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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 homesRural 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-KrafMod-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 TrussTimber 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 HopeNew 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 11th House Program, which provides that for every 10 houses a non-profit organization purchases over a 36 month period, an 11th 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 11th 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. |
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