Without a doubt, the technology in the construction of modular
housing is quickly catching and in many cases surpassing conventional construction
methods, making modular home and prefabricated construction a fierce competitor
in the home construction industry.
There are many reasons to consider buying a modular home these days. Today
people are looking for value for every dollar spent, and modular homes offer
just that. With the improvement in quality of modular homes, they can be a better
choice then conventional construction in most areas. And don’t think that
modular homes can’t live up to that dream house of fantasy. Today modular
homes are built to more varied specifications and architectural designs then
ever before including multi level, split level, post modernistic and many traditional
styles. If it can be envisioned, more then likely there is a company that can
modularize its construction. Here are some of the reasons that modular homes
are such a great value.
They can be completed Faster
Modular homes from start to finish can be built faster because the greatest
portion of construction, including HVAC electrical and plumbing are completed
under what are usually controlled climate conditions in a factory. Most everything
is completed at the factory including the installation of cabinets and doors.
Most fixtures, plumbing and electrical are in place before the modular home
leaves the factory. When the modular home arrives on site ready to set on its
foundation, there is less for contractors and subcontractors to complete. This
saves a lot of time due to weather and scheduling issues that always seem to
arise with traditional construction. That means savings of time and as everyone
knows, time is money, especially in home construction
Saving on construction time saves big interest
With a typical construction loan, the first payments are basically interest.
A common construction loan for a conventionally constructed home can be anywhere
from 6 to 12 months long. With that in mind, consider how much will be saved
in interest on the loan before it is converted to a conventional mortgage, if
the construction time is cut from 6 months to 2 months. On bigger projects,
the savings will be even greater. If you are required to carry the construction
insurance modular homes can save even more. Because the structure is not exposed
to acts of nature during critical stages of framing and construction, insurance
rates are much more reasonable as well.
Less Wasted Material
Because modular homes are constructed under climate controlled factory conditions,
material loss is kept to a minimum. On conventional construction sites, losses
can add up to big dollars, due to poor weather, theft, and over all poor construction
conditions, making modular home construction again more cost effective.
More durable construction
Because modular homes must be transported sometimes many hundreds of miles
from the factory to where they will be placed on a foundation, they are held
to a much higher standard in most areas of construction, to be able to withstand
being moved. Better flooring which can be varied may include engineered floors
on top of thicker nailed AND glued sub floors. Double and heftier constructed
rim joists and thicker wallboard on ceilings and walls. Many of the added supports
and bracing that are required for transportation can be left in place upon arrival
which makes for a stronger more durable structure that holds up to the forces
of nature better then do most conventionally constructed homes.
So if its time to consider a new home, its time to consider a modular home.
The advantages are many the savings are great and the risks are few to none.
Lending institutions are aware of modular home advantages and many times are
more willing to process loans accordingly. Modular homes have come a long way
since first conceived of. Modular housing is no long to be considered second
class housing as it once might have been. Today it is top quality and rivals
any home construction method available.
Posted 13th July 2006
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