Wednesday, May 22, 2013

The History of Modular Homes

Modular homes have been used in the United States since Colonial times. These houses were delivered in kits containing all the parts needed to build the home. The first prefab house came aboard a ship from England in the 1600’s. By 1906, modular houses could be easily purchased in popular retail catalogs.

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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