Modular Homes go up in New York

After the recent storms, there are plenty of vacant blocks in New York. But in a matter of weeks, these blocks will be full of new homes. It is not a magic trick, but it is modular construction.

Modular homes are built piecemeal on a factory assembly line, trucked to the construction site and erected much the way Legos are, modular construction is gaining popularity across New York. Modular construction is not new. But it’s perception is changing. The city does not track modular data, but at least anecdotally, more developers and architects are embracing its ethos.

There has been a sea change in the thoughts about modular construction, and now there is much less of a distinction over whether a building has been assembled off-site or on-site.

Modular homes can be custom designed with all kinds of amenities and floor plan styles, and the facades of modular homes can be anything from red brick to wood siding.

While the modules are being manufactured, the foundation is built on-site. The modules are then shipped to the building site, placed on the foundation and secured. The plumbing and electrical is hooked up, the home is sided, and you are ready to move in. The modular building process takes a matter of weeks rather than months.

Using modular construction rather than traditional methods saves a new homebuyer anywhere from 10%-30% depending on the design and amenities.

Also, because construction takes place indoors, there are no delays or damages to the material from inclement weather.

For information on modular homes, contact Avalon Building Systems.

Excerpts – NewYorkTimes.com