On the third day of my exploration through New England, I was privileged to visit two remarkable places that epitomize innovation and craftsmanship: a modular home factory and the Yestermorrow Design/Build School in Vermont. This visit offered a glimpse into the world of efficient home manufacturing and highlighted the passion for design and construction education. A Return Visit to a Leading Modular Home Factory My first destination of the day was a modular home factory I had previously visited five years ago. During that initial visit, the owner was away, and while I observed a smoothly runn ..read more

In the heart of New England, the housing market is bustling with a blend of modular and manufactured homes. Over the past two days, I’ve embarked on a fascinating journey, today visiting builders and dealers, to understand their expectations and experiences within the offsite housing industry. My tour revealed a mix of product offerings. One builder specialized in modular and panelized homes but steered clear of HUD code-manufactured products. In contrast, the others provided a mix of both modular and manufactured homes, with each leaning more heavily towards one type. Despite their different ..read more

As I embark on my road trip through the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions, I am set to explore the thriving world of modular construction. This journey will take me to several modular builders, factories, and vocational schools that are shaping the future of offsite building. My first stop was an insightful visit with the president of one of the largest modular factories on the East Coast. The conversation we had was both enlightening and full of revelations about the state and potential of modular housing. The Need for Standardization in Modular Building Codes One of the first topics we de ..read more

The financial well-being of a modular manufacturing plant is pivotal. It affects not just the company itself but also the suppliers, customers, and investors tied to it. Recognizing the early signs of cash flow difficulties is crucial for stakeholders to mitigate risks and make informed decisions. Here are my ten potential red flags indicating that a modular home factory could be facing financial difficulties. . Delayed Payments to Suppliers Consistent delays in payments to suppliers are often among the first signs of financial trouble. This tactic may be used to manage cash by holding onto f ..read more

A promising strategy is emerging in the quest for affordable housing solutions in America’s small towns: “ADU Build to Rent” communities. These developments focus on creating Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)—independent, smaller living spaces on the same property as a main residence, often referred to as granny flats, in-law units, or backyard cottages. Designed specifically for rental purposes, ADUs offer a slew of advantages that could significantly ease housing shortages in less urbanized areas. photo – Design Coalition One of the most appealing aspects of ADUs is their ability to boost loc ..read more

In an ambitious move to address Western Australia’s housing shortage, Evoke Living Homes has inaugurated a state-of-the-art modular and prefabricated homes factory in Northam. This strategic location in the Wheatbelt region, situated approximately 97 kilometers east-northeast of Perth in the picturesque Avon Valley, positions the factory to efficiently serve a significant geographic area. . The opening of this facility comes at a crucial time as Western Australia grapples with a daunting housing target shortfall. Amidst rising demand for housing, the state government has identified modular ho ..read more

Switching from traditional home building to modular construction can offer numerous benefits.  . Here are my 100 reasons why a traditional home builder might consider making the transition to modular construction methods: Faster Construction Time: Modular homes are generally completed in about half the time of traditional builds. Cost-Efficiency: Reduced labor and time mean lower overall building costs. Quality Control: Factory setting allows for better quality management. Less Waste: More efficient material usage and recycling opportunities. Predictability: Easier project timing and sc ..read more

When it comes to selling a modular home factory, particularly when the premises and equipment are leased rather than owned, accurately pricing the business becomes a sophisticated endeavor. Effective valuation hinges on a deep understanding of the factory’s financial performance, historical operations, and its positioning within the market. . This comprehensive guide offers insights into various scenarios that might affect the valuation of such a factory, discussing the appropriate strategies and considerations for each. Scenario 1: A Profitable, Established Factory Valuation of a Thriving Bu ..read more

In offsite and modular construction, the demand for expertise is surging. As companies strive to innovate and streamline their operations, the allure of bringing in outside consultants to guide complex projects and operational challenges becomes increasingly attractive. However, this trend has also paved the way for many “new to modular” consultants whose lack of genuine industry experience can, unfortunately, hinder rather than help.  . Here’s a look at how these consultants might be failing the industry and how your offsite construction company can identify true experts who can contrib ..read more

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in career preferences among Generation Z, those born from the late 1990s through the early 2010s. This demographic is increasingly gravitating towards skilled labor jobs, such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and HVAC technicians. This trend marks a significant departure from the Millennial generation’s strong focus on college education and white-collar careers. Several factors are influencing this shift, from economic considerations to changing societal values and personal job satisfaction. . Economic Incentives and Job Security One of ..read more