Articles written by Sheri Koones

Modular Construction Offers Advantages (as appeared in the The Commercial Record on 12/27/2002)
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. In those cases an architect's services may be required. The architect can provide a custom design to the owner's specifications. Because the architect does not have to submit the same documentation for modular homes, the design fees will generally be less depending on the complexity and amount of involvement the architect will have in the project. Whereas the architect's responsibility is more limited in the need for full documentation, the architect still has to secure special permits (other than the basic permit), do shop drawing review of the completed documents and execute interior detail design and lighting plans. Because it is more difficult to make major changes after the modular house is complete, the architect's shop drawing review is a particularly important function, which is not necessary in stick built homes. It is important that the architect understand design requirements and have experience in this area.

As important as it is to find an architect with experience with modular construction, it is also important to find a builder - to install the foundation and handle interior finishes and details - who is experienced with this type of construction. It may be an option to have exterior trim and siding done on site by the builder.

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.

For a listing of modular companies, contact the Modular Building Association at www.modularhousing.com or the Modular Building Systems Council at the National Association of Home Builders at www.buildingsystems.org.