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Avalon Building Systems Blog


Empty Nesters Who Want To Downsize have Many Options

6 April 2011

Many empty nesters are contemplating downsizing their homes. Of all the numerous reasons for downsizing, the most common is that the children have moved out. Perhaps you are looking to stay in or near the same community you have grown to love over the years, or perhaps you want to relocate to Cape Cod. Building a modular home may be a great choice for you. We have many styles and floor plans that will fit your needs. Also, building a modular home is cost effective, efficient and downsizing can save you tax dollars.

A ranch style home, our favorite being the Deerfield, offers you the style you have grown accustomed to with a floor plan to match. With 1150 square feet, the Deerfield is a single story three bedroom and two bathroom house. The floor plan includes an open living, kitchen and dining area and is perfect for a narrow lot. It also has an option to add a front porch. With this ranch home you will still have the space you are used to and the room for visitors or grandchildren.
 
If it is the waterfront that draws you, we have vacation home floor plans to suit your needs as well. The Wellfleet is a single story floor plan, 1120 square feet, with two bedrooms and a bathroom. This floor plan also offers an easily accessible laundry area right off the kitchen. The open space of the kitchen, dining and living areas make this floor plan a great vacation home. You can enjoy your new home in class and style.
 
Then of course, we have the traditional cape style home. Two of our cape style floor plans, the Barnstable (650 sq ft) and the Beverly (1245 sq ft), both offer unfinished upstairs to be molded into a space of your choosing. Both styles offer all the charm of a cape style home.

Feel free to ask us about any of these style homes or any other styles that we offer. And remember, at Avalon Building Systems, we can create the home you are looking for within the price parameters you require.


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The Home Appraisal Process for Modular Homes

30 March 2011

In order to buy a new home, the home must be appraised so you can begin the process of getting a mortgage or loan. An appraisal of a modular home is the estimated amount a home buyer can expect to pay for their new home. When buying any piece of property, including modular homes you need a licensed professional appraiser. However, if the home is not yet built, how is it actually appraised?

The appraiser will inspect the modular home plans to have an idea of how much your new home should cost. Generally, they use information on labor rates, building costs, and depreciation and appreciation in the area where the property is being built. Also during the appraisal process, they will use sales comparisons, prices and values of compatible homes sold in the area, to determine the current modular home value.
 
Once a thorough analysis of the property has been completed, a report is created which is used to initiate the mortgage or loan process. Included in the report would be the property specifications, the replacement cost analysis and the comparative sales analysis.

The replacement cost analysis is total amount spent on the construction and the materials of the modular home, and the lot value. The comparative sales analysis, as mentioned, is the comparison of the actual property to other similar properties that have been sold in the same town or county.

These factors will determine the current total value of the property. The modular home appraisal will then be finalized so that the loan transaction can take place. The calculated total value of the modular home will help you determine future expenses such as utilities and real estate taxes.


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Avalon Building Systems Modular Homes Exceed Energy Star Ratings

23 March 2011

Modular “SIPs” or Structural Insulated Panels were first designed by Avalon Building Systems. These panels are used in their modular homes. SIPs are prefabricated insulated sides of the modules which make up the walls, ceilings, floors, and roofs. They provide more superior and uniform insulation than stud or "stick frame" construction, with energy savings of 12%–14%. Because of their insulating qualities, SIPs also make the home quieter. These modular homes easily exceed "Energy Star Standards" and are certified to meet LEEDS platinum standards for new residential construction. LEED certification is based on a point system in which a building can obtain a Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum level certification and is an internationally recognized certification system that measures how well a building performs in energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor air quality, and more.
 
Structural Insulated Panels are made in a factory and shipped to the manufacturing facilities. Manufacturers then connect them together to construct a house. When using SIPs, the speed of construction is much faster than stick built residential construction. Shells can be erected quickly, saving labor time and money, without compromising quality. These savings help compensate for the fact that SIPs usually cost more than other construction systems, but through the modular manufacturing process which is far more efficient than traditional construction, the overall costs are much lower, so the higher costs of SIPs are negated. 


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Modular Home Construction "Lessons-Learned" Eliminates The "We Wish We Would Have"

16 March 2011

One of the many ways we serve you is to share the multitude of consumer "lessons learned" that we've compiled over the years.  This blog post is a natural follow-on to the frequently asked questions that we have featured as a dedicated web page.  At Avalon Building Systems, one of our top objectives is to NEVER hear you utter the words "We wish we would have....". 

Whether you choose to build an economical Colonial Style modular home or a sprawling Ranch Style modular home, please consider the conclusions of those who have gone before you.  They will help you to never look back:

  • Build floor joists at 12-in. on center versus the stick-built standard 16-in. The stability of the floor and feeling of structural rigidity are a simple thing and overlooked by most people. The additional cost is fairly small, but well worth it!

  • Nine foot ceiling heights. The feeling of expansiveness is great and the additional cost is value based.

  • Comfort height commodes. Size does matter and a few inches in height contributes to your comfort greatly, hence the term comfort height.

  • Upgraded door hardware and solid core doors. Again hollow core doors work just as well, but can't compare in imparting a feeling of quality.

  • Using a quiet floor system and gluing the wood flooring in place wherever possible.

  • Staggered 42-in. kitchen cabinetry.

  • Utilize 18-in. floor tile if the space allows. Again it is a small thing, and more difficult to install, but it's something you see up close each and every day. So prioritize quality here.

  • Upgrade the windows as nothing cheapens a house as skimping with cheap windows.

  • 2-in. x 6-in. exterior framing. The energy savings created by the increased insulation cavity will pay for itself in no time.

  • Ample high hat recessed lighting. Again the showcase type effect is great and additional cost is minimal at construction.

  • Energy Star, Green or LEEDS Certification... the energy savings are truly amazing.

These are just a few tips on where to prioritize your new home budget. We will spend hours together with you on these and other subject when the time comes for your to build your dream home with us at Avalon Building Systems.


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Avalon Helps Home Owners Save Money With Quality Modular Homes

11 March 2011

How can you reduce the construction cost of your new house? There is an easy way to save up to 30% on the cost of construction...buy a custom modular home! Avalon's modular homes are factory-constructed which are then delivered and assembled at your home site. Once assembled, your new home looks like any other home in your neighborhood, however, it exceeds all other homes in the neighborhood in terms of quality, strength, and durability.

The homes are obviously not built with bricks and mortar which take lots of time and labor. The material for the homes consists primarily of wood, steel, vinyl and weatherboard. Factory owners buy the material from their original manufacturers and suppliers at wholesale rates which are heavily discounted. We cut and mold the components and modules as per pre-set designs which reduces large amounts of waste that occurs at the individual home builder's sites. And left over material is never wasted; we use all of our material and help protect the planet by constructing homes this way. The factories transfer these savings to their customers to attract buyers in a competitive market. The savings to a buyer of a factory built home can be as large as 30% which bring your home within much easier reach.

The home is then be transported to site on one or more trucks. The end result is a quality home, built in less time and for less money! Contact us to learn more about our modular homes and how you can get started on your dream home today.

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Choose Your Modular Home Builder Carefully

8 March 2011

Avalon Building Systems has been in the modular home building industry for many years.  We continue to provide unmatched service to our customers while many of our competitors are barely surviving or have closed.  

You should always be mindful of who are working with when it comes to building a home.  A strong reputation based on customer satisfcation and quality service is a mustDid you know that many "modular home"companies in  business are not even builders but marketing companies who have no experience or knowledge of design and construction?  We are experts in the design and construction of modular homes and have many, many years of experience in both areas.

Equally important is the fact that we are truly thankful for our customers.  We take tremendous pride in delivering a high quality product and service that exceeds expectations and is unmatched by the competition.  It is these two main elements that have enabled us to always remain successful even in difficult economic conditions.  Please be careful who you choose your home builder.  This decision alone can either make your dreams come true or trun inot a nightmare.

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Avalon Provides Simple Floor Plans and Custom Ones As Well

3 March 2011

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. 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. We would like to share with you some insider tips to select a floor plan that is right for you.

When looking through our selection of modular home plans, do not be misled by the pairing of modular home floor plans and exterior drawings into thinking that you cannot make adjustments.  In fact, each of our floor plans for modular homes can have a multitude of exterior looks, and each exterior look can be applied to many different modular house floor plans. All of our standard modular home plans typically include a floor plan and an exterior elevation. The modular floor plans show the location and size of each room, while the elevations provide an idea of what the finished house will look like on the outside.  You can adjust the slope of the roof, add dormers and decorative gables, and opt for over-sized roof overhangs if you choose, regardless of what you see in the drawing. There are a multitude of additional items you can add to your modular home.

Avalon works with all of its customers to ensure happiness and quality in its design. Remember, we won’t be offended if you are not interested in our floor plans, we will work with you to design your home. Contact us today to get started on your dream home.

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Modular Homes Are the Green Choice for Building Construction

24 February 2011

Green building, or construction that is environmentally responsible, is becoming increasingly popular as more and more people have become conscious of the impact that construction has on the environment, both while the structure is being built, and for years afterward. Homeowners who wish to build a green home are to be commended for making the commitment to construction that works in harmony with the environment. However, for those in rural areas or smaller markets, finding both the materials to build a green home, and contractors who are familiar with green building techniques can be a challenge.

Modular homes
can be an excellent solution for homeowners who find it difficult to build green with local materials and builders. Not only are modular homes as attractive both in appearance and in financial terms as traditionally-built homes, but they offer just as many customization options; everything from the floor plan to the green building plan can be chosen specifically by the homeowner.

Unlike traditionally-built homes, modular homes are by design an environmentally conscious choice. From the ground up, a modular home’s impact on the environment is smaller than that of a traditional home. The home site isn’t the only aspect of the modular home that ups its green factor. The construction process of a modular home is much less wasteful – and has a smaller environmental impact – than that of a traditionally-built home. Be sure to contact us today to learn more about modular homes and our green efforts in building safer and more eco-friendly homes.


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Now it is the Best Time to Start Thinking Modular

17 February 2011

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.

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Modular Office Buildings Can Save You Time and Money

10 February 2011

In today's time, making the decision to open up a new business or even facing the need to build additions to existing location in order to meet the growing demands of a company's increase in productivity can cause tremendous concern for most any company's finances. It is also a business decision that numerous companies must make every single day. Thanks to the turn-key solutions provided with the construction of modular office buildings, company owners have the ability to save a large amount of money and time that it would otherwise take for more conventional modes of construction.

To list just a few of the reasons why modular office buildings are such a cost-effective solution for a wide variety of businesses such as health-care facilities, educational classrooms, commercial and governmental offices include the following:

  • The amount of both money and time that is required for construction can literally be completed in half the amount of time and cost that that it takes for traditional methods. Not only does this mean less money required for the overall construction, but it also means less down-time in the production of a company's services or products.
  • Maintenance requirements are very minimal. Over time and with exposure to elements of the weather, you can almost guarantee that offices built using other construction modes will begin needing different types of maintenance requirements that can be extremely costly and time consuming. A large portion of future maintenance requirements are eliminated with prefab buildings, which is another benefit that can save money and time when a businesses uses modular office buildings.
  • The relocation of a company is never a worry with prefab buildings. It is often much easier just to completely rebuild a business instead of trying to move it when business owners would like to move to a different area or location. Relocation is an easy achievement when modular office buildings are used.
  • More can be achieved using less space. While a company can save large amounts of money and time using modular office buildings, they can also save on construction space requirements. With unique design plans, the area for production can be obtained using a lot less space with prefab buildings than what is required from conventional methods to obtain the same amount of production area.
No matter how you look at it, the bottom line is that business owners that use modular office buildings for new construction, additions and relocation requirements, are making a sound financial move that will save money and time for their business. Contact us today to learn more about our modular office buildings and be sure to check out our floor plans as well.


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