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Modular Construction Offers Advantages
By Sheri Koones
Recently several beautiful houses have popped up locally which were built by modular construction. Each of them
has been atypical of what one might expect a modular house to look like. People usually think of modular homes
as boxy, simple, traditional-style houses. Few people would guess these gracious homes were modular-built.
One of the biggest concerns people have in dealing with building a new house or remodeling their current house
is the time it will take to complete the project. In many areas, where land is not readily available, it is common
to demolish a house that is on the property and build a whole new house either utilizing or eliminating the foundation
of the house. In this type of situation, by using traditional frame construction, a family might typically be out
of their home for a year or two. This could possibly mean a year or two of rental costs. Although many people can
afford the construction, they may not be able to afford the cost of a rental and storage of their furnishings.
Using modular construction, they may be able to return to their home in three to six months.
There are many advantages to this type of construction, the largest one being that construction time is cut down
substantially. By traditional construction it will generally take a minimum of a year to complete a construction
project. Modular homes can be completed in three months depending on the square footage and the architectural design
of the house. The modular company can set the house in a month with finishing touches done by a local builder in
two to five months. Because the weather doesn't have any effect on construction productivity, the work can be continued
with no lost days because of snow, rain, or extremely cold weather.
"A modular home is built heavier than a standard home because it has to be able to travel at high speeds to
the site," says Chris Fatta of Pennsylvania-based Haven Homes. Fatta further explains that the construction
is stronger since each modular has to withstand not only being transported but also being lifted by crane onto
a foundation. He says modular homes will exceed all local building codes. Modular homes are inspected by an independent
third-party inspection agency.
There are also financial advantages to consider, modular houses generally costing 10 to 15 percent less. Because
the construction time is less, the cost of the construction loan will also be less as well. "Typically the
life of a modular construction project is nine to 10 months and for a frame construction for the same size project
is 12 to 14 months. You are saving two to three months' interest," says Richard A. Muskus Jr., vice president
of Greenwich Bank & Trust Co. "A consumer is able to save on the time difference between the types of
construction because they're able to secure permanent financing quicker which begins to pay down the principle
sooner." Muskus, who has personal experience with modular homes, explains that the bank inspects the delivered
modular house to be sure that it is set correctly. This gives the consumer an added level of protection in assuring
them against future problems. Muskus emphasis the need to find "a bank, builder and architect with experience
in modular houses."
Materials are purchased in great quantity by the modular companies, bringing down the overall cost of the house.
In more upscale areas, labor is far less expensive with the modular manufacturer than would be possible in their
local area. An added advantage is that materials used in the modular house are not subjected to inclement weather
since the construction is done in a climate-controlled environment.
Some modular companies offer a limited selection of designs. Other, more custom-oriented modular companies will
build more unique homes to the customers' specifications. The biggest deterrent to modular homes at one time was
the limitations in design. There are still modular companies that tend to build very traditional-style homes who
limit choices of materials and design. Today however, there are several companies with experience building more
custom-built homes.
This type of construction is on the increase. It is not a perfect method for everyone to use, but it should be
considered as an option for homeowners considering building or remodeling their homes.
Sheri Koones is the author of From
Sand Castles to Dream Houses: A Planner for Building or Remodeling Your Home. |
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