Prefab Lab
prefabrication market

How to pick a manufacturer?

If you're planning to build your first modular home, avoiding rookie mistakes and selecting the right home manufacturer is crucial.

Ask the potential manufacturer for a list of homes built in the past years with client contacts to reach.

When choosing a contractor, I recommend reaching out to four clients of each candidate.

For example, contact two who built last year and two clients who built over two years ago.

Never reject a contractor based on one unfavorable story alone.

Every factory, not new to this business, is likely to have one or two unsatisfied clients, regardless of how well they worked with them.

What questions should you ask the previous clients:

  • Were you satisfied with the factory's work?
  • Were the modules delivered on time?
  • Did the price remain fixed until project completion? Were there any overpayments?
  • Were there additional expenses due to the initial price being too low?
  • How did the factory respond to the changes you requested during the project?
  • How accurate was the choice of building materials?
  • Were there any changes in the specification from the factory?
  • How professionally were all minor details executed?
  • What surprises did you encounter during the project?
  • Were there any shortcomings from the factory, and how quickly did they rectify them?
  • How would you rate the project organization and subcontractor management?
  • Were there any issues with payments to subcontractors?
  • Was the site kept clean, and how was waste disposal organized?
  • Were there any warranty works after project completion?
  • How well were you able to compromise during disagreements?
  • How easy was it for you to communicate with the management? Were they always accessible?

This is the most crucial groundwork every client should do before selecting a modular manufacturer. Make the right choice, as you're entering a long-term 'relationship' with a new partner.