The Elsternwick modular house in Melbourne, Australia was built with a steel frame and structural Insulated Panels by Modscape. The house was completed in just 3 weeks from the time the old house on the property was demolished to move-in.
Photo courtesy of Ben Johnson for Prefabulous World, published by Abrams
There’s still a lot of confusion as to what modular construction is. After writing about prefab construction for quite a few years, I hear all types of theories about what modular construction. Many believe the word is synonymous with prefab itself and is often confused with manufactured houses, which meet the HUD code rather than the Universal code and arrive on wheels on a steel chassis.
Modular construction is actually the most complete type of prefab construction. Boxes or modules are produced in a factory and shipped on a flat bed truck to the construction site. There is a wide range of completeness of the boxes. Some people order just an empty box, which they prefer to complete on site. Other boxes are ordered almost complete with flooring, built-ins, appliances, etc.
This modular house in Sonoma, CA was designed and manufactured by Connect Homes. This 1600SF house has many green and energy saving aspects. This house took two months to build in the factory and was delivered 95% complete.
Photo courtesy of Joe Fletcher Photography for Prefabulous Small Houses
There are also a variety of ways the modular houses are built. Some are built with traditional framing, others are built with a metal frame and some are built with structural insulated panels (SIPs).
I am clearly a believer in modular construction, having written about them for many years. But there are many reasons for my strong belief in this type of construction. Just watching a modular house being set is magical. One very misty morning years ago I watched the modules being lifted in the air with a crane and set on a preset foundation. By the end of the day, several modules were set and the next morning I was able to walk through an almost complete house. This initial experience inspired years of Prefabulous writing.
The Cloverdale, CA modular house was designed by Chris Pardo/ Design Elemental Architecture and manufactured and built by Method Homes. This 1670 SF house is also very energy efficient and sustainable.
Poto courtesy of Jaime Kowal Photography for Prefabulous Small Houses, published by Taunton Press
One of the important advantages of modular construction is the speed of construction. Depending on the size, location and complexity of the house, it can be built in far less time than a site-built house. Modular construction allows for the building and the site work to be completed simultaneously, reducing the overall completion schedule by as much as 50%.
Assembly is independent of weather, which increases work efficiency and avoids damaged building material. The modules are built in a protected environment, which shelters the materials and also prevents pilferage on site.
Modular houses are more environmentally friendly than site-built homes. There is far less waste in a factory than there is on site. Just look at the Dumpsters in front of site built houses with all the cut-offs and waste. In a factory, wood cut-offs are used for other houses and wire and drywall are recycled.
The modular Bayview Cottage was designed by Union Studio Architecture/Community Design and manufactured by Keiser Homes. It is one of 64 cottages in this community in Dennis Port, MA.
Photo courtesy of Alison Caron for Prefabulous Small Houses, published by Taunton Press
Modular houses are more efficient and healthier. Because modular homes are built in a factory, the materials are stored indoors in a controlled environment, eliminating the risk of mold, mildew, rust, and sun damage that can often lead to respiratory problems for the future inhabitants.
Another issue is the warranty on the house. Site built houses usually come with a one-year warranty as compared to the two or more year warranty on modular houses.
Several modular home homeowners I have interviewed have built more than one modular house. They have been so pleased with the process that they have built a second or third house when their needs have changed. To get more information about modular construction check the web site of the Modular Home Builders Association (MHBA) –