The fantastic climbing towers and curling spires of modern skyscrapers only become possible when innovative construction methods are used. Although these buildings seem to have little in common with modest single-family dwellings, both rely increasingly on computer-designed and factory-made modular sections. While the scale is obviously smaller, manufactured homes helped pioneer these practices.
Any discussion of factory-made housing usually begins with a disclaimer. Sales personnel stress that prefab dwellings today are simply not in the same league as the much-maligned and mocked double-wide trailer, even though past criticisms were based on valid issues. The metal structure of a unit designed to occupy a single traffic lane offers little protection when the weather gets really bad, and many safety concerns are real.
As unlovely as those rectangular boxes may be, they still share an ancestral bond with the latest incarnations of factory-built housing. Both structures are born in a manufacturing plant, rather than being nailed together on site. The main difference is that truly mobile units are fully completed inside the factory, then anchored to a plot or space. This eliminates the necessity of construction inspectors, among other costs.
A traditional mobile home can be as much as three units wide, but cannot be stacked. Like an evolutionary missing link, many still have actual wheels that can be re-attached when it is time to move. Unlike stationary residences, these structures tend to depreciate over time, and are not easy to customize unless the buyer is willing to spend extra money in the beginning, negating any lower price advantage.
Compared to its stodgier relatives, truly modular construction is the hipster of the family. This construction method takes completed but separate components and puts them together on location. There is no extra-wide tow truck necessary to bring the unit home, and parts can be aesthetically arranged to create a multiple-story home that can be as visually interesting as any suburban house.
These structures are generally more stable than their movable relatives. Unlike units in many mobile park spaces, modular houses are built with foundations that must conform to the same building standards as traditionally built units. The individual parts must also be strong enough to be transported without damage, and finished products boast storm-resistant qualities on a par with any type of construction.
Although none of these buildings will ever really be able to compete with ostentatious suburban status-symbol mansions, they feature other attractive advantages. Energy efficiency is built into the modular fittings, and the section tolerances are often superior. These buildings are able to survive damage from severe hurricanes or tornado-strength winds, and their foundations provide better support during an earthquake.
As housing costs skyrocket, these types of structures are a less-expensive option. While a modular home cannot be moved in the same fashion as a factory-made mobile home, they are now considered to be as safe and sturdy as most comparable buildings. In areas where land is still available and relatively inexpensive, they are an increasingly sensible choice for many people.
Any discussion of factory-made housing usually begins with a disclaimer. Sales personnel stress that prefab dwellings today are simply not in the same league as the much-maligned and mocked double-wide trailer, even though past criticisms were based on valid issues. The metal structure of a unit designed to occupy a single traffic lane offers little protection when the weather gets really bad, and many safety concerns are real.
As unlovely as those rectangular boxes may be, they still share an ancestral bond with the latest incarnations of factory-built housing. Both structures are born in a manufacturing plant, rather than being nailed together on site. The main difference is that truly mobile units are fully completed inside the factory, then anchored to a plot or space. This eliminates the necessity of construction inspectors, among other costs.
A traditional mobile home can be as much as three units wide, but cannot be stacked. Like an evolutionary missing link, many still have actual wheels that can be re-attached when it is time to move. Unlike stationary residences, these structures tend to depreciate over time, and are not easy to customize unless the buyer is willing to spend extra money in the beginning, negating any lower price advantage.
Compared to its stodgier relatives, truly modular construction is the hipster of the family. This construction method takes completed but separate components and puts them together on location. There is no extra-wide tow truck necessary to bring the unit home, and parts can be aesthetically arranged to create a multiple-story home that can be as visually interesting as any suburban house.
These structures are generally more stable than their movable relatives. Unlike units in many mobile park spaces, modular houses are built with foundations that must conform to the same building standards as traditionally built units. The individual parts must also be strong enough to be transported without damage, and finished products boast storm-resistant qualities on a par with any type of construction.
Although none of these buildings will ever really be able to compete with ostentatious suburban status-symbol mansions, they feature other attractive advantages. Energy efficiency is built into the modular fittings, and the section tolerances are often superior. These buildings are able to survive damage from severe hurricanes or tornado-strength winds, and their foundations provide better support during an earthquake.
As housing costs skyrocket, these types of structures are a less-expensive option. While a modular home cannot be moved in the same fashion as a factory-made mobile home, they are now considered to be as safe and sturdy as most comparable buildings. In areas where land is still available and relatively inexpensive, they are an increasingly sensible choice for many people.
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