For Guerra Construction, this was a change from our usual
projects. Ordinarily we focus on remodeling and updating current homes as well
as upgrading energy systems to be more energy efficient and cost-effective. The
Idea House was built from the ground up with thought put into every step of the
building process. We had the chance to do it all right from breaking ground on
the foundation to the final showing. And this project didn’t disappoint. The
modern feel and thoughtful design and construction let’s the house fit in
perfectly with the other high-end houses in the Healdsburg neighborhood.
There are many great reasons for considering a modular home.
Listed below are a few aspects of modular homes that make them particularly
appealing to new homebuyers.
1. Modular homes are
built well.
Modular homes hit a boom after World War II when soldiers
returned home and wanted to buy a home and start a family. With so much demand
many people started looking at alternatives to stick built homes and the
pre-fab home exploded onto the market. In fact, modular homes from the 1950s
are still in use today! Those homes are smaller and simpler than what is
available today because of innovations in the use of cranes that can lift 100
tons. Today the only limitation in size and design comes from the width of the
road from factory to site.
Modular homes are built in factories and assembled on-site, and
therefore they must adhere to local building codes for the site location. Work
in the factory is more streamlined than building on-site and eliminates weather
delays, missing materials, and scheduling sub-contractors. All modular homes
are inspected in the factory and then again once they are set on site. Modular
homes are placed on a permanent foundation and are required to adhere to
building standards and codes.
2. Modular homes are
beautiful.
Like stick built homes, modular homes have gone through an
evolution when it comes to design. Homeowners want affordability as well as
beauty and architects and designers have become a permanent part of the
planning process.
In the past, modular homes were boxy and standard. The first
modular homes were offered by Sears Roebuck out of a catalog after all! But
today, the options for design are in line with other home planning processes. In
addition to the myriad range of standard modular home options that homeowners
can choose from a manufacturer’s portfolio, homeowners can also take advantage
of Computer-Assisted-Design (CAD) to create a custom home to your
specifications. If you can dream it, they can build it. Keep in mind, however,
that custom modular homes can be just as costly as a stick built custom home. The
advantages come in the building process and efficiency of the home.
Another option readily available to modular homebuyers is
the chance to have a LEED certified home. Because of the closed environment and
tightly controlled building process used to manufacture the homes in a factory
setting, the process for gaining certification is fairly straightforward.
Need some inspiration? Check out this photo gallery of standard modular home options or this modular home showcased in Dwell magazine.
3. Modular homes are
worth the money.
In general, because modular homes are built to the same
standard as stick-built homes, the same factors that go into the resale value
of a stick built home apply to modular homes. You must consider the location of
the lot, the number of bathrooms, and the style and size of your home relative
to the other houses in the neighborhood. The good news is that many of those
factors are within your control and should be taken into consideration during
the planning process. With modular homes you control the orientation of the
house, the placement on the lot, and the features of the floor plan. If you
plan to add on a garage, a second floor, or an in-law unit in the future, you
can plan for that when you design your home. Additionally, since modular homes
are often more tightly built and therefore more energy efficient, the lower
energy costs of your home can be a positive selling point for potential buyers.
One reassuring quote comes from modulartoday.com “Modular
homes follow the same building code of on-site stick built homes. Once a
modular home is placed on its permanent foundation it should be almost
impossible to distinguish it from an on-site stick built home. That is why it
generally will have the same resale value of a stick built home.”
As with any new home construction, homeowners should find a
contractor you can trust that knows the modular home process. Besides just the
land issue, plumbing and electrical tie-ins and finish work that must be done
with every new home, contractors that work with modular homes must also keep in
communication with the homeowner and the manufacturer to make sure there are no
surprises when the modules arrive and the set-down goes as smoothly and quickly
as possible. Most modular homes can be set onto the foundation anywhere from
one day to a week. The process of building your home may be faster, and with
the right contractor, a pleasant and painless experience!
If you are considering buying a modular home, check out these
10 Rules for Modular Construction.
For homeowners, modular homes are a green option that’s
affordable and energy efficient without sacrificing design and style. The
Idea House project represents all the ways modular homes can be very, very
right. For a detailed slide show check out my website.
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