Modular Mansions

Modular Mansion is a great book for prospective homeowners to see what can be done with modular (system built) construction. System built homes are the way to go. It's faster, better, and more energy efficient than on site construction. My hat is off to Sheri for the great book she put together. First class well done. Jerry Rouleau Terryville, CT

Sheri Koones' book shows proof of the benefits, customization and capabilities of modular construction and has been a great publication for this growing industry. As the Executive Director of the Modular Building Systems Council of NAHB, our members have felt a lot of pride in the success this book has had, and the notoriety it has brought to the industry. It is a great book for builders and homeowners alike, whether you own a modular home or are considering purchasing one.

Hi. I highly recommend this book and more than just a passing comment, I have developed a personal home in coastal CA and there are some nice examples of what is possible, mostly on the east coast, but some factories here can get close with stock plans. I really like the intro and first chapter or so of text, think it does a great job of showing how these homes are not only equals but surpass site/stick building in many respects. There is still so much misinformation out there it aggravates me sometimes, I think this book will drop your jaw not just because they're modular, but because they feature homes you'd expect to see in Architectural Digest. Many manufacturers are building a more solid house than I see on many jobsites around here in CA, and I'm originally from areas featured in this book on the east coast, so when wanting to build this method for my own home it was tougher but possible in the west. Like anything, your house will only be as good as company building it. Big corporate builders use these techniques and some even use modules in finished homes, unbeknownst to buyer (and a modular falls under "system built" housing, similar to incorporated wall panels/roof trusses). US has some catching up to do in modular, especially CA, and yes there IS a LOT of HUD-code "manufactured" homes being passed off as modular or "on-frame" modular (that is UBC-code but won't pass mustard with many lenders) being pushed onto those not aware. It is a maze, I've been there and live in a very unique modular in coastal CA and you wouldn't believe me if I told you what my appraisals are shortly after my building it. Hands down, best financial decision for my family and instant equity. If interested, feel free to drop me an e-mail as I'm happy to share info to help others. Also read The Modular Home if you haven't already.

I first became aware of modular construction when a house was being built on the route we took when we went out to lunch every day. The work progressed at the normal snail's pace. Then after a few weeks we drove by to find a bunch of trucks parked nearby with bits of house on them and a large crane setting these modules in place. By the next day, the house looked basically finished. To be sure it took another month or so before the family moved in, but in much less time than it would ordinarily have taken, the house was finished. I was able later to look at a few modular homes. Unless I had been told, I couldn't have guessed that they had been built in a factory. The quality seemed as high, or perhaps even higher than stick built. A couple of them had had additions made to them later and the owners reported that making the addition was no more difficult than doing the same thing to a stick built home. In this book Ms. Koones has found some 'Modular Mansions' they can compete with style and price with anything on the market. The architecture varies from early to very modern. Whatever you want, it seems, can be done with a modular home. There were also a couple of surprising points she brought out. First, I had thought that modular home companies would show you a book of their standard designs and tell you to pick one. She says that some, not all, but some, modular homes will build to your custom designs. Second was the size of the homes. When you think about it, there is no reason you couldn't build a home of any size in modules. But all I had seen before were small homes. She illustrates one home that is 12,700 square feet. That's certainly more than I'd want (or would want to clearn, or could afford). Ms. Koones seems to be east coast based. Her references to manufacturers seem to concentrate on east coast companies. That's a log way from where I live, but a quick search on the internet gave me a lot of companies a few thousand miles closer. This book gave me a lot of ideal, a lot to think about. It's highly recommended.

If you thought that modular homes were simple, boxy affairs, take a look at what Ms. Koones has found! This book explores the modular building system, first with an introduction to the construction process in the factory, then on the job site setting a house. Primarily, however, the book is a showcase of the most beautiful modular homes ever built, from Nantucket cottages to Greenwich mansions. The designs are extraordinary, the photography masterful. If you are thinking of building, stick built or modular, get this book!