"You wouldn't want your computer built in the middle of a field, would you?" Mark Jupiter, one of the founders of New World Home, was fond of beginning his argument in favor of modular with that question. It is a fair question, and I think everyone would agree the answer would be a resounding, "NO!" So why would you want your home, the most valuable and enduring investment you will probably ever make, built outside - a victim of the elements - either? Modular home construction carries with it a number of benefits:
- Level and square every time: Jigs and templates produce materials cut with a higher degree of accuracy within a controlled factory/assembly line setting. This allows for more precise structures with tighter joints, straighter lines, and stronger connections. Because the modules must fit together after they are assembled, discrepancies of only one-half inch are allowed. Otherwise, the modules simply will not fit together. Think of them as two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. They must align perfectly, or they will not connect. Flaws and imperfections are easily hidden in stick-built homes - the builder simply adjusts measurements, angles, and dimensions to accommodate the original imperfection. Rooms are not always square; floors are not always level. With modular, that simply is not possible.
- Inherently greener: Because all materials are locked inside a climate controlled factory, lumber, fixtures, plumbing, and finishing materials are not subject to theft or damage from the elements. This encourages up to 40% less construction waste. Because only the foundation and, later, the finishing work are done onsite, the environmental and neighborhood impacts are greatly reduced as well.
- Higher Quality: Modular homes ARE NOT mobile homes or trailers. They are built to meet, and in most cases exceed, building codes for traditional stick-built homes. Quality control is monitored at every station in the production line. Highly-trained craftspeople consistently perform specialized functions; third party inspectors, engineers, and architects are involved to ensure perfection throughout the construction and approval processes.
- Durability is built-in: Because the modules must hold up to transport on the highway - where they survive a series of small tremors and what amounts to a Category 1 hurricane - and also must be crane-lifted and set in place, modular homes are engineered to be more structurally sound than traditional stick-built. Once they are connected - with 1/2 inch steel bolts, NOT nails or screws - the finished home is even stronger than the individual modules.
- A healthier home: Tighter fits aid insulation by providing a superior building envelope. Paired with our HVAC and air exchange system that comply with the EPA's Indoor airPLUS standards, a tight building envelope encourages superior indoor air quality. In addition, the controlled factory environment means our building materials are NEVER exposed to the elements. Dry lumber, sub-flooring, sheetrock, insulation, and finishing materials mean mold, mildew, and fungi can be prevented.*
- Faster build timeline: Modular homes can typically be built and finished in less than 100 days, potentially saving you the hassle of finding temporary housing, and also allowing you to be able to close on the home before the rate lock and commitment on your construction-to-permanent loan expire.
Our Chief Marketing Officer Jason Scheidt and Certification & Compliance Director David Hunt returned from a trip to our Valdosta factory just yesterday. Below are photos of the model home we will be dropping in Marietta, Ga the week of January 23rd. As you can see, only some of the framing and sub-flooring has been completed. But in just two weeks, three modules - or, boxes - will be ready to set on their permanent foundation and be "dried in," or fully insulated, protected from the elements, and able to be secured with lock and key. We estimate another five to six weeks for interior and exterior finishing before the model is ready for its Grand Opening.
In the market for a home in Atlanta's most prominent northern suburb? Follow the link to the flyer available on our website:
And contact me for more information:
Direct: 678-323-1405
Toll-free: 855-602-8898
Diane@ecoclassichomes.com
*Coming soon: a blog post on the very real, and often very serious, Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) which is caused by poor indoor air quality due to airborne mold and mildew spores and inferior or faulty ventilation and air filtration systems.
