Factory built panels and modular homes are giving conventional site-built homes a run for their money, in more ways than one. A study published by the Wood Truss Council of America showed savings of over $3,000 when a 2,600-square-foot home was built with trusses and wall panels versus conventional framing techniques.
Costs vary widely depending on the materials and the experience of the building crew, but building home modules or panels in the controlled setting of a factory often results in higher quality, more resource efficient construction. In many cases, the product is more energy efficient and termite resistant than stick-built homes, too. Check around for reasonable price quotes.
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Articles
Lean Factories Cut Costs, Boost Production
Automated Builder , July 2007
The Factory Building Symposium on Lean Production attracted some of the biggest names in the industry. These companies have been working with HUD’s Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH) and the Manufactured Housing Research Alliance (MHRA) to incorporate lean production methods into their home building factories.
Top Building Technologies of 2006
Professional Builder , December 2006
If you limit yourself to the headlines, 2006 was a bad year for builders. New home sales lagged, construction costs soared and homes sat vacant for months. But for builders who have adopted new building science technologies, the market is looking bright.
Streamline Your Business
Professional Builder , August 2006
As the white-hot housing market cools, builders can maintain a competitive edge by improving construction quality while controlling costs.
Modular and Green
Professional Builder , July 2006
David Bennert is co-founder of Innova Homes, a small building company in Asheville, N.C., that builds about six homes a year. His style: modular. His reasons: speed of construction, pricing and quality control. But he has a new specialty: being green.
In Manufactured We Truss
Professional Remodeler , April 2006
While stick building remains the standard, remodelers are taking a cue from new home builders’ use of pre-assembled trusses when it comes to big jobs. Manufactured roof and floor trusses can ease and expedite the process of installing the roof and floor systems in an addition, and more importantly, provide time, labor and material savings in the process.
Common Questions
What is the advantage of buying a modular or manufactured home versus a site-built home?
Where can I find general statistical information on the manufactured and modular housing industries?
Where can I get information on modular and manufactured homes? Site built basements and porches make these modular homes indistinguishable from custom site-built homes nearby.
How can I locate a manufacturer who has expertise in green design to help me purchase a modular home?
Is there a difference between factory-built and manufactured housing?
What is the difference between manufactured and modular homes?
Where can I find a local manufacturer of homes in my state?
