shingles are applied as required to complete the roof. If applicable, the overhang  is flipped down  and fastened to the truss top chord and wall
  1. 16. If the home is a two story, the rails of the first floor are bolted together with 1/2” bolts @ 4’ O.C. prior to lifting on second floor.
  1. 17. The third module should set on top of the first module, in the same manner as the

Fasten the second floor rails to the first floor ceiling rails with 16d nails @ 12” O.C.

  1. 18. Place the fourth module on top of the second and bolt the floor through pocket

Spray foam is put in place around the marriage  wall perimeter  for every purpose.

  1. 19. Complete connection of roof as in numbers 14 and 15. Then, finally, the gable end walls are installed at ends of roof after the roof panels are in place. Outside  sheathing  is installed between floors around the perimeter  and
  1. 20. Roof center beams must be nailed with a 16d nail @ 8” C. in height and 12” O.C. in length, staggered, after leveling the beams to each other.
  1. 21. All other finishing, touch-up, electrical and plumbing hook-ups are the builder’s responsibility.
  1. 22. All electrical systems have been factory installed with connections between modules identified for ease of connection. Local electrical contractor must complete electrical installation in accordance with local code.
  1. 23. All plumbing fixtures are stubbed out below the first floor for manifold  on site. Second floor plumbing  is usually tied together  to a common  point or drywall is left off the first floor ceiling to facilitate access. All plumbing  done on site must be in accordance with local
  1. 24. After final connections are complete, the builder should firestop all chase areas to assure a maximum of eight feet of vertical distance. If home is on a crawl space, the chase must also be insulated  at bottom. Draft stopping  should be applied where applicable  such as tub access areas, plumbing  penetrations,

COMPANY  SET CREW RESPONSIBILITIES

While it is the intent of this set-up guide to list all structure related responsibilities, for the supply of goods and services to be provided  by the company,  complexity  of project  may leave some areas undefined.  Should a builder have any questions  regarding  the separation of responsibility for materials  or service, contact  the manufacturer for clarification.

Typical scope of a manufacturer supplied set crew:

  1. 1. Directing movement of house modules from storage area near foundation for unloading under the direction of builder.
  1. 2. The set crew chief will visually inspect the foundation for defects and will measure the foundation to assure compliance with the manufacturer-supplied foundation
  1. 3. Remove transportation covering and close-in materials from marriage wall and
  1. 4. Inspect foam gasket around marriage
  1. 5. Remove lag bolts from carrier.
  1. 6. Open roof system (where applicable) from the traveling position. Fasten truss kneewall

(where applicable)  to ridge.

  1. 7. Builder supplied stubwall: It will be the builder’s responsibility to set and brace the stubwall prior to the setting of the modular unit onto the foundation. Note that it is the responsibility of the builder to supply the labor and materials for the stubwall  and
  1. 8. Set the modular on the foundation and pull the units together.
  1. 9. Fold down hinged overhangs
  1. 10. Finish roofing to make weather tight  – includes  installation of the ridge vent. (This does not apply to structures which do not receive roof systems to be supplied or installed by the builder).
  1. 11. Install and sheath roof gable end
  1. 12. Level floors, bolt floor center beam installing bolts per plans and
  1. 13. Set the steel support columns in the basement where pads are in place as indicated on the foundation plan supplied by the manufacturer. Bolt the girt and level the floor
  1. 14. Insert spray insulation foam around perimeter and marriage to create a positive

NOTE: If the manufacturer supplies their own set crew, the builder  is responsible  for supplying  a construction crew to apply wall and roof systems to all modular structures that require  on-site construction. The modular units, at connection points  to on-site construction by the builder,  are usually shipped  with a layer of plasticwrap suitable  for transportation purposes only. Failure to erect these assemblies on a timely basis may result in serious weather  damage  to the modular. (Transportation wrap  should  be checked for weather  tightness  upon  delivery if the units are held for any reason).  Typical modular structure requiring  site built construction of assemblies are capes and gambrels,  though  there may be alternative  structures that  require builder supplied  crews to close the unit to the weather.

Work that is usually not performed by a manufacturer supplied set crew:

  1. 1. Caulking of siding, roof vents and plumbing
  1. 2. Installation of trim and finish material for gable end soffits and
  1. 3. Make necessary adjustments to factory installed interior/exterior doors for proper working order.
  1. 4. Repair drywall
  1. 5. Install siding on any un-sided
  1. 6. Installation of interior base and trim molding where appropriate and not factory
  1. 7. Installation of window, doors and
  1. 8. Installation of stairs and
  1. 9. Installation of any shipped loose carpet or vinyl
  1. 10. Installation of the furnace, water heaters,  plumbing  connections and/or  utility

BUILDER’S RESPONSIBILITY  FOR FINISHING  MODULAR (TYPICAL)

It is the intent of this set-up guide to thoroughly list all structure-related responsibilities for the supply of goods and services by the company.  In addition, the site responsibilities typical for a builder are as follows. Again it must be repeated  that the complexity  of a project  may leave some areas undefined.  Should the builder have any questions  regarding  the separation of responsibility for materials  or service, contact  the manufacturer for clarification.

EXTERIOR RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. 1. To install finished rake boards on gable
  1. 2. Install
  1. 3. Install perimeter trim
  1. 4. Install shutters where
  1. 5. Install all site applied siding on gable ends and second story modules or areas left off at the time of transporting.
  1. 6. Apply building wrap to all unwrapped surfaces prior to the application of any siding, which is to be installed on-site.
  1. 7. Adjust glass-sliding door panels, when
  1. 8. Apply bottom-sheathing board that covers sill
  1. 9. Install exterior light fixtures, where
  1. 10. Install all shipped loose insulation where applicable, such as under the first floor, under the second floor of a two-story and where the second floor overhangs the
  1. 11. Supply and install all gutter and down
  1. 12. Supply and install all railings and

INTERIOR RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Install drywall at marriage wall
  1. Install floor sheathing splice at marriage wall
  1. Install basement stairs and handrail (when applicable).
  1. Install marriage wall doors and cased
  1. Adjust all doors and cased openings (if required).
  1. Repair, spackle and paint any drywall
  1. Install light bulbs and globes on ceiling
  1. Install baseboard and other molding at marriage walls, as
  1. Trim and seam carpeting at marriage wall
  1. Install/adjust kitchen/bath shelving and cabinet doors and adjust to open and close properly.
  1. FHW/Baseboard drops: connect and furnish all piping below floor joists, the builder supplies boiler, tanks and other component
  1. Remove protective covering from
  1. Sweep and clean
  1. Install water closet (when applicable).
  1. Install plumbing traps (when applicable).
  1. When codes require exposed plumbing, the company will supply the necessary materials for finishing the area exposed,  however,  it will be the responsibility of the builder to finish the exposed
  1. The builder is responsible for pouring the basement  floor to the specifications  provided on the manufacturer-supplied drawings  consistent  with applicable  building
  1. The builder is responsible for connection of electrical service:
  2. a. Connection of lines between modules, where b. Connection of electric panel to main service.
  3. c. Connection of hot water heater to
  4. d. Connection of mechanical equipment, furnace, air conditioning, , to main.

For structures with unfinished  second floor levels, such as Cape Cods; this additional information is applicable:

  1. a. The builder is responsible for the crane costs to set all
  2. b. The builder is responsible for the labor costs to construct/finish all
  3. c. The builder is responsible for securing and making the unit weather tight, if outside roof is being

The manufacturer may supply the following materials:

  1. 1. The stairwell partition knocked
  2. 2. The kneewall partition knocked
  3. 3. The sheet rock and insulation to close the
  4. 4. The door at the top of the stairway is shipped
  5. 5. Typically the top stair tread must be cut back for proper tread  and

(Please contact your modular homes dealer for a complete and accurate list, the list above is in no way provided to be a complete and accurate list for all modular homes and is just used as a general informational guide).

For more information, visit manufacturedhousing.org for their builders guide related to modular home setup and finish.

Check out this video from American Modular showcasing a modular home setup and finish.

Source Information Provided by:

www.modularcouncil.org