MARK THESE DATES!  

 
With the present economy, have you been looking for another building solution to get your potential clients excited about building?  Maybe "Today's Modular" is the answer.  There's not much else going on out there right now!  In the past 5-10 years, modular homes have bridged the gap that existed in the past with site built homes.  Many of us pass modular homes on a daily basis and unless one is pointed out, we would never know that the modular home was not built using conventional construction methods.  
 
I attended a local AIBD chapter meeting in April.  I brought up the conversation of modular construction to the other designers.  I thought they would frown before being given a chance to further the discussion.  I was shocked when I was told that two of them were already working with modular homes.  I was surprised to hear a designer say something that I know to be true, that, "Other than modular, there's not much going on out there".  
 
Make no mistake about it, these are not low-income HUD code trailers.  Driving down the road they might look similar, in the same way that an ultra-economy car looks similar to a high-end SUV. 
 
These are real homes are built to the same building and zoning codes that you are used to!  
 
Although there are a number of different reasons to purchase a modular home, one of the main reasons is control.  While control can't be put into a dollar figure, it's absolutely priceless in our business.   Peace of mind for your client may be the difference between you getting the job or not.  Removing the variables and guess-work of on-site construction just might be what you need for a client who can't decide whether or not to get started.   
 
Here are some additional benefits of Today's Modular homes: 

• Savings: Possible savings for your client of 5-20% or more over traditional on-site construction.
• No weather delays like those often realized on-site.
• Streamlined local plan check process with state approved plans.
• Reduced number of visits from the local building inspector with state approved plans.
• The home is built in the factory at the same time that the foundation is poured, saving valuable time.  Modular homes are usually 20-50% faster than on-site construction.
• Most modular homes in California come standard with 2" x 6" exterior framing, double rim-boards, and some double 2X4 walls providing a structurally superior structure. 
• By its very nature, factory construction is the ideal environment for recycling and in-plant re-use, resulting in a Greener home.
• Improved quality assurance process versus site-built homes. 
• Reduced numbers of contractors and sub-contractors coming and going on-site. 
• Unlike personal property trailers or manufactured homes, a modular home is always affixed to a permanent raised foundation qualifying it for the same great loan rates as a site-built home.
• Modular homes appraise the same as comparable site-built homes on a comparable lot.
• Refinancing and selling a modular home is exactly the same as a site-built home.
• Reduced building time means fewer payments during the construction process saving additional money. 
• Reduced time to build means more time living in your home. 
• Faster build-time makes the process easier on your neighbors as well. 

 
I've worked with Isaac Lassiter, the General Manager of CuttingEdgeHomes.net on a couple of projects.   I called and asked him to provide some professional insight.  He begins his own modular home story this way.  "I was looking for the building system that provided me with the most bang for my buck, and quality was something that could not be compromised!  Although my state (California) isn't a place where modular is prominent, after thorough research, I decided it was right for me.   Even before "green" became trendy, I knew that I wanted a safe, healthy home for my young family.  Modular turned out to be a decision I never regretted!"  He continued, "During the process, I realized that there was a demand for modular building companies in California that can build homes comparable in quality to on-site construction.   From the first minute, we knew that we would be design-focused, service oriented company that filled a need in this market, and we are going on 6 years of serving our California customers.  In the current economy, we have begun to get a lot of interest from two groups:  Multi-unit investors who want to take advantage of the low land prices and professionals that are first time home-buyers and are finally in a position to build the home of their dreams."
 
If your clients are looking for the best value, maybe modular or another factory built system might be just the edge you need to get your client excited about building.  
 
Quick Notes on the Modular Building Process:
 
Conceptual design, site plans, site-built entry/porches and garages are drawn by the Designer in conjunction with a PE.
Conceptual designs are provided to the modular home builder for estimating and engineering.
Construction documents for the modular home are always designed and engineered by the modular home factory, approved by a private 3rd party state certified Design Approval Agency (DAA) and provided to the Owner for local permitting.
Modular homes require a foundation, installation, and final inspection.  In addition are the full set of local inspections for any site-built structures.

 

 THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT
by Mary Coolman 
 
Waiting at the Building Department
You never know
If you'll be next
Or wait an hour or more
The line may be long.
And all ahead of you
Are getting permits
While
You want to see the plan checker.
So you get quick attention.
Or . . .
There are only two people in front of you
For the plan checker
But . . .
They each have a tree in plans
And are waiting to discuss final approval
For a hotel complex.
After a while you lear
Come on Tuesday or Wednesday
About ten.
The early birds have cleared out
The counter is clear
Ready for you! 
Except today . . .
Seems everyone else
Including the hotel complex people
Has figured out Tuesday or Wednesday
Is the best time to come.
So you wait.
And write a poem.