FAQ's

Modular construction is a building method that involves constructing individual sections of a home in a controlled environment and then transporting them to the building site to be set into place by a crane. This method has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its numerous benefits, including improved efficiency, cost savings, and flexibility.

Improved Efficiency

Modular construction allows for much of the construction work to be done in a controlled environment, which can lead to faster and more efficient construction processes. This is because the work can be completed indoors, away from the elements, minimizing the impact of weather delays.  

Cost Savings

Modular construction can be less expensive than traditional construction methods. This is because much of the work can be done in a factory setting, where labor is often less expensive and the efficiency gained by repeating tasks, automation, and a focus on pre-planning all contributes to savings. Manufacturers leverage buying power: cost savings from manufacturers ability to have steady demand and large volume requirements for building materials, resulting in lower input costs

Sustainable

Modular construction is a more environmentally friendly option, as it reduces waste, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. The controlled environment of the factory also allows for greater control over the use of materials and energy, which reduces the impact of the construction process on the environment.

Improved Safety

Workers showing up to work at the same location, indoors, eliminates several risk factors associated with traveling to a unique job site for each project. This can lead to fewer accidents and injuries during construction, which is a positive in every aspect of the job.

Are modular homes built to the same level of quality as site built homes?

Modular construction adheres to the same building codes as site-built construction. This means that the structures built using modular construction are held to the same standards of safety, quality, and durability as those built on site. In many cases construction can offer even higher quality control compared to site-built construction.

The use of a controlled factory environment during modular construction allows for greater precision and consistency in the building process. This is because the components are built using standardized methods and procedures, which can lead to higher quality control compared to site-built construction, where variables such as weather, access, and site conditions have an impact on the construction process.

Additionally, modular construction allows for more thorough testing and inspection of the components prior to installation. Quality control is greater not only because 3rd party inspectors are continually visiting the manufacturing facility, but the manufacturers utilize inspections and checklists similar to product or automotive manufacturing where quality control is paramount. This can lead to higher-quality construction, as issues can be detected and corrected before they become problems on the building site.

Finally, modular construction can offer higher quality control due to the use of modern technology and equipment, such as CAD software, 3D printing, and other advanced manufacturing techniques. These tools allow for greater accuracy and precision in the construction process, which can lead to higher-quality structures and reduced waste.

Can you have cathedral ceilings with modular construction?

Yes. You can have large open living areas with cathedral ceilings using modular construction. You can also have the option of open double height ceilings in an entry or other locations of the home.

Can you build luxury or high-end homes using modular methods?

Yes. There are no limits to the level of materials (hardwoods / stone / etc.), design or tolerances that can be utilized in a house built off site vs. a site built home. Modular is actually a very popular type of construction in the most expensive zip codes such as Nantucket and the Hamptons due to the advantage in exporting the majority of your labor cost from those locations where construction labor is at its highest.

Custom windows, custom millwork and cabinetry, luxury fixtures and appliances, high end flooring, etc. are all possible.

Typically if you can build the house on site using wood framing, it can be done off site with modular. Certain styles of homes, such as homes that have large amounts of structural steel (or large amounts of exposed architectural steel), multistory curtainwall or post and beam construction are designs that may not be conducive to off site construction. In many cases homes of this type can be paired with sections of off site construction to further limit the work required on site.

What are the environmental benefits to utilizing modular construction?

Reduced carbon footprint: There is currently a 46% less carbon footprint for offsite modular projects in comparison with site-built. The use of modular construction can result in reduced carbon emissions from transportation, as bulk materials are delivered to the manufacturing facility, taking better advantage of the capacity of the trucks rather than sending multiple trucks to a job site only partially loaded. There are several studies and reports that highlight the reduced transportation costs associated with modular construction, showing a 25-50% reduction in transportation costs, a reduction of up to 40% in the number of vehicle trips required for construction materials and workers, and reduced traffic congestion, making it a more cost-effective and eco-friendly option.

Reduced waste: Modular construction can reduce the amount of waste produced during the construction process, as the components are built to precise specifications and can be reused or recycled if necessary. Additionally, the controlled environment of the factory can help reduce the amount of waste generated during the construction process, as workers have access to the resources they need to complete the work efficiently.

Energy efficiency: Modular construction can help to reduce energy consumption, as the controlled environment of the factory allows for greater control over the use of energy and resources. This helps reduce the amount of energy required to complete the construction process, leading to lower energy costs and reduced greenhouse emissions.

Improved air quality: The controlled environment of the factory allows for greater control over the indoor air quality during construction. This can help to reduce the exposure of workers and building occupants to harmful chemicals and pollutants. Being protected from the elements, modular construction all but eliminates the risk of mold and other indoor air quality issues generally associated with moisture getting into a building.

How does financing work with modular construction?

Homes built using modular construction are permanent homes and no different than site-built homes, so all traditional forms of financing are available to you. Most banks are familiar with the timeline/cash flow requirements of a modular project however if needed we can connect you to a bank that can guide you through the process.

In most cases the carrying costs are lower due to reduced project durations and a construction cash-draw schedule that is heavier on the back end of the schedule, when the modules are delivered to the site.  This reduces the financing costs in the earlier months of the project. Because most of the work isn't "in place" until the modules are delivered, interest is only being paid on a small portion of the cost until the last quarter of the project.

How does the schedule of a modular project compare to a site-built project?

"Prefabricating the bulk of a building in an off-site facility means that the construction process is much less vulnerable to delays due to poor weather conditions. This facilitates a more predictable schedule. Off-site construction also allows for work that would usually need to be sequenced to be performed simultaneously. Compared to the linear process that generally characterizes traditional on-site construction, with trades working sequentially, off-site construction allows trades to work concurrently. In addition, if a project is coordinated so that site work and pre-construction engineering is conducted at the same time that building components are fabricated off-site, the construction schedule can be shortened by 30 percent to 50 percent, according to the Modular Building Institute, resulting in dramatic schedule savings. If true, this is a significant benefit over conventional on-site construction that requires the completion of the foundation before work on the building can begin. The more work that can be completed off-site, the greater the savings due to the increased amount of time saved on-site." - AIA-NIBS Modular and Off-Site Construction Guide

With modular construction, project tasks can take place in parallel resulting in a more efficient timeline when compared to the linear sequence of traditional construction.

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