Modular Home Construction. The Best Home Money Can Buy.

What is a Modular Home?  It's probably not what you think.  Modular homes can give you one of the most energy efficient, cost effective, high quality built homes ever...and they can be custom designed.  It's surprises me that in this day and age, how many people still think of a Modular home as just another "mobile home".  Not close.  Modular homes are not the same thing as "Manufactured" homes.  Modular homes are exactly the same construction as a typical "stick built" home...just built in a factory.  The factory means you have less waste, better quality controls, lower labor costs since all the labor comes to the same place for every house, and incredible energy efficiency

Custom Plans from the Factory
As I stated above, you can have the factory build it from a custom plan too.  It can also be a great way to build a development.  Scheduling is not an issue since all the "open" construction is done in the factory. The speed factor plays a big role here too.  Order the plan, pick the elevation, send in the order and wait for it to be delivered to the site.  When it is delivered you just need to do the connections and install the hookups.  No more listening to your buyers complain about not having their house built yet, and you having to explain how the weather is affecting construction.  How about the positive impact on sales from the energy efficiency.

Size is Not an Issue
Size is not an obstacle either.  I have designed them as small as 900 square feet and as large as 6000 sq. ft.  Financing is not a problem either.  Most manufacturers have a financing source ready and willing.

Quality Controls in Place

Modular homes are highly engineered and all of the typical "rough" inspections are done in the factory.  In fact, these homes are built to meet or exceed local building codes.


Still not sure?  Go visit a factory.  Every manufacturer will allow you.. check that, will expect you to visit the factory to see the process in action.  Many will even let you watch your own home being built.


Check it out.  I know you won't be sorry.  Just make sure you check out the manufacturers work before you have them build your homes.

What is the Best Energy Efficient System to Use?

Every time I'm speaking on the topic of energy efficient home design, and I begin presenting some of the different options of systems (SIP's, ICF's, Geothermal, Wood Basements, etc...) I get this question...and I give the same answer.

"It Depends"

Set Your Priorities 
It depends on your priority.  Let me explain.  First you need to decide if your number one priority is the design layout/function or if it is the implementation of a specific system.  In other words, did you fall in love with the layout or the system (SIP's, ICF's, etc...) first.  Either way it works fine, but each starting point will take you through a slightly different route.


If you start with the design, then you can pick the best system that maximizes the efficiency and cost effectiveness of the overall design.  Pick the system that works best.  Each system has certain features/characteristics that may work well with one design, but no so well with another.


If you start with the system, then you design your home with the idea of maximizing the efficiency and cost effectiveness of that system.  Again, each system has certain features/characteristics that may lend itself to one design direction instead of another.


Either way works, it just depends on your priorities.


Location and costs
Keep in mind that with all of these systems, you will find that different areas of the country will also have an effect on the energy efficiency and cost effectiveness of that system.  One of the factors may come down to cost of delivery of the system itself and the labor costs that will be influenced by the ability to find installers familiar with the system.  If you get a price, no matter how good you may think it is, if the contractor doesn't have experience with the installation of that system, beware.  You can guarantee that price will go up as the contractor uses your project as their learning tool.  If this is your option...don't do it.


Ultimately you will pick a system, using any of the ones listed and more, based on how it works within the overall design/cost of the home.  Do your homework and you will be much further ahead when you start your project...and most importantly, you will be in control.


In any case, using an energy efficient system will give you a much better end product.  You will be living in a much more energy efficient, and green home, that you will be proud of for a long time.


For more information on some of these systems you can visit my website at:
http://www.conceptsindesigns.com 

The Design Process

Of all the topics I have spoken on as a Featured Speaker, one of the ones that I enjoy the most is the topic of the Design Process.  I think one of the reasons for this has been what I feel is a gross misunderstanding of what that process really is...or maybe the misunderstanding is that it is actually a process to begin with.  In any case, one of the biggest problems I see when using this process is...not using this process.  To understand what I mean you must first understand what the drawing process is...and what it is not.


What are the drawings?...really?
The drawings are not just a piece of paper that is used to reflect what the final product will look like, and how it will be built.  The drawings are actually a summary of where the project is at the time the drawings were generated.  A summary of the design process at that time.  The design process is a series of decisions that need to be made, some before others, and the drawings therefor are simply a reflection of the timetable of those decisions.


The biggest mistake I see in projects is always the same.  Clients/designers want to finish the drawings, then research additional input that ultimately will change the design.  Why?  


There are basically three things that go into each decision:

1. What does it look like (aesthetics)
2. How does it work (function)
3. How much does it cost (reality)

...and the last one carries the most weight.  It doesn't matter what it looks like, or if it works, if you can't afford it, don't design it...it will NEVER get built.

So to that end, I present my version of the Design Process that I have used of over 30 years.  It has eliminated a number of "unrealized projects" over the years.  There are many famous designers/architects that have books of unrealized projects.

Definition:  Unrealized Project - A project where someone didn't realize there was a budget involved. (Sounds like a government project...doesn't it).

The Design Process

1. Site acquisition.  You can find your site later, but it will cost you.
2. Preliminary construction/end financing loan qualification.  Why design something to find out later you can't get the financing for it.  This is a divorce waiting to happen.
3. Starting Point.  Basic floorplan and exterior style or features.  This can come from many different sources, all at one time, and combined during the process.  Check out my Catalog of Plan Page for a starting point.
4. Layout Preliminary Floorplans.  Take your starting point and develop your flow and function.  We haven't gone outside (exterior/elevations) yet, but you want to keep in mind what the effects your floorplans will have on the elevations at all times.  It's just easier to adjust the exterior to the interior than the other way around.  You can start outside, but it will cost you.
5. Make changes.  This is a common step to the process.  You will be making changes all the time.  It is much cheaper on paper than while under construction.
6. Gain pricing from floorplans.  You can get pricing as you go on some of the items that have the widest range of prices at this time such as kitchens, baths, floors, pre-fab fireplaces, appliances, fixtures (plumbing and electrical), and more.  It is critical that you do this now.
7. Make changes to the floorplans...again.  Notice a trend?
8. Generate Preliminary Elevations and Sections.  You know when to start this step based on a build up of questions during the floorplan steps that can't be answered without seeing the elevations and/or sections.
9. Make Changes.  Now you will have the elevations and floorplans to make changes to also...along with any more changes that need to be made to the floorplans.
10. Price the rest of the job...complete.  This will be a price range based on the options you have chosen.  Price a high and low end for everything (maybe even some in between), and mix and match combinations until you find the combination of looks/function/price that works best.
    
    
    
    "How are you doing so far with that budget from step #2"?
11. Make changes. Based on the bids you are getting and maybe even new ideas you come across while getting these bids, you may be making more changes..
12. Specifications.  Begin to compile your specifications for all of your finishes to include how much, who, where and when for each product and/or service.
13. Decide on the construction techniques you will be using.  By now you will have come across a number of different ways to build this house ranging from stick build to SIP's, Wood Basements, ICF's, Geothermal and more.  Make decisions.
14. Gain additional pricing if needed.  Your budget may not be working out right with the decisions you made.  Find more options either in products or better pricing to make it all come together.
15. Make drawing changes as needed.  Remember, the drawings are just a summary of where you are at the time in your decision making process.  Get the drawings up to date.
16. Repeat steps #10 - 15.  Keep changing your mind now...it costs you so much more in the field, and if you wanted to make a change now but don't, chances are your will make it in the field.  Don't do that.
17. Total up the bids - verify everything.
18. Now - complete the final plans.  Now you have made the final decisions, thus the plans (final plans now) will reflect that.
19. Schedule project.  Contractors & suppliers need to be lined up, verified and scheduled.
20. Compile blank forms.  Have ready all the forms you will need during construction such as waivers of lien, sworn statements, etc...
21. Apply for permits.  You can't build it until the building department says OK.
22. Make changes.  The Building Department is now involved.  All I can say is Building Departments have taught me that a dozen eggs does not equal 12.
23. Gain Permits.  Now the Building Department says OK.
24. Make your prints.  Contractors need a fresh set since the ones you gave them to make bids off of is either lost or messed up from the bid process.
25. Invest in a Pharmacy.  Pain reliever and antacids are your best friends.
26. Put a shovel in the ground.  Start your engines and enjoy.  If you are very thorough in the design process, you should eliminate most of your problems and have a less stressful construction phase.

I describe the Design Process as really nothing more than another form of Construction...but on paper...where is is easier and much cheaper.

So enjoy the process and good luck with your project.

Joe Villeneuve, President

Concepts in Designs, LLC

www.conceptsindesigns.com

joe@conceptsindesigns.com