US MODULAR OFFERS UNIQUE HOME

This USModular, Inc. project is an excellent example of the versatility and flexibility of modular design. The general perception is that the only advantage to modular construction is in repetition. But here, bold sweeping design elements prove that the possibilities are virtually limitless.

Drawing on the homeowner’s background of working on exotic cars, the sweeping lines of this home mimic design elements of Ferrari sports cars from the 1950’s, considered by many as the golden age of sports cars. Trespa panels are shaped to evoke images of the vent panel on a ’56 Ferrari 410 Superamerica. The unique zinc ‘clouds’ floating over the garages and onto the home add the curves, shape, and color of the ’57 Ferrari Testa Rossa test car. The architect was able to incorporate every feature he had in mind without being concerned about the style of construction. This modular design blends the style and movement of a sports car with the functionality of a home.

Modular construction is so much more than just the convenience of building in a controlled environment, isolated from the delays and associated problems imposed by the weather. It is also the ability to limit heavy site activity to a much shorter period of time, an advantage appreciated by not only the homeowner but by the entire neighborhood. The various parts of the design, here represented by not only the modules themselves, but by some of the design elements like the ‘clouds’, are being assembled at the same time that the foundation is being built. The neighbors go to work one morning and see a bare foundation. That afternoon, the house has magically appeared. A project that would normally take 18 to 24 months is completed in half the time, or, in many cases even quicker.

Both the Architect and homeowner have had issues in the past with site built construction. Out of control schedules, consistency of workmanship, and material theft affected the timeline and the finished product. These issues virtually disappear with modular construction. The day the home is erected, it is able to be closed and locked up. Factory assembly is by its very nature schedule driven. Quality control is monitored constantly.

USModular, Inc. is excited by this unique home and prospects of other unique projects that reflect the personality and history of the homeowner. We congratulate Architect Brad McDonald at Reveal Studio, Inc., on his inspired design and his willingness to be a part of what USModular, Inc. considers the natural next step in construction.

APEX HOMES FILES CHAPTER 11

Apex Homes in Middleburg, PA filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy on January 31, 2012. No further information is available at this time but we will keep you informed as things develop.

Apex Homes factory near Middleburg, PA

WESTCHESTER HOMES FEATURED IN CNBC ARTICLE

In a great article about "Kit Homes", CNBC featured Westchester Homes as one of the best modular home companies in the East. The only thing that I did find a little off was that the reporter called these "kit" homes. I guess we now have another term for modular housing.

From CNBC:

Assembly is Required for These Kit Homes

Despite seemingly endless interest in decorating, landscaping, buying, staging and selling houses, actually building a house is a mysterious process that is mostly left to professionals. But for some homeowners, buying and in some cases assembling, a prefabricated home holds appeal.

A kit home can streamline the process of custom-building a house. While the prices aren’t bargain-basement, kit homes can cost less. Keep in mind that these homes cost more to build than just the sticker price on the kit. Buyers might have to pony up for windows, cabinets, fixtures, contractors, subcontractors and other features and services, in addition to purchasing the land where the house is located. The total cost to build the house, minus cost of land is called the turnkey price.

Colonial 1 by Westchester Modular
Kit cost: $70- $100 per square foot
Turnkey cost: $110 - $185 per square foot
Bedrooms: varies
Bathrooms: varies
Square Footage: varies

The New York-based builder Westchester Modular offers custom homes in colonial, ranch, cape, and other designs. They look like familiar and traditional house styles but are modular, meaning they are built in cubes and pieces in a factory, on assembly lines. The manufacturer includes all the drywall, electric, plumbing, cabinets, sinks, and fixtures. Then the house is delivered to the job site, where it is set in place by a crane on a foundation. Later, a contractor connects it and does all the site work, including driveway and landscaping.

John Colucci, vice president of sales and marketing, says it’s a misconception that modular homes are of lesser quality than conventionally built homes, citing materials he uses like Andersen windows and all-plywood construction. “It can save a customer money because of our purchasing power. I’m building three houses here a week, so I don’t go through middlemen.” There’s also the time advantage gained when an entire home can be built in 45 days.

CLICK HERE to read the entire article.

OREGON REVOKES LICENSE OF FUQUA HOMES

Oregon State regulators have revoked licenses to sell and produce manufactured homes from Fuqua Homes Inc. and imposed a $155,000 civil fine, saying the company, which operated a factory and dealership in Bend, took deposits but failed to deliver some homes, according to an order released Thursday.

The Fuqua website has been removed from the Internet!

The order from the Department of Consumer and Business Services' Division of Finance and Corporate Securities states that the Texas-based company took 26 deposits totaling more than $500,000 for manufactured homes that were not built and did not give refunds.

The division's acting director also ordered that Fuqua's president, Phillip R. Daniels, be disqualified from being licensed as a manufactured-structure dealer or from working for such a company for five years.

Phillip R. Daniels, President of Fuqua Homes

Neither Daniels nor an attorney representing him responded to requests for comment.

In August, Daniels told a state employee that a flooring supplier had sued Fuqua and that all inventory at Fuqua's Eugene and Coburg dealerships had been seized, according to the order, which states Fuqua has 60 days to appeal to the state Court of Appeals.

The enforcement action represents only some of the complaints against Fuqua. The state Department of Justice received complaints from 15 people about Fuqua giving nothing for payments on homes or ignoring home defects. The complaints come from three states and one Canadian province.

At least four lawsuits are pending against Fuqua, three in Deschutes County and one in Lane County circuit courts.

One open lawsuit in Deschutes County Circuit Court against Fuqua seeks to make the company return about $29,000 to a couple in Christmas Valley who paid the money for a modular home.

CLICK HERE to read more

PROBUILT GEARS UP FOR A GREAT 2012

Probuilt Homes, Mifflintown, PA, is getting ready for housing to make a comeback. They are opening another office, this time in Selinsgrove, PA. The satellite office will be staffed and ready to serve builders and retail customers throughout the Mid-Atlantic area.

2011 Solar Decathlon winner built by Probuilt Homes

This year, a home designed by The University of Maryland and built by Probuilt Homes in their PA factory won the 2011 Solar Decathlon in Washington, DC. Just more proof that modular housing is the best way to build.