Avalon Building Systems Blog

Modular homes used to look boxy in design, but no more. Now modular construction has evolved to the point where modular homes no longer show the fact that they are modular "on their sleeve".

Today, modular homes can be custom designed and can be multiple stories tall. With all kinds of exterior and interior character, a layperson would be hard pressed to tell the difference between a modular home and a stick built home. Modular homes can be just under 1000 square feet all the up to estate-sized homes that are over 4000 square feet.

Modular homes are not just more attractive than in days past, they are also far more energy efficient than any other type of construction you will find on the market today. Compared to traditional construction, modular homes use 30-50% less energy than traditional construction.

Because modular construction uses glue at every joint and by using drills rather than nails, modular construction is extra sturdy and they have the added stability and resistance to windstorms and earthquakes.

The homes are built in factories where construction time is shortened and the amount of waste on the site is reduced. This gives modular homes added "earth friendliness" in addition to their energy savings.

For more information on modular construction, contact Avalon Building Systems.

Modular home manufacturers use a proven construction process that many feel is superior to traditional stick-built construction. Modular homes are built in a factory to exact design specifications and to all local and state building codes. But then those modules are transported to the building site and assembled on the foundation. Because the homes are transported over long distances, modular homes are sturdier and more structurally sound than stick built homes.
 
Stick built homes use nails to construct the walls, floors, and ceilings. With modular construction the walls, floors, and ceilings are screwed and lag-bolted together and special adhesives are used to add another level of integrity and strength.  

Modular homes have an extensive quality control process too. There are endless quality checks on the lot and in the factory.  Throughout the entire modular construction process every angle, quality of wood, every piece of hardware, and the interior and exterior paint is all quality checked and must meet quality standards.

Also keep in mind that materials are never left to the whims of the weather. All materials and framing are inside where the weather cannot affect the finished product.

For quality control and for craftsmanship and specialization, modular homes are a superior alternative to stick built homes. For more information on modular construction, contact Avalon Building Systems.

On site construction can take much longer than your business schedule allows. When you need a new office building, but don’t have the months to wait for it to be built, there is an alternative construction method so your new office space can be built on time and on budget.  Business owners are choosing modular office buildings more and more over traditionally built commercial space. The construction process is much faster because the modular have been designed and constructed at the factory.

Modular buildings are gaining in popularity as a commercial construction alternative. Modular commercial buildings are more affordable, easier to build, easier to design, and easier to maintain. Modular construction is an affordable way for small businesses to expand into their own office space.

The modular construction process for office buildings, including modular medical office buildings and bank style office space is an affordable, less time consuming way for any business to own their own building and take control of their own future and growth.

Consider the modular approach. For more information, contact Avalon Building Systems.

After the recent storms, there are plenty of vacant blocks in New York. But in a matter of weeks, these blocks will be full of new homes. It is not a magic trick, but it is modular construction.

Modular homes are built piecemeal on a factory assembly line, trucked to the construction site and erected much the way Legos are, modular construction is gaining popularity across New York. Modular construction is not new. But it’s perception is changing. The city does not track modular data, but at least anecdotally, more developers and architects are embracing its ethos.

There has been a sea change in the thoughts about modular construction, and now there is much less of a distinction over whether a building has been assembled off-site or on-site.

Modular homes can be custom designed with all kinds of amenities and floor plan styles, and the facades of modular homes can be anything from red brick to wood siding.

While the modules are being manufactured, the foundation is built on-site. The modules are then shipped to the building site, placed on the foundation and secured. The plumbing and electrical is hooked up, the home is sided, and you are ready to move in. The modular building process takes a matter of weeks rather than months.

Using modular construction rather than traditional methods saves a new homebuyer anywhere from 10%-30% depending on the design and amenities.

Also, because construction takes place indoors, there are no delays or damages to the material from inclement weather.

For information on modular homes, contact Avalon Building Systems.

Excerpts – NewYorkTimes.com

As homebuyers discover the affordability and durability of modular homes, modular construction is becoming more popular. But they are also discovering that modular homes can be completely customized. One of the hardest parts of the process, and probably the part that takes the longest is choosing a modular home floor plan. Obviously, this is a very important step so that you can enjoy your home for years.
 
Modular homes a known for their faster completion date and lower price than stick built homes. But did you know that modular homes can also be completely customized by the homeowner? You can choose the floor plan and the design features you want the most.

Modular home manufacturers offer hundreds of floor plans which can be chosen "as is” or they can be modified to meet your needs. You can create a layout that will make sense for your family.

When choosing a modular home design, consider:

• The size of your family. This affects the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you need.
• What are  your hobbies and what is your lifestyle like? Maybe you like to cook, maybe you work from home, maybe you have a large library of books. All of this will determine the types and sizes of rooms you need.  
• Choose a design that will be most livable for your family. For example, older couples may want one floor.
• Remember your budget.  

For more information on modular home floor plans and the design process, contact Avalon Building Systems.

Spring is around the corner. It is the perfect time to begin the process of building a new home. However, if you would like to be moved into this home before summer, consider building a modular home. Modular home construction is more efficient, in every way.

The design process is more efficient. You can choose from standard modular floor plans, change a standard floor plan to more accommodate your needs, combine facets of various floor plans, or start at the beginning and have an architect create you a custom designed modular home.
 
The construction process is more efficient. In modular construction materials are purchased in bulk, and the home is built in an assembly line process. Because of this, there is no materials delay. The actual construction is done more quickly because the same tradesmen are working in a process. There are also no labor or weather delays. Once the home is delivered to your building site, it just takes a few days to complete the construction process.

From the completion of the design process to ‘move in’ takes only about 4-8 weeks. This means you can move in much faster than with stick built homes.

The home itself is more efficient. Because your modular home is inspected throughout the construction process, the home is more built more efficiently. Modular homes are held accountable to all local and state building codes. Our modular homes also use high efficiency windows and energy star rated appliances. At Avalon, we also use SIPs (structurally insulated panels) in our ceilings and walls. These provide superior and uniform insulation compared to "stick frame" homes, offering energy savings of 12%–14%. Because they are built to withhold transportation, they are also more sturdily built.

For more information on an efficiently built modular home, contact Avalon Building Systems.

As we discuss the modular home building process from start to finish with our customers, we often get asked numerous questions about the modular home appraisal process. So, we thought we would give you some general information to help answer some of those questions.

In order to secure a mortgage, you need a home appraisal. This is true whether you are buying a new home or if you are building a new home. So, if you are building a modular home, and you  need a mortgage, how do you get an appraisal on a house that has yet to be built?

First you should know that the appraisal process is the same for modular homes and stick built homes. The appraiser inspects the modular home plans and can get an idea of how much your new home should cost. Using information on labor costs, construction costs, and depreciation and appreciation in the area where your home is being built they determine the current value of the modular home.

So, once the analysis of the above is completed, you or the mortgage company is given a report which includes the property specifications, the replacement cost analysis and the comparative sales analysis, and this report is used to initiate the loan.
 
Ultimately an appraisal is the estimated value you can expect from your new home. Through the appraisal process the current total value of your modular home is determined.
 
For more information on the modular home building process, contact Avalon Building.

Considering building a modular home? there are some things you should know.

First, you'll need buildable land.

Building a new modular home requires a construction loan. Keep in mind these generally have higher interest rates and terms of 6 to 12 months.

Once the modular home is complete, you can refinance to a conventional mortgage to bring down interest rates.

Pricing on modular homes does not fluctuate. Once you are quoted a price that price is set. Once construction begins, there will be no increase in the price of materials.

Usually, the price per square foot in modular construction is around 5% to 20% less than a stick built home. This is because materials are bought in bulk for less, and because modular construction saves on labor costs.

With modular homes, all the pieces of the home arrive and are bolted together, weather-tight generally in a day.

With modular homes, you have control over the design and where each room goes; customization has became the standard.

When modular homes are being constructed in the factory, there's continuous supervision and quality control checks to ensure the home is built up to local and state code.

Over the years, the quality of modular construction has become better than with stick built homes in a lot of cases. They offer basically everything you can get in a custom home and in some instances even more, they are very high quality, energy-efficient, more green.

For more information on modular construction, contact Avalon Building Systems.

Modular home construction has been gaining popularity in the last few years. Mostly as a result of the benefits they provide to home buyers.  If you are considering building a new home here are some reasons to consider a modular home.

More Home For Your Money. A modular home does not cost as much as a site built home. This allows you to purchase a larger home for the money.

Mortgage Lenders Like Stability. When getting a mortgage for new construction the project often runs into cost overruns. But modular home costs are preset. Lenders appreciate this stability in funding a new project.

No Time Delays. Each phase of modular homes are built simultaneously, allowing for them to be completed in a timely manner.

No Weather Delays. Modular homes are not subjected to the weather. They are built in a climate controlled factory.

Sturdy Construction. Modular homes are built in sections that need to be transported from the factory to the building site without damage. This added durability provides more strength to the home once it is built.

Quality Construction. All construction is under strict quality control measures and built in a controlled environment. This leaves out room for errors to be made.

Resale Value. Modular homes often resell for more than their site built counterparts. This is due to the fact that they maintain their "new home" appearance for a much longer period of time.

So, while you are investigating options to your next home, make sure to consider modular construction.
 
For more information contact Avalon Building Systems.

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Modular home floor plans can be built standard or they can be customized to the degree that you want them to be.

The floor plan is chosen by the client and then we can either build that “as is” or we can further customize the standard floor plans. If you would like, we can even create a modular home from a completely independent floor plan provided by your or an architect.

The modules are then built at a factory and then sent to the building site by truck and placed onto its foundation with a crane. The construction is finished by connecting all the wiring and plumbing. One major advantage of modular home plans is that once the foundation is ready, the actual home can be built within a few days.
 
Structural insulated panels  are prefabricated insulated structural elements that combines a foam core between two panels for the walls and roof. SIPs are used to construct walls, ceilings and roofs. These offer modular homes superior and uniform insulation and a number of environmental benefits compared to traditionally built homes.

For a custom designed modular home that is more efficient than a traditionally built home, contact Avalon Building Systems.