- An estimated 15-20% more framing material goes into a modular building as compared to a similar site-built home. Because our homes are designed to withstand transportation to building sites, our framing methods exceed the requirements of the Universal Building Code (UBC) and International Building Code (IBC).
- Modular homes are considered one of the sturdiest and most resilient types of residential construction, with many cases of them surviving extreme weather such as hurricanes and tornadoes. In fact, FEMA concluded in a study on damage by Hurricane Andrew in Florida (Aug. 2012) that modular homes fared better compared to other construction.
- A climate-controlled and secure environment protects building materials from costly damage. A common problem with site-built homes is that mold can be found in the walls and floors. Mold can form when the lumber is transported to the building site and sits outside, collecting condensation. Stratford uses kiln-dried lumber that starts dry in the plant and stays dry throughout the entire construction process.
- Modular home construction cuts waste production in half and uses materials more efficiently. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported that a typical 2,000 sq. ft. home generates 8,000 pounds of waste. Their study concluded four pounds of waste on average was created per sq. ft. for a typical site-built home, but modular construction produced only half of that amount during the construction process. A factory can more easily store and recycle materials instead of throwing them away.
- History Fun Fact: Prefab construction techniques go back over 100 years. One of the earliest prefab homes was a mail-order pre-built kit from Sears and Roebuck Co. They were similar to panelized homes but had to be assembled by the buyer. They were advertised as "Modern Homes" with 400 designs to choose from. The materials were delivered in two railroad boxcars with a detailed instruction manual.
Modular home construction definitely has come a long way since then! At Stratford, we make your custom home a complete turnkey experience – using superior construction methods that results in a home that's made to last.
