Modular construction took off in areas that saw the biggest
effects of the Industrial Revolution. With the low cost of materials and high
quality manufacturing, modular houses were popular with both builders and
buyers. The ability to mass manufacture these homes not only decreased the cost
of the homes, but also increased their availability, as less labor was needed
to go to specific sites and build individual homes.
Despite their lower cost, they weren't only sought by people
looking to save money on construction. Wealthier people frequently used them as
second homes or vacation homes. This demand lasted until the stock market crash
of 1929.
Modular homes were then revitalized during the Second World
War. When soldiers began returning home, there was a strong need for additional housing that could be constructed quickly.
During the 1970’s, the federal government began to enact
stronger safety standards pertaining to fire, electrical and plumbing. In 1976,
the Department of Housing and Urban Development building code was expanded to
include prefabricated homes. In 1994, the standards for modular homes were made
even higher than that for traditional forms of construction.
Today, these homes are increasingly popular for a variety of
uses – single and multi-family homes as well as apartments, hotels/motels and
military barracks. They can be standard buildings or custom designed and most
are very difficult to distinguish from traditional construction. The interiors
can be outfitted with the same modern luxuries as any other home. The
construction of these homes is also greener, with fewer materials used and the
ability to reuse materials or entire homes. For these reasons, prefab houses
will likely be used in the United States for several decades more.
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