I posted in the Biz Section…
but maybe more people will read it here…
Anyone build a modular home?
Not trailer park stuff….
but the modular boxes that are stacked together and fit right into the local developement?
I toured a factory yesterday….curious if anyone’s put one or two up?
Jeff
Buck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Fine Carpentery…..While U Waite
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Replies
LEGO's?
There is a guy starting this right down the road. I will be watching closely. He is doing it outside. Not sure what he is gaining that way but...
edit... he is building the whole thing in one piece and house movers will move it to the final site.
Edited 6/25/2003 10:26:59 AM ET by Wet Head Warrior
Seems to me there have been a lot of threads on modulars. Did ya search through the archives?
Q: What's worse than a male chauvinist pig?
A: A woman that won't do what she's told.
Jeff,
I am not a builder, just a diy hack. Own an ad agency and have worked for modular industry for many years (along with log home, timberframe, etc.) Have toured many finished modulars - single family, multi and commercial. Am in central PA and am familiar with both Avis and Excel. For some reason, this area is full of mod manufacturers. There are several others nearby - Ritz Craft, Professional Building Systems, Apex and more. IMO Avis is a cut above most and has a great reputation.
Modular homes have definitely grown up over the years, but it's still a price-point commodity business. Think that it's pretty much of a given that in rural areas, with low-cost labor, the price for stick built vs. mod are about the same. In urban areas, mods typically offer a price advantage, even with transport. Depending on the skill of the builder the quality of a modular can be better, and the move in time is definitely better.
All manufacturers are pretty up-front about their specs and they can differ substancially. One local company spec's 24" centers on everything, including interior studs with 1/2 rock, along with 5/8" OSB floor decking. Others are more quality oriented, in both materials and workmanship.
The marketing pitch for the mod industry is that their product allows builders to add home sales that they normally couldn't handle. Be a broker/developer...works for some.
Good luck,
Todd
I've worked on a couple houses that were panelized - exterior walls all built in a factory and sent out when the first deck was ready. Crew of three set all the downstairs walls in one day with the help of a crane, framed and sheeted the second story floor the second day, then set all the upstairs walls the third day.
Paid the bills. Nothing I put any photos of in my portfolio.