While the image many people have of modular homes are double wides and trailer parks, the centralized construction offers some unique advantages. By taking these benefits (namely waste reduction and efficiency gains), systems-built homes are moving pre-fabricated homes into the forefront of the second green revolution. As a result of their centralized production, all materials can be reused or conserved on a project, eliminating waste and unnecessary expenses. According to Louisiana System Built Homes Inc, “Site-built homes and systems-built homes generally appreciate in value over time.” Time magazine included pre-manufactured homes on their list of the Top 100 Green Products, written about earlier this year on 2nd Green Revolution.

Systems-built homes bring economies of scale to projects and reduce delays caused by weather. When manufacturing buildings indoors, weather no longer becomes an issue with regards to warping of materials. In addition, the theft of valuable materials can be reduced by building materials at a secure location.

According to this informational website from two Denver-based Realtors, these construction methods result in 50 to 75 percent less waste than traditional home building methods. Furthermore, they claim that this process results in “tighter, better performing home[s]“, which require less energy to heat and cool. A guest post from earlier this year focused on the importance of “tightening up the home.” Here is a virtual tour of a systems-built home. While there is a definite geometric confinement in the structure shown in the tour (and the above image), the savings inherent in systems-built homes allows for advancements that cannot be as easily achieved when building on site.

Advances in construction will play a key role as buildings become more efficient and use materials that ensure healthy ambient environments. As seen recently in a series of stories on 2nd Green Revolution dealing with toxic drywall, materials used in construction must be devoid of toxins to ensure good internal air quality. In the case of the toxic drywall, a post-Katrina building boom led to importing substandard drywall. By constructing in a single location, materials are conserved, which allows for the use of quality products that will not have a detrimental impact on residents’ health. Conservation enables cost savings and reusing various parts that might be scrapped if a home is built on site.

- Eric Wilson

[image source: Kentwood Real Estate]