WHY BUILD MODULAR?

Benefits of Building Modular:  Better Construction, Shorter Timeline, Better Price

Better Construction:

Modular Homes are Better Quality Construction

Because modular homes are built in factories, manufacturers are able to utilize tools unavailable to the site builder such as custom manufactured jigs which ensure that all walls, floors and ceilings are square and plumb. In addition, interior walls are lag-bolted to the exterior walls and bracing and insulation are installed on all electrical outlet boxes. Finally, straps brace the wall to the floor. One of the problems today’s site builders have is finding skilled subcontractors. Because modular homes are built in factories, the subcontractors are already there – they are mostly employees.  Skilled craftspeople construct each home to exact specifications and conduct the same skilled jobs on a daily basis in a controlled environment. In addition, the homes are built with brand name building products that you know and trust. Both in-house personnel and an independent agency inspect all homes during and after construction to ensure that every home meets ABS high standards and code requirements.

Controlled Building Environment

A modular home is unique because it is built in a climate-controlled factory. Building in this way reduces the chances of weather-related delays or problems. When coupled with the fact that building supplies are stored in on-site warehouses, it also virtually eliminates the chance that wet materials will be used when building the modular home. Additionally, the sun and heat of the Florida environment can damage materials stored on site. 

Modular Housing: Inspection, Regulation, & Building Codes

Before a modular home manufacturer begins construction, all building plans must be reviewed and approved in each state where the manufacturer intends to sell homes. All modular construction from ABS are built to 180mph wind code, which is currently more than the requirement for SWFL.  Also, a State of Florida approved third party plan review agency approves plans on behalf of the state.  ABS also contracts with a State of Florida inspection agency that is licensed by Florida to perform the in-plant inspections while the home is in production. Upon factory completion, the home is certified that it has been manufactured in conformance with the approved plans and complies with all provisions of the Florida Building Code.

Energy Efficiency of Modular Housing

Energy efficiency is a top focus for builders in Florida and it reflects in the current building codes. Quality engineering and the latest construction techniques significantly increase the energy-efficiency in modular home construction. This ensures it will be economical to own and comfortable to live in regardless of the weather. Also, due to the environment that modular homes are built in, they have have much less air infiltration, which is one of the largest causes of AC loss in a home. The fact that these homes are constructed in a factory allows the manufacturer to place more sealants in problem areas that site builders have no access to. 

Shorter Timeline:

Speed of Modular Construction & Reduced Building Time

The production portion of building a modular home is approximately 1/3 the time needed to construct a site-built home. Also, overall building time is reduced by concurrent permitting, site work, and foundation construction.  In addition, a manufacturer’s highly skilled work force has years of experience in the building industry and works year-round within the factory. This means that there are no delays from material delivery and subcontractor scheduling as may often be the case with a site-built home.

Better Price and Value:

Modular Housing Cost Considerations

Cost overruns are virtually unheard of in the modular industry. As mentioned above, climate controlled factories ensure there are no weather related construction delays or material damage. In addition, there are no cost overruns from subcontractors not showing up on the jobsite when scheduled. Next, time is money. Because of the reduced construction time there is reduced interest on construction financing which means you, if you are taking a loan. Finally, efficiency.  Because of the volume of homes a typical manufacturer builds in a year, additional savings occurs through volume purchasing of materials and yearly buying contracts with suppliers.

More Reasons:

Design Flexibility of Modular Housing

Modular housing construction allows for hundreds of options and design possibilities, and Affinity Building Systems (ABS) is very flexible with customization. We will work with you and ABS to determine the type and design of modular home that best suits your needs and your property. While following Florida Building Codes, you can modify or upgrade your general construction specifications, design your own floor plans and elevations, pick the style of windows or siding, choose colors of vinyl, carpet, countertops and bath fixtures.

Stability, Strength, & Shipping of Modular Homes

After construction in the factory, the modules are loaded for transport. To deal with the rigors of shipping, each modular home is constructed with roughly twenty to thirty percent more material than a traditional site-built home. For example, drywall is typically glued with a special adhesive and then screwed to the framing. This greatly increases the structural strength of the home as noted in a recent FEMA study on 1992’s Hurricane Andrew. The study concluded, “the module-to-module combination of units appears to have provided an inherently more rigid system that performed much better than conventional residential framing.” Building Performance: Hurricane Andrew in Florida, FIA-22, Item 3-0180.

Modular Homes are Environmentally Friendly

Modular home construction is more environmentally friendly than its site-built counterpart. Engineered construction materials are utilized, and effective in-plant recycling is in place at ABS facilities. This means that all the excess materials are able to be recycled.  This may not sound impressive, but site builders typically generate a considerable amount of material waste. 

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center, the “typical” waste for a new 2,000 square foot site-built home is eight thousand (8,000) pounds or fifty (50) cubic yards. Consequently, while waste from a site built home typically goes in a landfill, waste from a modular home is recycled.

Article excerpts from HomeAdvisor, 4/26/19