Today, modular construction is gaining recognition for its benefits. Developers and private clients are increasingly seeking new module manufacturers. However, choosing the right manufacturer involves more than just finding the best price; it's a nuanced process. If you're navigating this path independently, here are 10 crucial questions to ask every manufacturer you're considering:
1. Payment Terms: Understand the payment conditions and whether they are negotiable. Different manufacturers have varying payment methods, so ensure you secure favorable terms to avoid payment delays.
2. Overall Costs: Clarify all expenses upfront. Not all factories operate the same way, and some may add costs after delivery. Determine ALL final costs with the project manager to avoid surprises.
3. Warranty Department Operations: Inquire about the warranty service in case of product defects. Some production managers may delay or deny warranty work to minimize expenses.
4. Regional Sales: If you're a developer, ensure the factory doesn't sell directly to end-users or competing developers in your market. Anticipate potential competition from other builders purchasing from the same factory.
5. Material Delivery Delays: Find out how delays in material deliveries will be managed. Clarify responsibilities and timelines to avoid disruptions.
6. Price Change Circumstances: Be prepared for price fluctuations and ask the factory about factors that could lead to changes. Consider linking your agreement to indices for reliable price adjustments.
7. Bulk Discounts: Check if the factory offers bulk discounts for ordering multiple homes. Be cautious if the discount exceeds 10%.
8. Simultaneous Project Handling: Inquire about the number of projects the factory handles simultaneously. Large factories managing diverse projects might experience delays affecting your timeline.
9. Current Schedule Lag: Learn about the factory's current schedule lag. Some manufacturers may face significant delays due to sudden growth in modular construction.
10. Independent Quality Control: Can an independent party representing the client participate in quality control? Having an independent expert oversee the assembly process and quality control system can prevent surprises and address issues early on.
1. Payment Terms: Understand the payment conditions and whether they are negotiable. Different manufacturers have varying payment methods, so ensure you secure favorable terms to avoid payment delays.
2. Overall Costs: Clarify all expenses upfront. Not all factories operate the same way, and some may add costs after delivery. Determine ALL final costs with the project manager to avoid surprises.
3. Warranty Department Operations: Inquire about the warranty service in case of product defects. Some production managers may delay or deny warranty work to minimize expenses.
4. Regional Sales: If you're a developer, ensure the factory doesn't sell directly to end-users or competing developers in your market. Anticipate potential competition from other builders purchasing from the same factory.
5. Material Delivery Delays: Find out how delays in material deliveries will be managed. Clarify responsibilities and timelines to avoid disruptions.
6. Price Change Circumstances: Be prepared for price fluctuations and ask the factory about factors that could lead to changes. Consider linking your agreement to indices for reliable price adjustments.
7. Bulk Discounts: Check if the factory offers bulk discounts for ordering multiple homes. Be cautious if the discount exceeds 10%.
8. Simultaneous Project Handling: Inquire about the number of projects the factory handles simultaneously. Large factories managing diverse projects might experience delays affecting your timeline.
9. Current Schedule Lag: Learn about the factory's current schedule lag. Some manufacturers may face significant delays due to sudden growth in modular construction.
10. Independent Quality Control: Can an independent party representing the client participate in quality control? Having an independent expert oversee the assembly process and quality control system can prevent surprises and address issues early on.