Your Modular Home Set Day: What to Expect Hour-by-Hour
“Set day” is the big moment when your home’s modules arrive on site and a crane lifts them onto the foundation. The process is fast, carefully choreographed, and exciting to watch. Most single-family homes can be set and dried in the same day, while larger or more complex builds may take longer.
Before the Crane Shows Up
A smooth set day depends on preparation:
- Foundation & survey: Footings and Foundation Walls inspected, anchor points set, and access clearly marked.
- Site readiness: Driveway and crane pad stable, staging area cleared, trees and obstacles removed.
- Utilities: Service entry points confirmed; sleeves or conduits installed if required.
- Permits & inspections: Crane permits arranged; inspector scheduled as needed.
- Weather window: High winds or lightning can halt lifts, so the builder tracks forecasts closely.
Set Day: A Typical Timeline
(Times are approximate; actual schedules vary by site and set crew.)
6:30–7:00 a.m. — Crane & crew arrival
- Safety briefing held
- Rigging inspected
- Lift plan reviewed
7:00–7:30 a.m. — Modules arrive
- Carriers staged in lift order
- Spotters guide placement
7:30–9:30 a.m. — First lifts
- First module (“box”) flown, aligned, and anchored
- Subsequent boxes set, bolted, and sealed
9:30–11:30 a.m. — Mate-line connections
- Floors, walls, and structural lines fastened
- Mechanical chases aligned for later tie-ins
11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. — Upper levels & roof
- Second-story modules and roof systems lifted into place
- Roof planes locked and weather-sealed
1:30–4:30 p.m. — Dry-in
- Weatherproofing, housewrap, and roof peaks installed
4:30–5:30 p.m. — Site cleanup & handoff
- Crew demobilizes
- Project manager reviews checklist and next steps
Typical duration: One day for most homes; two to three days for very large or complex builds.
Your Role on Set Day
- Stay safe: Remain in the designated viewing area.
- Capture the moment: Photos are welcome; drones require permission.
- Keep access clear: Notify neighbors about early activity and temporary street use.
What Happens After Set Day?
- Button-up work: Interior/exterior mate-lines, drywall, roofing details, siding seams, stairs, porches, garages, and mechanical tie-ins.
- Inspections: Local authorities schedule required checks.
- Timeline: Button-up typically takes several weeks, depending on weather and project scope.
FAQs
Will weather cancel set day?
Yes—high winds, lightning, or unsafe conditions can postpone lifts. Builders reschedule quickly.
Does lifting damage the home?
No. Modules are engineered for transport and crane lifting. Any minor scuffs are repaired during button-up.
Can I invite friends to watch?
Yes, as long as they remain in the safe viewing area and do not block crane access.
Why wasn’t the porch or garage set today?
These are often site-built or partially modular and completed during button-up.
Ready to book a factory tour? Contact Westchester Modular Homes Construction Corp. to speak with a project consultant and start your timeline.
About Westchester Modular Homes Construction Corp.
Westchester Modular Homes Construction Corp. has built thousands of premium custom homes, usually at a lower cost than traditional construction methods, while still meeting the most exacting standards for quality workmanship.
We proudly serve Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, Ulster and Sullivan counties in New York, along with Sussex County in New Jersey and Pike County in Pennsylvania.
Learn more by joining one of our convenient virtual tours of our factory. You can sign up here.
You’ll learn first-hand about our quality, service, home design process, and agile speed — and have a chance to ask your questions about modular home building. Access our free guide that outlines the key features of building a modular home or give us a call at (845) 278-1700 for Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties, or if you are located in Orange, Sullivan, Rockland counties, please call (845) 787-0400.
