Modular home
 | It has been suggested that this article be merged into Modular home. (Discuss) Proposed since March 2008. |
Modular buildings are sectional prefabricated buildings that are manufactured in a plant, and delivered to the customer in one or more complete modular sections. Modular buildings are considerably different from mobile homes.
Uses
Modular buildings have a wide variety of uses. They will either be used for long-term temporary or permanent facilities. Such uses include construction camps, schools and classrooms, civilian and military housing needs, and industrial facilities. Modular buildings are a perfect solution in remote and rural areas where conventional construction may not be reasonable or even possible. One example would be the housing facilities used by BP in the oil fields of the Alaska North Slope. Other uses have also been found for modular buildings including churches, health care facilities, sales and retail offices, fast food restaurants and cruise ship construction.
Modular Homes vs. Mobile Homes
Differences include the building codes that govern the construction, types of material used and how they are appraised by banks for lending purposes. The codes that govern the construction of modular homes are the exact same codes that govern the construction of any site constructed home. In the United States, all modular homes are constructed according the Uniform Building Code (UBC), IRC, BOCA or the code that has been adopted by the local jurisdiction. Mobile home (manufactured homes) are constructed according to the HUD Code and are generally considered lesser quality. The materials are the same as site constructed homes. Wood frame floors, walls and roof is the most typical. Some modulars even included brick or stone exteriors, granite counters and steeply pitched roofs. All modulars are designed to sit on a perimeter foundation or basement. Mobile homes are constructed with a steel chassis that is integral to the integrity of the floor system. Lending institutions and appraisers consider a modular home the same as they consider a site built home, with the same life expectancy and value. Mobile homes often require special lenders. Most companies have standard plans. However, all modular buildings can be custom built to a clients specifications. Today's designs include multi-story units, multi-family units and entire apartment complexes. The negative stereotype commonly associated with mobile homes and has prompted some manufacturers to start using the term Off-Site Construction
Expense / Benefit
Modular buildings are very affordable because of the factory construction of these buildings. They are a very cost effective compared to conventional construction. These units are typically constructed in an enclosed facility, therefore weather is not a factor in the construction time line. Material delivery fees are also out of the equation because an ample amount of material will always be available at the facility, as opposed to being delivered in limited quantities to the job site, nearly eliminating construction delays, and theft of building materials from the site.
Design & Engineering
Companies such as Modular Geniusfirst identify value engineering cost savings which do not impact quality and streamline input between design, engineering, and production. Then conduct a feasibility study on the desired property. They offer site civil engineering, permits and zoning services. Architectural and Engineering Services identify building materials, size and shape of the building based on specific customer requirements.
Site Work Preparation - Off Site Building Construction
Modular Geniusutilizes many manufacturing facilities which can meet specific end user demands. Multiple projects can be in production at the same time in different locations which increases speed. Lean manufacturing reduces building material wastes and reduces costs. Quality control in production is overseen by in house and 3rd Party licensed inspectors for the specific state of destination. Indoor production eliminates weather delays or damage. The foundation can be prepared while the building is in production off site at the manufacturing facility.
Building Installation
Modular Geniusprepares building Scheduling Plans and tracks timelines and critical paths for optimum project performance. Typically projects are completed 40% faster than traditional construction. Delivery of the modular building comes in sections traveling over the road from the production plant to the site in 1-2 days of travel. Modular sections are positioned onto the foundation with a crane or truck and sections are seamed together. Site preparation such as utility and telecommunications infrastructure are tied into the modular building. MILCON government Force protection requirements are started at the manufacturing facility and finished at site. Sidewalks, Landscaping, Parking and signage are completed simultaneously as furniture and communications are completed inside.
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