FAQs

What is a modular home?

A modular home is a type of prefabricated building manufactured in a controlled environment. The building is designed and constructed as components (modular units), that are then transported to the property and assembled on site. This process ensures high-quality construction and efficiency.

Does Smart Modular Canada provide a warranty on its homes and buildings?

Yes, Smart Modular Canada offers a limited warranty on all its modular homes and buildings. Homeowners must maintain their homes and the included equipment to keep the warranty valid. Generally, materials and equipment placed in modular buildings are warrantied by their respective manufacturers for the first year, while Smart Modular Canada provides a 10-year structural warranty on residential buildings. Additional limited warranties are available for multi-residential and non-residential buildings.

When I buy a home or building from Smart Modular Canada, does it include the foundation? What foundation can be used?

Typically, Smart Modular Canada delivers and assembles modular homes and other  buildings onto foundations provided by customers, so foundations are not included in the sales agreements. Common foundation types include but are not limited to, pony walls, screw piles, cribbing (wooden structures supporting heavy objects), triodetic systems and either wood or concrete basements. Upon request, Smart Modular Canada can provide skirting to enhance the building's appearance.

Can I customize one of Smart Modular Canada's home designs?

Yes, our in-house designers can help you customize any of our modular home designs to meet your specific needs and preferences.

Can I design a customized home or building for Smart Modular Canada to build?

Absolutely! We have in-house designers and collaborate with external engineers to create customized modular homes and buildings tailored to your specifications.

Does Smart Modular Canada build homes and buildings with multiple storeys?

Yes, we construct single-storey, two-storey, and up to six-storey buildings under the current Ontario Building Code (OBC). The OBC is under review, which may allow for even taller modular buildings in the future.

Can I finance a modular home?

Yes, financing options for modular homes include personal loans and traditional mortgages, making it straightforward to finance your new home.

Does Smart Modular Canada handle the permits?

Smart Modular Canada arranges inspections and permits related to the manufacturing of modular buildings. The transportation company secures permits for transporting the modular units to the site. Customers are responsible for obtaining all other necessary permits, such as building and septic permits.

Can modular homes and buildings have a basement?

Yes, modular homes and buildings can be placed on full, partial, or walk-out basements, as well as on pony walls for crawlspaces, and screw piles or cribbing where local codes allow.

Can modular homes and buildings be moved?

Smart Modular Canada's modular homes and buildings are engineered to be permanent structures built to Ontario Building Codes (OBC) and to meet Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certification requirements. They are designed to withstand transportation to the site and include more materials than traditional stick-built homes. Unlike mobile homes, they are not built on frames with wheels and are not usually moved once assembled.

NOTE: Our homes can be moved by using specialized trailers and equipment. This is accomplished by doing the installation in reverse.

Are modular homes and buildings energy efficient?

Yes, Smart Modular Canada's modular homes and buildings are highly energy efficient. They are constructed to meet both National and Ontario Building Codes, featuring high insulation standards: R34 in the walls, R40 in the floors, R60 in the ceiling, and 2” rigid foam on the exterior. The factory-built process ensures a continuous vapor barrier throughout the entire envelope, enhancing energy efficiency.

What are the benefits of a modular homes and buildings?

Modular homes and buildings offer numerous advantages, including energy efficiency, customization options, factory-controlled construction, shorter build times, reduced waste, and potential savings on financial carrying costs, among many others. At Smart Modular Canada, we manage the entire manufacturing process and provide the necessary tradespeople for the construction of homes and other buildings, reducing stress for owners.

Can I put a modular home or building on my property in Ontario?

Yes, you can place a modular home or building on your property in Ontario, provided you obtain the necessary building permit from your local municipality.

What is the difference between a modular home or building and a mobile home?

A modular home or building is installed on a permanent foundation and adheres to Ontario Building Code and CSA standards. In contrast, a mobile home is constructed on a metal frame with wheels and a hitch.

Do your modular homes and buildings use the same building materials as site-built homes and buildings?

Yes, our modular homes and buildings use the same high-quality building materials as those built on site. Due to the need to withstand earthquake-like movement during transportation to the property, our modular homes and buildings contain 15%-20% more material, including steel bracing, which enhances their structural integrity. Additionally, the building materials are protected from the rain and the sun during construction, ensuring a longer lifespan compared to traditional site-built homes.