Avalon Building Systems Blog

Cape Cod Style homes are a popular choice due to their compact design. The design of these homes offers maximum living space, storage space, dormers, and pitched roofs on the second floor. However, oftentimes, with stick built Cape homes the second floor framing is usually less insulated due to its proximity to the roof which can often cause air leaks. A well-insulated Cape style floor plan is often a challenge.

Modular home construction in Boston, MA offers numerous options and a wide variety of customization for homeowners. This option enables homebuyers to choose the right material for insulation and ventilation as effective solutions to heating and cooling problems. The modular floor plan also allows for changes in insulation down the line. Modules are prefabricated using standardized and quality controlled processes in an offsite factory. These modules are assembled at the permanent site and are glued and screwed, making the entire home more efficient as well.

The sectional approach to modular construction provides effective solutions to modern issues that have arisen in home designs. Saving energy costs in areas with extreme weather patterns is one of the issues that modular construction has addressed. Cape style modular homes are energy-efficient whereas traditional methods are having difficulty implementing the same energy efficiency. Insulating a Cape Style home has never been this fast and easy. To find more about Cape style modular floor plans, contact Avalon Building Systems.

The question often arises: Do modular homes appraise for the same value as a traditionally built home? Simply put, yes, and often times higher!

In order to buy a home, it must be appraised so you can begin the process of getting a mortgage or loan. An appraisal is the estimated amount a home buyer can expect to pay for their new home. When buying any piece of property, including modular homes, you need a licensed professional appraiser. The question then becomes, if the home is not yet built, how is it actually appraised?

The appraiser will inspect the modular home plans to have an idea of how much your new home should cost. Generally, they use information on labor rates, building costs, and depreciation and appreciation locally where the property is being built. The appraiser will use sales comparisons, prices and values of compatible homes sold in the area, to determine the current value of the modular home.

Once a thorough analysis of the property has been completed, a report is created which is used to initiate the mortgage or loan process. Included in the report would be the property specifications, the replacement cost analysis and the above mentioned comparative sales analysis.

The replacement cost analysis is the total amount spent on the construction and materials of the modular home, and the lot value.

All this will determine the current total value of the property. The modular home appraisal will then be finalized so that the loan transaction can take place. The calculated total value of the modular home will help you determine future expenses such as utilities and real estate taxes.

Contact Avalon Building Systems for more elaborate information about modular home appraisal.

We field the typical questions regarding financing and insuring modular home construction that our fellow stick builders get. The questions, issues, and processes are exactly the same. Rest assured that we’ll ensure and guide you every step along the way.

Many banks (and we have great relationships with lenders across Boston) value working with modular home buyers. Why? The building process is so much shorter, and the system is so defined that there is little to no risk to the banks.

As far as assessing the value of modular homes; modular homes are assessed in the same way as traditionally built homes. Here is the good news: modular homes cost about 10-15% less to build, but they sell at the same price as a stick built home. Why? Custom modular homes are appraised with the same standards of a traditionally built home; therefore, both types of homes are assessed at the same amount.

Banks and insurance agencies both say there is no difference between stick-built homes and custom modular homes in terms of approval ratings, and cost.

Banks and insurers are well aware that modular home construction strength and building standards exceed that of traditional stick built homes. There may even come a time where insurance companies take into consideration the higher structural integrity of a modular home and insure them at a lower rate.

However, until then, you can rest assured, modular home construction financing will not be a problem; modular homes hold their value in the same way as traditionally built homes; and ensuring your modular home will be no different either. Now that those questions have been put to rest, contact Avalon Building Systems for more information.

Many homeowners postpone their home construction plans as the fall and winter kick in, due to weather concerns and delays. Weather absolutely comes into play with traditional construction. However, cold and wintry weather challenges are largely mitigated when choosing modular construction. With this choice in home construction, it is possible to make solid home building progress throughout the worst of winter.

With modular building systems there are no weather delays associated with the modular home’s fabrication process. This is because the modules are built indoors where the weather condition cannot affect the process or the building materials. Site work is done at the same time and can be done on choice weather delays without delaying construction. When the modules are completed, they are then delivered to the actual site. The remaining 10% of the home building process, the final assembly and finishing touches, are performed. So in just a matter of 5-6 weeks, your modular home is completed and ready for occupancy.

If you are planning to build a home this winter, choose to build a modular home. You can pursue this path to a new home during any time of year. Contact Avalon Building Systems right away to get started with your dream home.

Modular home construction is increasingly the preferred choice for those planning to downsize. This is due to modular construction’s comparative inexpensive construction cost and overall value advantages. If you are contemplating downsizing to a smaller home, modular home construction can deliver an overall better quality home than traditional stick-built construction while simultaneously paving a road to putting more home equity dollars into your retirement savings.

So, in preparation for your transition to a new modular home, here are some things to consider and act upon to help make your move go smoothly:

• Sort Your Stuff - Get rid of those things that you no longer use. Also, minimize collecting duplicate items, they will only take up your space. When designing your modular home, request for more smart storage so you can better organize your stuff.
• Retain Those Keepsakes - Get rid of unnecessary things but keep those precious heirlooms, memorabilia, and other stuff that have sentimental value. Work closely with your modular builder so they can provide a spot in your new modular home where you can place these family antiques and other important stuff.
• Don't Downgrade - Downsizing doesn't mean your downgrading to a less beautiful and poor quality structure. In contrast, modular homes for downsizers might be smaller than other homes but they are built in premium quality materials and superior craftsmanship. There are a vast array of beautiful home designs that can be further customized to suit your taste and style.
• Space Check - Make sure to find the right amount of space that will accommodate your stuff and future guests as well at your new modular home. Take measurements and always work closely with your modular builder to perfect the dimensions of the rooms and sections of your home.

Lastly, find a modular builder you can trust when you opt for a modular home. Contact Avalon Building Systems, we are a team of certified modular builders with competitive years of experience. We know the usual needs of those who want to downsize their home. Thus, we can help you build a perfect living space complete with all the specifics you desire.

The American consumer has become wise to the vast arrays of benefits associated with custom modular home construction. We’ve discovered, however, that many of you don’t realize the full suite of custom options that await you regarding custom modular garages. Today we’re going to educate you on that subject.

We celebrate those of you who want to focus your home design around a custom modular home garage. Yes, we know that most often it’s all about the kitchen, but you like to tinker. You own a custom auto that falls a very close third to your family and your dog. You want them all protected and with the space necessary to work on them. Well, dream big and let us execute that dream for you.

If you are planning to build a garage or carport on your home it can be done more quickly through modular construction. Renovation projects using the modular building process means a faster completion time and a notable reduction in construction costs. This is why any home addition can be utilized and enjoyed more when homeowners choose modular home additions.

A modular garage can be constructed with less work on-site. The modules are built in a factory setting and transported to your home when they are ready for assembly, less mess and disruption takes place at your home. Additionally, aside from the basic features, modular garages are delivered and attached to your home with full wiring, outlets and insulation. This means the home project is completed and can be used at maximum efficiency and convenience in no time.

Layout and space for modular garages can be further modified according to the needs of the homeowner. There are limitless possibilities for style and layout since modular building systems use new construction technology for customization. Lastly, the floor plan and features decided upon during the planning stage are stringently followed.

To learn more about modular home additions and modular garages, contact Avalon Building Systems.

Our warmest New Year’s wishes from the entire team here at Avalon Building Systems. Calendar year 2021 and these ever-challenging global events placed heavy burdens upon us all. But in many ways, and supported by family, friends, and all of you, 2021 was a uniquely remarkable year, reminding us of hope, family, gatherings and more. This time of year reminds us to recognize the joy that each and every one of you has brought to our lives. We recognize that our business exists because of your friendship, fellowship, trust, and loyalty.

Our New Year’s resolution is to nurture our ever strengthening partnership with you and to deliver value to you, your business, and your family through the entirety of 2022.

Throughout this Holiday season may you be blessed with health and surrounded by friends and family. We hope that the new year brings all of you uninterrupted good health, happiness, and prosperity. Happy New Year from Avalon Building Systems. As Anne Frank said, “What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven’t even happened yet.”

Our prayers go out to all those effected by the horrendous tornados that ripped through the American heartland. While very few things can stand up to direct hit from a F3, F4, or F5 tornado, the more common windstorms that occur frequently here in Portsmouth can do damage to your home as well. You significantly reduce the threat of storm damage to your home when it is constructed with modular home construction technology.

At the core of the modular home advantage is the fact that our homes are bolted together. Unlike traditional built homes that are nailed together, it is simple to envision which of the two types of construction is better prepared to stand up to mother nature. This is particularly meaningful for those homebuyers who will reside in extreme weather areas like us here in Westwood. Modular homes here in Westwood handle the strong northeast storm winds and the high winds associated with various named storms. A number of severe storms devastated the Northeast several years ago and it caused property damages reaching billions of dollars. We can expect more of that in the future.

The safe and sturdy nature of Avalon Building System’s modular homes are just two of the countless benefits of modular construction over stick-built homes. We welcome the opportunity to discuss the long list of advantages to include how modular homes provide optimal energy efficiency with low air infiltration so you will significantly lower your energy consumption and energy cost.

Contact Avalon Building Systems Custom Modular Homes for more information.

Very warm Thanksgiving greetings from all of us at Avalon Building Systems. As business owners, clients, prospective clients, friends and family, and suppliers our sense of appreciation for all of you has never been higher.

Like us, each of you have had unique and serious challenges during the last couple of years, most likely both professionally and personally. We are reflecting upon these challenging times with a “glass half-full” perspective and we hope that you all are doing the same. Each and every one of you has delivered a positive and enduring effect on us and our business as well as on those around you. We hope that in some way we’ve done the same for you.

Wishing you sincere peace and joy this Thanksgiving holiday. While surrounded by family and friends, we take time for positive reflection upon all of life’s blessings, we hope that you do as well. Happy Thanksgiving from everyone here at Avalon Building Systems.

The home building industry is going through a revolution as modular home construction continues to command increasing market share. Care to guess why that is? Modular home construction marries technology and time-honored craftsmanship to deliver a stronger, longer lasting, and completely customizable product. Well, we suppose more square footage for the home-buying dollar plays a bit into the equation as well.

The custom modular homes that we build in Wayland, MA exemplify how modular floor plans are custom designed and built to take advantage of the environmental, cost-effective computer aided production, limited waste, and other factors that deliver a superior product and at lower cost when compared to their traditional stick-built counterparts. No wonder that more and more home buying consumers are choosing custom modular home construction as their product of choice.

It is wonderful to dream of your next home but also oh so rewarding to discover how simple it is to build that dream into reality. To find out more about the advantages of modular home construction, contact Avalon Building Systems.