Modular Design

Modular Design & Engineering

Modular homes are built at a factory and moved to the building site piece-by-piece. Modular homes are designed as a conventional home but created so they can be sliced into components for ease of transport and construction, which reduces waste and minimizes costs. At PSE Consulting Engineers, we have years of experience with sustainable building projects, many of which are featured in our blog. If you’re looking to build a modular or prefab home, design can be a powerful tool and such is the case in the new movement of modernist modular houses. The new modulars can be efficient and affordably designed with the intention of being green and sustainable. Modular design is also open to a variety of styles, from ultra-modern to mountain cabin and the adaptability for a modular to be eco-friendly stems partially from the very nature of its climate-controlled manufacturing. Coffee shops are also another popular use for this building style.

Architectural design for the home above was provided by DIGZPrefab by NYUDesigns.

Why Build Modular?

There are several reasons why modular homes and modular buildings have become so popular for new and seasoned homeowners across the country.

Many believe that lower cost is the main reason to build modular, but surprisingly, lower costs are only a secondary consideration. Modular homes take a shorter time for construction compared with site-built homes. This is due to the fact that while the modular home is being built in the factory, another crew is building the foundation at the same time. While it takes a year or more to build a site-built home, it takes from three to eight months to build a modular home. This depends on the complexity of the modular building. Modular home construction is not delayed by rain, snow or extreme cold or hot weather. Also, modular homes are excellent choices for areas of short construction seasons such as wet climate locations.

Read on to discover why PSE Consulting Engineers, LLC can guide you to a modular home that will fulfill all of your needs!

Modular Taco Bell engineered by PSE in Shelby Township, Michigan

History of Modular Homes

For almost a century, European and American architects, engineers and builders have dreamed of the factory-made house that is made and marketed like a motor car. As we entered the twentieth century, the growing hard-working middle class had simple needs, and common dreams of a practical and affordable home. The bungalow became the new American housing icon. With the simplification of the home design came the catalog house, or the mail-order kits. In 1910 Aladdin Homes of Bay City, Michigan, took the concept to a whole new level that was followed by Sears and Roebuck. All prefab and modular home manufactures agreed that labor-saving, machine construction, standardization of lumber size and length, bulk purchasing, and quantity production of mill-work make housing affordable for the masses. Generally, the cost of modular homes per square foot is less expensive than on-site construction by 10% to 20% on average.

The modular hosing and the prefab industry have been experiencing phenomenal growth in recent years. Ten years ago, modular and prefab homes were only about 7 % of the total residential market. Today, modular and prefab homes are 36% of the market. The modular home industry is the fastest growing sector in the residential market today. Get started on designing your new modular home today.

Do Modular Homes Increase or Decrease in Value by Time Passing?

Since modular homes are designed and built according to the local building code, such as the International Residential Code, IRC, (It is an American Code), modular homes have the same appraisal value as site built homes. If the real estate market goes up for site-built homes, it also goes up at the same rate for modular homes.

Tour a Modular Home Factory

If you’re on the fence of choosing a modular home, it is a great idea to take a tour of a modular factory, or visit a show room or home show where several modular homes are displayed.

Unlike site-built homes, which begin with exterior framing and roofing, modular homes are built from high-quality materials framework. Because of the need to protect against damage during transportation, additional 25% of framing materials is used. This is in addition to many hardware like steel straps and connectors such as Simpson connectors

Modular construction starts with the floor framing, and continues with the wall framing, electrical and plumbing and then insulation. Windows and doors come next. Some manufacturers have their homes completely finished from the inside and the outside, while others have finished from the inside only. Both will have the fixtures and cabins installed. To find the closest modular factory to you, give us a call today.

Our Top 5 Reasons to Choose a Modular Home or Building:

Modular homes are built from the best quality lumber, and are protected in the factory controlled environment. In contrast, on-site houses are typically built from average quality lumber and are open to rain and/or snow during construction. This can cause wood to warp or swell, leading to a lifetime of structural and mold problems.
Modular manufacturers offer skilled craftsmen steady employment and benefits, resulting in a consistent skilled labor force. You will have no worries about delays relating to inexperienced or tardy labors as your home is nestled within the factory confines.
With additional insulation and precision craftsmanship, modular homes and commercial modular buildings are significantly more energy efficient. Your utility bills will be far less expensive and save you more money throughout the life of your modular home.
Factory inspections cover every construction detail of modular homes, which are built to the strictest codes (International Building code, IBC and the International Residential Code, IRC)
Faster use. You can choose a brand new inventory of modular homes that is already built and move it on to your land in a matter of weeks. Enjoy your new home sooner rather than later!

More Benefits for Modular Home Owners

Faster Loan approvals, especially for modular homes
Less costly design and engineering needed for modular homes.
Guaranteed price for modular homes.
A better return on investment when using modular homes

More benefits For Contractors/ Investors

It is easier to manage modular home construction with less trade involved.
Less weather damage as most of the construction is already completed by the modular manufacturer.
Less danger of construction fires with modular construction since most of the sheet-rock is already installed.
Less costly job-site payrolls as the majority of it is already paid by the modular manufacturer who pays a lower rate than a site-built manufacturer.
Less costly worker’s compensation insurance.
Less costly job site inspection as most of it is already done in the modular manufacturer facilities.
Less costly punch-list procedures.
Faster use, faster income for modular homes.