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England Considers Major Modular Home Build – Could the U.S. Follow?
Interesting news from across the pond: a proposal to build 75,000 modular homes in Britain by 2030.
The purpose is two-fold: first, to create 50,000 jobs – something that is especially welcome given how many people have been rendered unemployed by COVID-19. Housing, a study reported, can be at the heart of the country’s economic revival.
The second, and arguably more important objective is to increase the supply of quality housing at a cost that would be more affordable to first-time homebuyers, and those wishing to move.
Could it Happen Here?
It’s an interesting question, and it’s too early to tell how an incoming administration will view issues related to manufactured and modular homes.
But certainly some government involvement would be essential to an undertaking of this scale, whether it’s land acquisition for new homes or investment and incentives offered to the companies that would build them.
The British program, if ratified, also calls for an effort to “promote recognition of the delivery and quality benefits of modular to planning authorities,” and by extension to the general public.
This, too, might be needed here, as many Americans may not know what is meant by a “modular” home. Here’s a quick refresher.
Modular homes were given that designation because they are put together differently than a traditional site-built dwelling. They are comprised of components, or modular units, that are assembled in a factory and then transported by truck to the site where they will stand. Once the components arrive they can be assembled in just a few days.
If it’s built from components, does that place any limitations on size or layout? Not as many as you might think. There are modular homes of more than 4,000 square feet, one and two story models, and some flexibility is available in floor plans for those who wish to customize the model to fit their needs.
Construction methods are sound and responsible, and frames are reinforced for strength and stability. Power and water and gas work the same as they would in any home. Plus the building process is less wasteful and more eco-friendly. Before you even move in, you’ve lowered your carbon footprint.
Best of all, modular homes cost as much as 10-25% less than the price of a comparably sized house built the old-fashioned way. That means tens of thousands of dollars in savings.
Whether or not modular housing gets a boost from a government program, there is nothing stopping you from taking advantages of the price and quality benefits of a modular home right now.
Talk to a Ma Williams representative today
