|
HOUSE-N-HOME-BUILDING.COM NEWSLETTER #208
Modular Housing
New House Building: Money Saving, Convenience and Healthy House Tips
James Todd
August, 2002
Enjoy your vacation!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Beginning with the April 2002 edition, newsletters are now archived
online at: http://www.house-n-home-building.com/newsletters/newsletters.html
---------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENTS:
1. A Modular Housing Primer
How the building of a modular home can save you time and money
2. Useful Links
3. Thought for the Day
4. Subscription Information
Please forward this newsletter to anyone whom you think may be interested!
========================================================1. A Modular Housing Primer ========================================================
Manufactured homes are defined as those in which a significant percentage of the structureis built in a
factory. There are several classifications or different types of structures which fall under this general term. Mobile homes, modular homes, panelized homes and pre-cut homes are the most prominent examples. The
focus of this months newsletter edition is on the modular home component. Modular homes still suffer from some lingering negative connotations due to their association with mobile homes under the broader term of
manufactured or factory built housing. This perception is changing, and for good reason. An ever increasing number of consumers are discovering the quality, cost savings, and other advantages associated with this
type of housing.
What is modular housing?
Modular housing refers to any home in which 80 to 95% of it is built in a factory. It is constructed in sections or
modules. These modules are transported to a building site, placed on conventional foundations and assembled. Unlike its stick-built or site-built counterpart, when modular building techniques are used, the on-site
builders involvement is limited to excavation, final grading,
construction of a suitable foundation, interior and exterior wall finish, HVAC hookup and connection to utilities.
How can I tell the difference between a site built home and a modular home?
The simple answer is that you can't unless you observe the construction process. Modular builders use the same
materials and construction techniques used when constructing a site built home. When a home is completed you cannot distinguish between the two.
Is it true that modular homes are of inferior quality when compared to site built homes?
No - and arguably modular homes are of better quality. The two primary reasons for this are supervision and weather.
Site built homes are subject to the elements. Modular homes are built in the controlled environment of the factory. This protects building materials from the harsh outdoor environment and enables laborers to work in
comfortable environs improving the quality of their work.
The second reason for the better quality of modular homes is the quality control programs used by modular
manufacturers. It is doubtful, that many builders who construct site built homes have a quality control manual or program in place. Modular builders do. Furthermore, regular inspections occur during the building of
a modular home. In theory this is what your builder is supposed to do in the oversight of his subcontractors. In practice however these types of inspection are not done frquently or as well as it should be.
Can modular homes be customized ?
Yes, they can. Essentially the same design flexibility exists that you would have with a site built home. If you buy
a site built home in a development you will have limited customization options. Similarly there are some modular manufacturers who offer a limited selection of models from which to choose.
Conversely, there are
modular builders, as there are site builders, who allow total discretion in the design and customization of a home.
Are there differences in the time required to build a modular versus a site built home?
Yes, there are significant differences. Modular home construction is much faster. The typical rule of thumb for the
building of a site built home is 4-6 months from ground breaking. A modular home can be completed in 1-2 months. There are several reasons for this. All of the trades required to build a site built home are employed
at the factory so there is no scheduling of tradesman. Secondly many different tasks can be going on simultaneously in the factory. Lastly, some of the site work, like excavation and the pouring of the foundation
can be ongoing while the factory build the modular sections of your house.
Compare this to the site built home where most tasks must be done sequentially. In total a few weeks is all that will be required to
complete the modules that comprise a modular home. Once delivered on site the builder may have another few weeks to complete the onsite assembly and finish work.
As always there are ranges but generally it is safe to assume a time to completion of less than half the time of its
site built counterpart.
Is it true that modular homes are difficult to finance and Insure?
No, it is not true. At some point in the past it may have been more difficult - probably due to the confusion between
mobile homes and modular homes. Clearly this is no longer the case.
Are there differences in energy costs between a modular vs. a site-built homes?
The modular industry claims that there is a substantial difference with the advantage going to modular homes. This
may be true, but I could not find any direct evidence to substantiate this claim.
Are there differences in the permit requirements between site built and modular homes?
No, there are no differences. A modular home must conform or comply with the local building requirements of where the
home will be placed. Mobile homes, in contrast, do have substantially different permit or code requirements - but these do not pertain to modular homes.
Is there a cost difference between the two types of homes?
There is a significant cost difference with the advantage going to the modular home. The information in the following
table was taken from the following publication: Factory and Site-Built Housing, A comparison for the 21st Century. Prepared for the US Department of Housing and Urban
Development, October, 1998.
|
Blink
Del.icio.us
Digg
Furl
Google
Simpy
Spurl
Y! MyWeb
