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Modular History*
Modular construction, often considered the future of the home building industry, has roots near a century old. Two significant events in the first thirteen years of the 20th century have lead directly to the evolution of today’s modern modular home.
In 1908, Sears Roebuck & Company began selling kit homes through its popular catalog. While these kit homes were not constructed in any way before reaching the home site, they were among the first homes to have their complete system of materials transported to a home site. A Sears homebuyer could expect their kits, complete with 30,000 pieces and a 75-page instruction manual, to arrive via train.
In 1913, automotive pioneer Henry Ford introduced the assembly line concept at his automotive plant. Ford’s revolutionary idea reduced the construction time of a new automobile significantly, while maintaining control and quality at each step of the process. Nearly a half-century later, the concepts introduced by Ford and Sears Roebuck & Company would be married at the dawn of the modular home industry.
In the 1950s, to meet the steady demand for new homes following World War II, companies began to produce homes in factories. These homes were equivalent to today’s HUD-code or mobile homes and were not modular homes. But when a home manufacturer first produced a two-section home conforming to an applicable building code in 1958, the modular housing industry was formally born.
In the decades that followed, the modular housing industry worked hard to differentiate itself from the HUD-code home industry. HUD-code manufactured homes, often called mobile homes, are built to a Federally-mandated (HUD) building code. Modular homes are built to meet all state building codes, erected on a permanent foundation, appreciate in value and are virtually indistinguishable from site-built homes.
Through the 1970s, most modular homes remained simple rectangular, two or four-module structures. But with the advent of computers and Computer-Assisted Design (CAD) programs, the modular industry began to move, literally, outside of the box.
Today’s modular homes rival any site-built structure in design and functionality. Advancements in computer design and factory technology allow almost any custom home plan to be constructed as a modular home. For buyers interested in a fine-crafted home that can be built and completed in a fraction of the time as a conventional home, modular housing has become the preferred type of construction by many.
Why a Modular Home is right for you...
The advantages of choosing to build a modular home do not end with the speed of construction, quality control, cost savings, or overall efficiency. It’s about peace of mind and knowing that you have purchased a quality custom-built home to enjoy for years to come. Whether you’re considering an expansive ranch, towering two-story or mountain chalet, modular construction is a viable option for nearly every new home buyer or existing home owner. Today’s modular designs and method of construction are ideal for “ground up” new home projects, additions, or remodeling of existing homes.
Building Your New Modular Home
Purchasing a new modular home is very similar to purchasing any type of new home. Step one is selecting the right builder. Most manufacturers depend on a network of reputable builders to work directly with interested homebuyers for the length of the construction process. These independent contractors will guide you through the building process from start to finish. As your primary point of contact, they will help with floor plan selection or assist with custom designing a home that meets your needs and lifestyle. You will have the opportunity to select from an array of custom upgrades and options to truly personalize your new home. After plan and specification approval, your new modular home will be constructed in a climate-controlled manufacturing facility. Each phase of the building process will be closely monitored to meet high quality control standards and your expectations. Many builders and manufacturers encourage new modular homebuyers to visit their manufacturing facility. Doing so will give you the opportunity to see first hand the quality craftsmanship and efficiency of modular construction. If the timing works out, you may even be able to watch your new home being built right in front of you! Upon construction completion at the factory a delivery and on-site finish schedule is established. You should work closely with your chosen builder while coordinating the completion of the on-site finish work.
If you need assistance in locating a modular builder in your area, you can contact a manufacturer directly and a company representative can direct you to the nearest builder serving your area. Begin your modular manufacturer search at www.nahb.org/modular.
Design Your Home for the Building Site
A number of new modular home owners already have their ideal home site purchased before settling on a home design. Modular construction is popular with existing landowners because many times your dream home site sits in an area where skilled labor is scarce or a short building season can significantly delay new home construction. In order to maximize the value of your property it is important to select the right home for your lot. Your design selection should complement the lot size, topography and surrounding homes. Your builder can add valuable assistance in the customization and design process.
If you do not own land and are looking to purchase property you have the opportunity to select a site that will fit some of your existing design wants and needs. With the appeal of modular construction growing within building communities, there has been an increase in modular home neighborhoods and subdivisions. There are also many home sites available in existing subdivisions where your modular home can be constructed. Whether your building site is in a city, suburban, or rural setting, be sure you check with your local building and zoning departments for code requirements unique to the subdivision or area.
*Information provided courtesy of Modular Building Systems Council.
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