Modular Homes - Going Green

Modular Homes
Going GREEN Has Never Been Easier
By Jeff Stevenson
August 12 2008
Why build modular? "There has been a tremendous rise in consumer interest in modular homes because they are generally less expensive and more environmentally friendly than stick-built homes.
“The days are long gone when just calling yourself a modular home or system built company is considered environmentally progressive. Modular homes are now being made from materials like reused shipping containers, recycled steel, recycled plastic and certified sustainably-harvested wood. The new challenge for the modular housing industry is balancing the economics of innovative sustainable design with the realities of construction costs”, Eaton says.
Randall Eaton is a modular home expert and well known author. Mr. Eaton owns a company called Modular Homes Network, which publishes a consumer guide called, “The Complete Guide To Modular Housing” at http://www.modularhomesnetwork.com.
Based on my research the modular housing industry only makes up 4% of the overall housing market in the United States. A niche market with many benefits that most home buyers are unaware of like; lower prices, quicker build times and are typically more energy efficient compared to stick built housing. With increased demands for more environmentally friendly housing the modular housing industry is taking notice and is trying to capitalize on green construction.
The picture above is a green modular home called the DESIGNhabitat 2 House recently won the American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2007 Housing Committee Awards for the “Special Housing” category.

“The majority of modular home companies in the United States are ENERGY STAR® ready. That means when a home leaves a factory, it is an ENERGY STAR® certified. These homes must meet the guidelines for energy efficiency set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; that is, they must be at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the International Residential Code (IRC), and include additional energy-saving features that typically makes them 20–30% more efficient than standard homes”, according to Mr. Eaton.
So, what are some other advantages of going green?
• Going green can increase your home’s value and give you an edge when you’re ready to sell.
• Another big advantage is energy savings, which can save a homeowner thousands in only a few short years in heating or cooling costs.
• Green homes can be more durable through the use of recycled construction materials.
• You’ll improve the quality of the air you breathe which, studies show, can make you more productive. Less formaldehyde is always good.
• A green home’s construction creates less material waste.
• A green home helps preserve its surroundings because it is built with the land, not against it.
• A green home helps conserve natural resources.
In fact, today’s green homes are as luxurious as they are eco-friendly. So going green can not only help to conserve resources for future generations, but help you live a better, healthier life today.
“One big misconception with green construction is higher building costs. While it’s true that using green materials is more expensive, especially three or four years ago. The costs have dramatically come down in recent years making it more affordable”, Eaton says.
If you weigh the pros and cons of going green it seems to me that the advantage of green construction outweighs the disadvantage. In the long run a green home will cost less to heat or cool with increased resale value, not to mention being more environmentally friendly.

Contact Information

Randall Eaton

President

J R Consumer Resources Inc

Contact via E-mail