Avalon Building Systems Blog

Everyone wants to go green. Even, the home builders are coming up with new home designs that are more energy efficient. The new Energy Star homes are designed in such a way that the energy consumption per house will be 20-30% less than a regular home.

A wide variety of homes can earn the Energy Star label if they are verified and confirmed that they meet the EPA’s guidelines. Energy Star homes include but are not restricted to systems-built homes such as the ICF, SIP, or modular construction homes. Energy Star qualified homes also include an array of advanced energy-efficient features in order to improve the home quality and also to lower the overall energy consumption and air pollution.

With the increasingly high demand of homebuyers for green building and energy efficient houses, there are builders, such as Avalon Building Systems, meeting the needs to build better energy efficient homes. These energy efficient homes save energy and help in the improvement of the environment by avoiding the excess usage of the non-renewable energy and the burning of fossil fuels. Of course, by choosing modular homes, you use less energy during the construction and building process.

These tightly-sealed homes not only improve comfort but also reduce the utility and maintenance expenses. Additionally, modular home factories produce less waste, 2%, than on-site construction which produces 30-40% waste.

In general, modular homes are a great option for those looking forward to buying or building a new home. These homes meet strict regulations and help you in protecting the environment by saving more energy. With so many energy efficient systems, there is no doubt that these homes really do consume 20-30 % less energy than regular homes.

Original Article may be seen on CleanTechnica.com

Building and buying a new modular home is exciting and there has never been a better time to build! There are many details to consider as you begin this process. Whether you’ve built several homes or this is your first, we’ll strive the make the experience a pleasant one. With the coming of springtime it is perfect weather to start thinking about building a dream home for you and your family.

We offer many different floor plans for you to choose from or we can build a custom design home for you. With our integrated SIP panel technology, building sturdy, reliable homes is what we have to offer for all of our valued customers. We also offer a vast array of information regarding modular technology and its benefits.When decided for a modular home please consider the following:

• What budget you are trying to stay within?
• Your time-frame for building your new home.
• The style of home you are looking to build.
• The area or area(s) you have interest in.

Contact us today should you have any questions regarding modular homes and their benefits. Be sure to navigate through our site to learn more about modular construction how you can have your beautiful dream home this coming spring.

Recent trends at the end of 2009 and thus far in 2010 has seen new customers considering modular homes in greater numbers. The largest group is those that normally spend $200,000 for a home but are looking to maximize their value while keeping the price within their budget. Modular homes boast greater value through better durability, larger square footage and more amenities compared to most equally-priced site-built homes. Given the continued pricing instability of new and existing homes, modular homes give a more stable value.

The sub-prime mortgage crisis has affected just about every form of housing within the country. Lending is more restrictive, current home inventories are still tremendous, and a large percentage is unable to make their current mortgage payments. And while the modular home industry has felt the effects, the impact has been much less than on the site-built housing industry.

In addition to modular homes offering a better value solution, modular home manufacturers and retailers are expanding their markets. By being more creative with the usage of SIPs, Avalon Building Systems has found new customers who benefit from this technology. Residents in MA, CT, RI, ME, NH, VT and NY area starting to look more and more at modular homes as well. Contact us today should you have any questions regarding modular homes or if you'd like to take a look at our custom built homes we have to offer.

Buying a home doesn't have to be a stressful expenditure. While it is a very big step in your life maintaining a proper budget and financial goal will help move the process along smoothly.The development of a household budget is a must activity both before you build a custom modular home as well as during your ownership of that home. By preparing a budget you can better focus on mortgage payment goals and how the new house will affect your total expenses. Maintaining a budget during the time you own the home can help to prevent potential financial disasters as well as point you in a money saving direction so you have more funds available for those things that you need or want. Some of the items and information you will need to develop your budget are:

1. All current monthly loan payments.
2. All other monthly expenses
3. Records of variable expenses from the last 12 months. This will give you an estimate of your monthly expenditures.
4. Records of annual or semi-annual expenses
5. An estimate of what your new mortgage payment will be.
6. Records of other non-fixed expenses for the last year.
7. Records or an estimate of personal expenses
8. Having a current copy of your credit report can be very helpful.

Be realistic in your budget assessment. Make provisions for possible increases in some items. Then, look for ways to get and maintain control over your budget. Once you have prepared your budget the next step is to look for the dream home of your choice and what better way than to use Avalon Building Systems to help you in your quest? Contact us today to see our floor plans and how we can help to make your home a reality. 

Many in the industry have noted the encouraging phenomenon of the flourishing modular construction industry, especially given the fact that we are still experiencing a weak economy. Not only that, but the construction industry itself has taken an especially hard hit since the economy took a turn, especially housing. Nevertheless, modular construction is surging ahead.

More and more homeowners are venturing into the once-stigmatized modular home market, and more and more governments and businesses are choosing to build with modular construction, due to its lower costs and convenience.

So why the ongoing prosperity of modular construction?

Well in a weak economy where everyone is trying to save money, the most cost effective solutions are going to win out. This accounts for the recent proliferation of bargain shopping companies. Also, there is a hypervigilance in today’s business world to adapt quickly, innovate, and stay up to date with the latest economic trends. Modular construction combines cost effectiveness with the flexibility necessary for businesses to alter their physical workspaces and keep up with the changing times.

It also helps that modular construction and other forms of modular design have been increasingly associated with the green movement, due to inherent energy saving/recycling qualities found in modular construction. In essence, modular construction is a more evolved, more intelligent form of construction that seeks to address the inefficiencies of traditional construction. In times of prosperity, change might come more slowly, as the current conventions seem to work alright. However, in recessionary times, it becomes essential to rethink old techniques and adapt to harsh landscapes.

It is the combination of these elements that have propelled modular construction into one of the fastest growing industries in the world today, even in a decline. Contact us today to find out more about modular design and how it can reshape your home or business.

It is a new year and more people are starting to turn their efforts green and in a more efficient approach. One of these growing trends is the use of modular construction. Not only is modular being used for homes but also buildings and offices as well. There are many, many benefits and features we can list but to make it simple, we'll provide a short summary of why modular construction works for years to come.

Lower Cost: Modular homes are built in factories and take advantage of "volume" pricing. The assembly line process allows for maximum labor efficiency.

Quality Control: Modular homes are built in a controlled environment and engineered for trouble-free durability. Quality control is maintained by constant inspection throughout the construction process.

High Quality Materials Less Waste: To insure a safe delivery of your home, modular homes are built exceptionally well, using high quality materials. Typically, 20%-30% lumber is saved and used for other projects, so nothing is wasted.

Peace of Mind: Modular homes come at a guaranteed price.

Quicker Build Time: Modular homes are stick built, using the same components and techniques as site built homes, but in a controlled, indoor environment - there are no weather delays, and your home is not exposed to the elements during construction. Lower utility costs/higher resale value! as most are built today, using ENERGY STAR appliances and companies are building homes that optimize comfort and savings with features that include leading-edge heating systems, additional insulation, advanced air-infiltration preventions packages, high performance windows and more!
Choices: And lots of them! Carpeting, vinyl, ceramic tile, interior doors, counter-tops - any component in the home!

Functionality: Built with floor plans for today's lifestyles - Ranches, Colonial, Bank style, and Multi-Family. Modular building offers you the chance to purchase a high quality home, customized to fit your tastes, lifestyle, and budget.

For most of us, our home is the largest, single investment we will ever make. With a modular home purchase, you can set your modular home on your land anywhere in the US.

Once you have ordered your new modular home and have chosen all the features you wish to have, Avalon will be in contact with you every step of the way throughout the building process. Once your home is delivered to your site, they will be there to insure that the rest of the development of lifting your home by crane onto your new foundation, getting utilities to the house, finishing any features you may have chosen for your elevation, including any special windows, basement, garage etc., and the roofing of your home. Contact us today to learn more about modular homes and see how they can turn your dream home into a reality.

If your in the market to buy a new home, buying a modular home could be your quickest, and most convenient avenue. Not to mention more cost efficient. You could be thinking of building a home, which can be a very long and drawn out process. When you build a home you pay periodic payments as the home is being built until the work is completed. You never really know for sure when the work is going to be completed. Most of the time you can not wait to be able to pay the General contractor, and the dealer, in full. As the home gets built, they constantly need funds to pay for materials and labor. Not only that, but many things can go wrong with construction. Man, this could be a big head-ache!!

When purchasing a modular home it is already built, so there are limited labor and materials needed to put the home in place. Generally our modular homes are owned by us and you actually don't pay for it until you take possession of the home, but it usually must be paid before you take possession. Most dealers and General contractors want to see proof of a secured loan, or whatever means you plan to pay for the home and land with, before they start the process of setting your home up. You may have to pay a ten percent deposit on your modular home, and pay the rest when finished.

Like building a new home or buying a home, getting a modular home requires a lot of thought. Along with a lot of thought and planning, you need to find the right financial institution or bank to get your loan for your new modular home. Some banks and institutions have loans already existing specifically for the purchase of a modular home, which could be better rates and interest than another type of loan. There are many avenues to take in the financing of a modular home, more now than ever. So, the most important thing to keep in mind is to be patient, and study, to see which one is right for you. Feel free to contact us to get started on your new modular dream home today!

We like to offer a wide variety of floor plans for our customers and because of this our customers usually find the floor plan that directly matches their needs. Our floor plans range from tradition family style homes to even office buildings for your business. Some of our customers choose to customize floor plans and we are happy to work with you toward this end. We enjoy being a part of our customer's dream for a magnificently built modular home. If you select one of our standard modular home plans, it will save you time and simplify the home building decision process since the design, engineering, and pricing have already been done by us. If you're having trouble selecting a floor plan, then you’ve come to the right place.

If you don't find any suitable modular home floor plans amongst the sampling we have put on our web site, please don't hesitate to contact us and discuss what type of plan would better fit your needs. We will work with you on your custom design. If you already had an idea of what you wanted your dream home to look like, then we can sit down with you and discuss if it can be made modular. If your modular house floor plans cannot be built as a modular home, we will help you design one of our custom modular home plans offering similar features. We can get as close as possible for your dream home creation.

We work with all of its customers to ensure happiness and quality in its design. Contact us today to get started on your dream home.

Ever wonder how modular construction came about? Did you know that modular construction has been around for over a hundred years? Did you know that almost everyone has been inside of a modular home or modular general office building and never realized it? Modular homes design, from traditional colonial style to estate style homes are quite the extraordinary design. The history of modular homes is quite interesting as well as the evolution of modular homes keeps expanding because of new technology.

Modular buildings are pre-fabricated buildings taken to a new and larger scale. We avoid the term "pre-fabricated" because of the erroneous association that that term has with mobile home construction. The use of pre-fabrication goes back over a hundred years. It started gaining popularity early in the 20th century between 1910 to the mid-1940s. The end of World War II caused the modular market to truly explode and evolve. Returning soldiers came back to America looking to buy homes and start families. This drove a demand for homes greater than the marketplace could handle via the traditional building process. This led people to look for solutions to increase efficiency and lower the cost of new home construction. The modular building process answered both of these needs. There are still 1950-era modular homes in service today.

Over the past twenty years, the sophistication of modular home design greatly increased.  The leap in sophistication relates in part to the pioneering support of overhead cranes with the capacity to lift 100 tons or more. This allowed larger modules to be constructed and shipped cross-country. The only limitation in the size of each individual module is rode width and weight restrictions.  Today's modular buildings normally consist of 3-6 different modules.

Original Article - Modular Today

We know that modular homes are easier and built with better quality. But they can also be less expensive than their stick-built home counter parts. There are multiple reasons why building and maintaining a modular home is often less expensive than building and maintaining traditional stick-built homes. Here we would like to share with you three great tips as to why you could be having more money in your pocket and less time spent waiting.

1) Less Material Waste:  There is MUCH less material waste in modular construction. Not only that but left over pieces are used in the construction process. The large volume of stick-built construction waste is money down the drain.

2) Energy Efficiency:  The precision construction standards of modular homes translate directly to extreme energy efficiency. Working in a warehouse and putting together the home off site saves money on expenses, such as labor.

3) Much faster home move-in: You'll be in your new modular home months faster than a stick-built home. You therefore save months of household goods storage costs, alternative living expenses (rental home, apartments, etc), construction finance costs, and more.

Better quality homes, built faster, and for less money, the main reasons that Americans are increasingly turning to modular home construction. Read more reasons on our "Modular Benefits" page.