Although it is a standard abandoned by some builders of site-built homes, it is used in modular building to ensure house sections are sturdy enough to withstand travel, says Mahoney. The floor in most stick-built homes is done over a basement, an open pit. In a modular plant, the floor is constructed and squared in a giant hip-high jig with joists 16 inches on center. After the base is built, the decking is nailed and glued into place. The floor is set on a track of rollers allowing the house section to be moved from one end of the plant to another.
Blueprints accompany each section as it is produced.
As the section moves down the track, walls are added and the complete ceiling and roof assembly is lifted and set on the walls. Floor plumbing and electrical wiring is installed. At All American, water lines are copper, drainage lines are PVC and 12-gauge wiring is standard, says Mahoney. The home is wired for doorbell, phones, intercom and stereo, according to customer specifications. Insulation is installed between wall studs.