Avalon Building Systems Blog

New Technology in a Classic Home - Modular Technology

Fri, 25 May 2012 19:23:00 GMT

Designs from different eras may not always match. But they do in a modular home where you can combine crown molding and colonial charm with new construction technology and building systems.

Modular homes are built with the latest in construction technology and standards. The modules are constructed in a factory setting and built with Structural Insulated Panels or SIPs. SIPS create the walls, ceilings, floors, and roofs that close in the building creating a better insulated and better built home.

SIPs have been around for a while and Avalon Building Systems was the designer and builder of the very first "modular SIPS" home in the United States. Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are prefabricated insulated structural elements for use in building modular home at Avalon Building Systems. They provide superior and uniform insulation compared to more traditional construction methods.

Modular homes are available from Avalon Building Systems all over New England and New York. For more information on more efficient, LEEDs certified and Energy Star rated new homes, contact Avalon Building Systems.

Modular Construction is Increasing in Popularity

Fri, 18 May 2012 15:56:00 GMT

Modular construction is increasing in popularity and is quickly becoming well known and the often preferred construction method today. This is because modular homes are more efficient and timely to build over traditional construction.

With ever evolving technology, modular home builders can easily adapt to new technology and build custom designed modular homes that are very high quality and impossible to discern from a stick built home. But, modular homes are built in a quarter of the time of a stick built home.

Avalon Building Systems has hundreds of floor plans from which to choose, from multi-family properties to small vacation homes, or you can design your own home. There are also hundreds of amenities from which to choose including counters, cabinets, flooring, lighting and finishes, everything to make your new home the home you have been looking forward to building.

For information on custom designed homes in New England and New York, contact Avalon Building Systems.

Build a More Efficient Home, Faster in MA, NY, RI, CT

Fri, 11 May 2012 16:28:00 GMT

When you choose a modular home rather than a traditionally built home, you choose high standards, efficient construction, strict construction standards all at a more competitive price. Avalon Building Systems provides quality custom built homes.

Unlike stick built homes, once the design process is complete, modular homes take weeks to build rather than months or a year. Modular Homes are constructed in a controlled factory environment which allows them to be built faster.

With no weather delays, unreliable subcontractors, material hold-ups, costs for building are less. With factory built homes, construction tasks are being built simultaneously which allows them to be built faster.

The building process in the factory is completed in a week. The modules are then shipped to your building lot and erected in one day. It is completed and ready for you to move into in a couple of weeks after that.

Choose higher standards, more efficient construction, more strict construction standards and a more competitive price. For information on modular homes, contact Avalon Building Systems.

Modular Homes Built with SIPs are More Efficient Homes

Fri, 04 May 2012 17:52:00 GMT

As interest in green home construction and energy efficiency have increased, the use of structural insulated panels, SIPs, have gained popularity as the perfect alternative to traditional framing. Why, because insulation is an integral part of a SIP Modular Home.

What is an SIP? An SIP is putting the framing, insulation, and sheathing into one panel. SIP Panel walls are straight, plumb and square. SIP Panels are structurally stronger, straighter, and quieter. The use of SIPs results in reduced costs of heating and cooling your modular home.

SIPs are typically 40% to 60% more energy efficient than stick construction. Why? Because the wall they create has a continuous R value. Wall studs in stick framing create a thermal break. The panels are factory-built so the labor and materials costs on your job site are reduced as well.

Avalon Building Systems offer modular homes built with Structural Insulated Panels, contact us. We service MA, ME, CT, RI, NY, VT, NH areas.

What is the Difference Between Modular and Stick Built Construction?

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:19:00 GMT

The home construction market is picking up. With people trying to decide what type of home to build, the question of the differences between modular construction and stick built construction arises. To make a well informed decision you need to know the difference.

Stick Built Construction is the traditional way to build a home. In steps, foundation, framing, walls, electrical, plaster, etc. Stick built homes are built on site, from the ground up on the building lot, your property. So any home built entirely on site is a stick built home.

Modular Construction is an easier, faster and more economical way to build a home, through modules. Modular homes ARE stick built homes, they are just built in a factory first. This is the fastest growing and most advanced style of home construction.

The modules are built in a factory, and then transported to the construction site where they are assembled. What are modules? Picture a traditional 2 story colonial home. The first floor is built in halves and the second story is built in halves. When completed they look like fully constructed pieces of the home. Once they arrive on site they are stacked, like blocks and then “buttoned up” or fastened together.

Modular floor plans can be custom designed. Then the plans are sent to the factory for construction. The home can be made out of as many modules as necessary.

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

Should Our House be Stick Built or Modular?

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:17:00 GMT

Q. I’ve been looking at houses for quite a while now and finally decided that building a new home is our best option. What is your opinion on stick-built vs. Modular?

A. Both stick-built houses and Modular homes are built to local codes. Modular homes however, are also built with strict quality control in the factory rather than in the field, which is an advantage. But there is a major advantage to modular homes. Other than being generally less expensive, understanding what some traditional builders (not all, but some) put into their houses and the materials they use is important. For starters, some contractors use the cheapest (least expensive) asphalt roof shingles that are within codes but may last less than 15 years.

This does not happen with modular homes because the standards that are applied in the factory are too high.

Another thing to look for is what goes into the stick built house. Some contractors buy the cheapest heating systems that they can get away with. Same goes for water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, ranges, and wall-to-wall carpeting.

With modular construction you get energy star rated appliances, heating systems, lighting and windows and top quality roof shingles. Remember, this home needs to be transported, it needs to be built with high quality materials and be VERY structurally sound.

Want more information on Modular Homes? Contact Avalon Building Systems.

Excerpt from Boston.com

There are No Hidden Costs with Modular Home Construction

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:28:00 GMT

The allure of a newly constructed home has a certain appeal for many home buyers. Why not build a home so that you have a home that is completely clean and potentially perfect.

With modular home construction you can have your perfect home. With a traditionally built home, this may not be as simple as it seems. Why? Well, this article we found explains the downfalls, trials and tribulations of building a new home the traditional way. If after reading, you want information on how to build yourself a new home without all the issues of traditional construction; if you want the peace of mind of safe materials, standards and safeguards, and no price increases, then contact Avalon Building Systems.

New Construction's Hidden Costs Can Burn Buyers

What many buyers don't realize is that new traditionally built homes often have numerous hidden costs. If you're considering a new construction, here's what you should look out for to make sure you're spending your money wisely and you don't experience any unpleasant surprises.

Hidden Defects

Just like an older home, a brand-new home can have hidden defects, or latent defects that require expensive repairs. Heavy rains on the job site can reveal inadequate waterproofing or grading that leads to leaks or flooding in your home. A weak slab could crack. Siding could fall off. Electrical wiring could be done incorrectly. Any problem that you might be afraid to find in an older home can also appear in a brand-new stick built home.

Modular homes have a warranty, which is important because your homeowners insurance may not cover “latent defects”.

Missing Necessities

New homes often don't come with everything you need. It's quite common for them to lack fences, decks, window coverings, appliances, landscaping and other essentials. When modular homes are built, they are finished in move-in condition. Decks and fences can be included in your modular home floor plan and budget.

Pricey Upgrades

Counters and hardwood floors are not included in your budget. When you buy a modular home, you know exactly what you are getting. There are no hidden fees. The counters and the flooring are included in the budget, no price increases part way through the construction process. In fact, you tell us what your budget is, and we tell you what we can do.

Also, if you buy the upgrades through the builder, you might pay an up-charge and have a limited selection compared to doing the upgrades yourself.

Conclusion

Don't make any assumptions about what you'll be getting if you buy a new home. Buying a new stick built home can be more expensive and come with many more uncertainties than you bargained for, along with a very long construction time.

Want more information on the stress free new home building experience modular construction can offer? Contact Avalon Building Systems.

SF Gate

Multi-Family Modular Homes for Investment or for Aging Parents

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 18:45:00 GMT

Are you looking for a place for your parents to live? Perhaps you want to help your grown children buy their first home. Or, perhaps you want to own a rental property for additional income. Consider building. But not just building any home, build a multi-family modular home. Multi-family housing is a growing trend for families today.

What do we mean by multifamily homes? A multi family home is like a townhouse; any number of homes that share common walls. There is a trend of extended families investing in modular multi-family housing either to care for parents or to combat the tough economy.

Traditionally, in order to keep parents out of assisted living homes is to build an addition on your existing home, an “in-law suite”. But that is not as easy as it sounds, and actually could take longer than building a new, multi family modular home.

Many homeowners are interested in buying a rental property. Build one. Buying that property outright is challenging. Building a two family modular home is faster and less expensive. You have your new home and a rental home all at once.

For more information on multi-family modular homes in New England, contact Avalon Building Systems.

Glued and Screwed - Modular Homes are Stronger

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 20:40:00 GMT

Of all the wood homes that are built, modular homes are the strongest. Typically, modular homes contain up to 30% more lumber than stick built homes. The floors and walls in modular homes are both glued and screwed because they are transported after they are built to the construction site. Once there, the modules are moved to the homes foundation via crane. No traditionally built home can withstand that.

There are plenty of other benefits of modular construction as well. You can save money in construction costs as a result of the decreased build time and the more precise process of building. With lower costs, fewer labor issues and material problems, energy efficiency and better quality, no wonder the popularity of modular homes is growing.

Are you building a new home? Industry experts believe that home buyers can save up to 35% on new home construction by building a custom modular home. Contact Avalon Building Systems.

A Cost Effective Way to Build a Home - Modular Construction

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 13:38:00 GMT

If you are thinking about building a home this spring, consider building a modular home. Modular homes are built faster and easier than traditionally built homes. But don’t be fooled, they are also built to higher standards and are up to date with all the local building codes.

Best of all, modular construction is also less expensive to build and to maintain than a traditionally built home when comparing apples to apples. There are many reasons for this:

1) Energy Efficiency: Modular homes are green homes. Using SIP’s, Avalon’s modular homes easily exceed "Energy Star Standards" and are certified to be built to meet LEEDS platinum standards for new residential construction. This directly translates directly to high energy efficiency.

2) Less Material Waste: In modular construction there is far less material waste which means lower material costs. In stick-built construction the money spent on materials that are wasted is money lost.

3) Faster construction time: Modular homes take just a couple of months to build. You’ll be living in your new modular home in no time. Because of this, you will spend far less money on living expenses: paying for hotels or for two mortgages, paying for storage, and construction finance costs.

With modular construction, you will get a better quality home faster, and for less money. Contact Avalon Building Systems for more information.

When Building a Home Modular Homes Help you Save

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 21:12:00 GMT

Consumers that wish to take advantage of the incredibly low mortgage interest rates and build a home will find they can build a larger home for less money by having their home built with modular construction.

Modular homes are quickly becoming the most desired form of newly built homes due to their many advantages. Consumers desiring to build a custom home will find that they can build a larger home at a better price when they build in this manner.

Modular homes are constructed in a factory instead of being built from scratch on the home site. This type of controlled atmosphere allows homes to be built without weather delays and in a quality controlled environment. Building materials are bought in bulk and stored at the factories, allowing for large discounts that are passed on to the consumer.

On average, modular homes costs far less than the same size and style stick built home.

Contrary to popular belief, a modular home is not a mobile home. It is secured to the ground and it cannot be moved once built. Modular homes are compliant in all respects for hurricanes, earthquakes and other naturally occurring events.

Modular homes are custom design homes that range from quaint to very large and elaborate. The largest benefit of building a Modular home is that one can customize a home from start to finish at nearly half the cost.

SB Wire

Let Us Help You Design a New Home

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 19:05:00 GMT

Avalon Building Systems designs and builds modular homes around New England and New York. We offer many different styles of floor plans from Colonials to ranch style homes to cape and vacation style homes.   Certainly we have the floor plan that will meet the needs of your family. All of our floor plans can be custom designed as well.

With our standard modular home plans, you save time, simplify the home building process, and the homes are built even more quickly.

However, we are happy and more than willing to help you custom design your home or add design details to any standard floor plans.

We enjoy being a part of our customer's dream for a magnificently built modular home.   If you're having trouble selecting a floor plan, take a look at the floor plans and dimensions on our site, or give us a call.

When looking through our selection of modular home plans, understand that you can make adjustments; make as many adjustments as you would like.

Also, our modular floor plans have many exterior looks, and each of those looks can be applied to the floor plan you choose. Do you want a garage, a deck, dormers? Add them.

If you don't find a modular home floor plan we show on our web site, please contact us to discuss what type of plan you are looking for.   Avalon Building Systems would like to help you get into the home of your dreams.

Add a Modular Addition to your Home

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 23:52:00 GMT

With the real estate market the way it is, many people rather stay in their home as opposed to selling it at a depressed price. So what if you need more space? Consider a modular addition. Home additions are very popular. The most popular additions are those that add a second story onto a single story home.

A modular addition is the perfect way to add more space to your home. If you have a one story home and you would like to add a second story, consider modular.

What are the benefits in building a modular second story addition?

Modular additions are built much faster than traditional additions. A modular addition can be setup in as few as three days!
Second story modular additions take from 1 to 2 months to complete. It is amazing how much time modular additions save.
Modular additions are higher quality than stick built additions. Modular additions are built with 20% more lumber when compared to a traditional stick-built addition.

Modular additions allow us to build your second floor addition in 30 days or less. Modular additions are more square, level, and plumb to your existing home. Modular additions are long lasting. If you are interested in adding a high quality addition to your home is a shorter amount of time, contact Avalon Building Systems.

A New Home that Perfectly Fits Your Budget with Modular Homes

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:46:00 GMT

When you build a new home, you need to create a budget. What can you afford, what are your home payments now and what will they be after, will your home expenses increase with a larger home, if so, how much? What expenses do you need to consider beyond the price of the modular home? Will your tax bill go up?

The good news is: after you have designed your new modular home with Avalon Building Systems, you can count on that price. Of course many people who have built a stick built home have probably complained about the increasing budget as the project progressed. This is the beauty,(or one of them), of building a modular home. The budget for the construction of a modular home does not fluctuate.

You and Avalon Building Systems can choose a modular floor plan or design a floor plan. Add the design details such as a garage, hardwood floors, granite counters and a fireplace, and then you will have the price of your new home, no changes, no fluctuations. Add to, or take away design details to make your new home perfectly fit your budget. Try doing this with a stick built home – Never happen!

Contact Avalon Building Systems to begin the process of designing your new home that will perfectly fit your budget.

Modular Homes Mean Strength and Quality AND Custom Designs

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 20:36:00 GMT

There is a question we always get asked, "Can you build the customized home we want"? Well, the answer is yes. That is what we do. Modular homes are not all alike, in fact you would have a very hard time telling the difference between homes built with modular construction and a traditionally built home. In fact, we think maybe you wouldn’t be able to tell them apart at all.

It is often believed that if you want a modular home, you have to pick from some set amount of floor plans with few options. Completely untrue! We have professional designers on staff who can help you create the modular home you want. If you have an architectural plan in any stage of development, we can build it.

With modular construction you get quality, strength, detail, AND your dream home. Contact Avalon Building Systems to get started.