What is a modular home?

A modular home is a house manufactured in a remote facility and  then delivered to its intended site of use. Modular homes are often  times better than traditional structures because of stronger  structural integrity and shorter construction time. They may be  particularly advantageous to certain affiliates that have secured  funds and land to build, but lack a steady stream of volunteers.  Many corporations are willing to sell to Habitat affiliates at  reduced prices, making modular homes a cost effective option.

Affiliates that could benefit from modular homes

Rural affiliates that lack full-time staff and a steady stream of  volunteers stand to benefit the most from modular homes. The number  of affiliates utilizing modular, however, has remained stagnant.  This can be attributed in large part to a perception among some that  building modular will hurt volunteer recruiting efforts or take away  from the theology of the hammer. Almost any affiliate that has ever  built a home using a pre-fabricated house package will vigorously  argue to the contrary. Read a testimonial of one Virginia affiliate  that built a home this fall using a pre-fabricated home package to  see what building a modular home is really like.

Modular home manufacturers:

Mod-U-Kraf

Mod-U-Kraf Homes is a  manufacturer of systems-built homes located in Rocky Mount,  Virginia, 20 miles South of Roanoke. It is owned by Coachmen  Industries, a corporation listed on the New York Stock Exchange (COA).

Mod-U-Kraf homes are built with a strong emphasis on structural  integrity. All structural components are 'glued and screwed" to  ensure strength and durability. Furthermore, the entire  manufacturing process takes place indoors, eliminating problems  caused by moisture. As a result, Mod-U-Kraf homes are stronger and  tighter than stick-built homes. They are also willing to build  homes to EarthCraft standards, and provide a wide array of homes  that accommodate the disabled.

We recommend Mod-U-Kraf to Habitat affiliates that have the money  and land to build, but lack volunteers. They provide a superior,  affordable product, and the majority of work is already done. The  home's insulation, drywall, paint, windows, doors, cabinets, counter  tops, wiring, and plumbing are all installed in the factory. Such a  product is perfect for affiliates with a small number of volunteers,  or affiliates that are looking to build a large number of homes over  a short time span; however, this type of product may be less than  ideal for affiliates that have eager volunteers, as Mod-U-Kraf  provides a complete package that greatly minimizes on-site work.

To learn more about Mod-U-Kraf, please contact Thomas Searson,  Regional Representative, at 804-795-2179. Habitat affiliates  that have used Mod-U-Kraf include Habitat for Humanity of Franklin  County and Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity.

Timber Truss

Timber Truss Housing Systems  is a manufacturer of custom trusses and home packages, as well as a  supplier of building products such as cabinets, doors, and windows.  The company has been family owned since 1960 and their two plants in  Orange and Roanoke, Virginia service the entire state.

Timber Truss trusses and panels are built utilizing the latest  computer technology in automated production, thereby reducing waste  and cost. Assembly takes place indoors to guard against moisture  damage. This produces trusses and panels that are stronger and more  environmental than ones produced on site.

We recommend Timber Truss to Habitat affiliates that have a large  number of eager of volunteers. Like Mod-U-Kraf, Timber Truss provides a  superior and affordable product, however the two companies differ in  that Timber Truss can provide packages that involve a significant  amount of on-site construction. On-site construction is important  to affiliates that have eager volunteers, as volunteers like to  swing hammers and see the results of their work. Furthermore, Timber Truss does not  require that products be delivered all at once, so affiliates can  have floor trusses delivered one week and roof trusses another.

To learn more about Timber Truss, please contact Gary Saunders,  President, at 540-387-0273 ext. 304. Habitat affiliates that  have used Timber Truss before include Bedford Habitat for Humanity  and Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley.

New Hope

New Hope Construction is a non-profit organization that builds  pre-framed housing packages for churches and other non-profits that  provide affordable housing. Located in Hendersonville, Tennessee,  New Hope was started in 1996 by a Habitat board member intent on  lowering the cost of residential construction for low-income  families.  

New Hope specializes in building affordable,  Habitat-style homes. They deal with Habitat affiliates throughout  the region on a daily basis and are a corporate sponsor of Habitat  for Humanity International. One of the advantages of using New Hope  is that buying from them supports a non-profit organization with a  mission that mirrors that of Habitat. Another advantage is their 11^th  House Program, which provides that for every 10 houses a non-profit  organization purchases over a 36 month period, an 11^th is  provided at no cost.  

We recommend New Hope Construction to Habitat affiliates that  have a large number of eager volunteers. As is the case with Timber  Truss, New Hope homes require a large amount of on-site  construction. Furthermore, New Hope is great for affiliates that  want to build a large number of homes over the course of three  years, as their 11^th House Program is a very attractive  option.

To learn more about New Hope Construction, please contact Colleen Dudley,  Director of Development, at 1-866-396-4673 ext. 27. Habitat  affiliates that have used New Hope before include Bedford Habitat  for Humanity.