Oil Boom Means Growth for North Dakota Airports

DFW Airport (Texas)

Thanks to its shale oil supply, North Dakota is experiencing an unprecedented industrial boom, and thousands of people are moving to the state each week for new jobs. These oil reserves are largely contained within the Bakken Region, a unit of rock that stretches from North Dakota to Manitoba and Saskatchewan. And while this shale oil could yield long-term economic benefits, it's currently taking a heavy toll on the state's transportation systems. In particular, North Dakotan airports are more crowded than ever before.

Two airports in particular provide evidence of this population growth. Dickinson’s Roosevelt Regional Airport served thousands more passengers in 2013 than in 2012, and Williston’s Sloulin Field International Airport handled tens of thousands more. Thus, state leaders are reviewing ways to increase air travel capacity. One answer is to pay for airport construction by utilizing Oil and Gas Impact Grant Funds, which are derived from taxes on the oil industry.

Modular construction represents a promising solution because modular buildings have already provided great help to an important hub of American aviation: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

In Dallas, 15 modular offices were set up to facilitate the building of a new terminal. Much of the construction took place during the airport’s comparatively quiet hours so there was the least disruption possible. Connected by covered walkways, these offices take up 74,880 square feet, accommodate 600 employees, and include 105 modules. Restrooms, a conference room, and even a drug-testing facility are all part of this complex.

FAA Training Center (New York)

Besides the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, modular construction also aided in supplying the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) an air traffic control training center in Westbury, N.Y. FAA officials decided to establish a modular training facility because they wanted a building that could be built quickly and efficiently. The resulting two-story structure measures 5,740 square feet and consists of eight modules. A classroom, administrative headquarters, and flight simulators are all housed on these premises. Plus, the facility meets all government regulations and incorporates extensive energy-efficient technology.

Click this sentence for more information about how you can expand your airport.

High School Students Build Modular Homes

The 150 students of the Seminole Ridge High School Construction Academy have just completed a new modular home for a Lake Worth family. The home was dedicated to Widlene Cenom in a ceremony that took place on February 27. Cenom was selected as recipient of this new modular home because of circumstances that occurred in 2010.

When Cenom was a few months pregnant, she learned that her husband had been killed in Haiti’s tragic earthquake. At that time, she was having difficulties paying the bills and it would have been nearly impossible for her to qualify for a conventional mortgage. Habitat for Humanity stepped in and chose Cenom to receive a modular home plus the mortgage to pay for it.

Several other volunteers played a role in constructing this latest modular building along with the students of Seminole Ridge High School Construction Academy. The students’ teacher Rick Terkovich was instrumental in helping them complete this project. Architect David Porter volunteered his time as this venture’s project manager. Building inspectors from Palm Beach County and subcontractors from the area also lent their services to this job.

The Royal Palm Beach High School Air Conditioning Academy also took part in this program. Teacher Patrick Raney guided his students as they added the air conditioning system and the necessary ductwork to the new home. It was Habitat for Humanity’s responsibility to donate the land where the house was eventually built as well as the materials that were needed to construct it.

Modular construction is being chosen more often because it allows people to create a dwelling in a relatively short period of time. As separate sections of the building are being constructed at a factory, workers can make sure that the site grading, utilities and foundation are in place before the pre-constructed sections are brought to the site.

For more information on modular homes click here.

Former New Jersey Governor Recommends Modular Construction

Modular homes are a great option for people who want speedy construction and a sturdy home that is safe and good for the environment. These prefabricated homes can offer buyers a turnkey space solution. Former NJ Governor Christine (Christie) Todd Whitman recognized the benefits of modular construction and worked closely with her daughter and son-in-law, Kate and Craig Annis, on the construction of their prefabricated home. Whitman was New Jersey's governor between 1994 and 2001 and led the Environmental Protection Agency from early 2001 until mid-2003.

A modular home can be custom built to a buyer’s specifications or can be chosen from pre-designed standard models and even then, each house is carefully built with the home buyer in mind. They are strong, well-built and have many environmental advantages over traditional construction, a fact that appealed to Whitman. She and her family searched for the green benefits of a factory-built home with the look of traditional architecture. They finally found what they wanted, and construction began late in 2010.

Modular construction saves time and materials all while allowing a great deal of customization regarding style, floor plan and finishes. Because the majority of the construction takes place at an off-site facility weather related delays are minimized and there is a reduced risk of mold or rot with wood materials. Flatbed trucks transport finished modules to the home site where they are assembled on top of flat foundations, basements or crawl spaces. They are strong enough to survive the trip, and become even stronger as pieces are connected.

One of the goals in building the Annis' home was to gain LEED Platinum certification, which ensures resource and energy efficiency both during construction and in the finished home. Aspects such as water efficiency, indoor air quality and energy efficiency in insulation and in heating and cooling are part of achieving this top rating. Other environmental benefits incorporated in this particular home include formaldehyde-free insulation, non-VOC paints, renewable-resource finishes, and Energy Star ratings for appliances, lighting and other elements.

The Annis' were able to move into their modular home in March of 2011. Whitman remained involved throughout the construction of the home. She continues her participation in ecological issues as president of the Whitman Strategy Group (WSG), which focuses on finding environmental and energy solutions for governments, businesses and organizations.

Looking for more proof? Click here.

North Dakota: Too Many Jobs, Not Enough Housing

An economic boom is taking place in oil-rich western North Dakota. People seeking employment have traveled to North Dakota from all over the U.S. Some bring their families while others come alone or with friends to take advantage of job opportunities.

The influx of so many people in a relatively short period of time has resulted in a serious housing shortage. Many companies are turning to prefabricated homes to help North Dakota provide housing to their workforce. Modular homes can be built as a permanent or temporary housing solution depending on the need.

The housing shortage doesn’t just affect potential employees; it is also a challenge for the employers trying to hire those employees. About 20,000 jobs are still waiting to be filled and every single one of them will need a place to live.

Fortunately, modular housing provides a practical solution to the housing shortage. Modular homes are designed to withstand the harsh climate in North Dakota and offer the same interior and exterior design options seen in traditional stick-built homes. These prefabricated homes offer the same amenities for comfortable living that you would find in traditional construction.

Modular construction is an efficient housing solution to meet the needs of ND’s rapidly expanding workforce. With the reduced construction time, modular homes can be constructed and set quickly enough to help solve the housing issue in ND. Residents should remember that the construction of modular housing is 40% faster than traditional construction.

Are you looking for housing in North Dakota? Click Here!

Affordable Housing Now Available in the Bakken

Workers from all over the globe are migrating to the North Dakota Bakken region in search of work. Some want to start a new career and begin a new life, while for others this is just a temporary stop. Depending on your personal circumstances, leasing a home may be a better option than buying one. There are many advantages to leasing a home in the Bakken region.

The number one reason people have been moving to North Dakota is in search of work and to get their finances in order. Many are not in a position to afford the substantial down payment usually required when purchasing a home. In most cases, depending on your lease agreement, leasing a home only requires a security deposit and first and last month’s rent. Leasing a home will allow you to avoid additional costs of owning a home like property taxes, home owners insurance, and interest on a mortgage.

One benefit of leasing a home in the Bakken region is that you are not responsible for the maintenance and repairs to the home. These costs are covered by the landlord, unless you cause damage to your home that is not considered normal wear and tear.

The greatest benefit of leasing a home, for those considering a temporary transition to North Dakota, is the flexibility. Most lease agreements are for 12 months, which gives you the opportunity to move out when your lease is up. Some leases are more flexible and allow you to rent for at least six months at a time. With renting a home you are not influenced by the ups and downs of the market as you would be if you were trying to sell a home.

Modular Construction companies offer long term and short term leasing options to meet client’s specific needs. These homes can be found in North Dakota and the surrounding areas. They offer a variety of housing solutions to fit your needs, whether you are looking for a studio, or two bedrooms, full-sized kitchens, or fully furnished.

For more information on housing availability in North Dakota click here.

Emergency Response Housing Solutions

Natural disasters are part of life and can’t be stopped. No matter how well developed communities become, nothing can really prepare us for the impact of a natural disaster. The type of emergency isn’t as important as how we react to it. Areas struck by such devastating and debilitating circumstances require the basic necessities of life; food, water, clothing and shelter.

Often times in emergency situations acceptable shelter is the most difficult need to fill. Emergency responders may not be aware of how suitable modular construction can be to recovering communities. Modular buildings and prefab homes are designed for easy transport and installation. Unlike tents and dwellings that lack the durability to stand up to the elements, temporary modular buildings are designed with safety in mind.

Time and again during emergency situations many people find themselves separated from their loved ones. Prefabricated buildings minimize this issue because the units are large enough to accommodate most families. Keeping the family together is critical to survival.

Providing the resources needed to conduct more flexible, effective and versatile disaster relief to a community should always be a paramount concern. Structures that can be used equally well as temporary short-term housing can be an invaluable resource in the struggle to rebuild. Investing in structures that have more to offer can make a considerable difference for communities that are dealing with the aftereffects of a natural disaster.

Need to learn more about modular construction? Click Emergency Response Housing Solutions.

Senior Housing Community: Retrofit, Adapt, Or Rebuild?

The upcoming wave of maturing baby boomers brings with it a greater demand for senior housing. America is not prepared for the predicted surge in the upcoming number of senior citizens. There isn’t an ample supply of “age-appropriate” housing. This combined with the likelihood of baby boomer’s life expectancy to be much longer than any previous generation and the continuing reduction in federal and state resources is leading towards a housing dilemma for people 65 and older.

Some of the common housing solutions are:

• Retrofit existing homes – Lowering bathroom fixtures, lowering all cabinets and improving nighttime lighting.
• Adapt the current Naturally Occurring Retiring Communities (N.O.R.C) - an affordable alternative to purpose built senior housing.
• Build new homes designed with senior needs in mind.
• Build new senior living communities.

As you can see in the first two choices, the seniors’ needs come as an afterthought. Even after the remodel, the seniors’ needs still may not be met fully. They already have enough obstacles they will have to overcome without having the added stress of living in a place not designed for them.

The more personalized solution would be to build new homes and senior living facilities. The most effective solution is the use of modular construction. All across America, developers are choosing to build modular because of the speed in which it can be built, its strength and durability and how customizable it is. Recently developers have been designing these communities to incorporate easily traveled walkways and to be near public transportation. These modular communities can be built 40% faster than traditional construction. They are built to meet or exceed all state and federal building codes. From the floor plan to the fixtures, modular construction is tailor-made with your needs in mind.

Top 3 Reasons Companies Choose Corporate Housing

Businesses today are looking for an alternative to extended stay hotels for their employees. Whether it’s for long distance training, contract work, or relocation, corporate housing exceeds the comfort of traditional hotels. Numerous government organizations, businesses, and institutions have made use of these living arrangements.

Modular construction is an excellent solution for companies in need of housing for their employees. Modular corporate housing can be built rapidly which is great when your housing needs expand and can often be more affordable than overpriced hotel stays. The following are just a few examples of the advantages of corporate housing:

Higher Quality

One of the first aspects of corporate housing you’ll notice is the quality. All of the elements of satisfying everyday living such as furniture, appliances, a full kitchen, and internet access can be included. The small comforts of life that we take for granted everyday can reduce homesickness and increase morale.

Increased Productivity

Many of us already know how uncomfortable traveling can be. Traffic, delayed flights, jet lag, and separation from family are some common factors attributed to stress. You can alleviate some stress by providing a desirable living environment. Your employees will be more productive after a good night’s sleep in a dwelling that feels more like home.

Strategically Located

Location is always a big factor when choosing living arrangements and corporate housing is no different. These homes may be located in the heart of major cities, yet many can be found in suburban or rural communities for a more relaxed atmosphere.

One recent example of companies taking advantage of modular construction is in North Dakota. The oil boom in North Dakota is one of the biggest of our time. The population in some communities has more than doubled. In response to this unexpected growth and diminished housing supply, many companies are choosing modular corporate housing. Instead of employees having to search for suitable living arrangements, they can focus more on their job.

If you need more information on how your company can benefit from corporate housing please click here.

Modular Emergency Housing

Modular emergency housing offers a superior solution to communities that are seeking temporary housing solutions after building fires and natural disasters. Unlike tents and dwellings that lack the durability to stand up to the elements, modular housing can provide a more effective solution for communities dealing with disaster recovery. The superior durability and ease of transport and relocation offered by these homes make them ideal for mid to long-term housing solutions for areas that have suffered from circumstances calling for an emergency response.

Unfortunately, there are many times that people have been evacuated from their homes and are in need of a place to stay until it is safe for them to return. In certain cases, people who must rebuild their homes need a long term housing solution. In response to these situations, modular housing can be swiftly installed to aid any who has been affected.

A modular home can be delivered and set-up in just about any location. By having the modular units constructed in a climate controlled facility, any construction delays due to poor weather are minimized. This quick construction method allows emergency response teams to house those in need within a matter of days.

Natural disaster damage is always unpredictable and rebuilding is always challenging. Modular emergency housing is a solution that is necessary for certain catastrophic events and the families who need these housing solutions will certainly be thankful for their quick deployment and setup.

Housing Crisis- Williston North Dakota

In these uncertain economic times, people are searching far and wide to find good-paying jobs. One of the areas of the country that has recently been immune to the financial troubles found elsewhere is North Dakota. In fact, the oil boom centered in Williston, North Dakota is creating so many jobs that people from all over the country are flooding the area to find work. With so many people invading a small town like Williston, housing is at a premium.

Although people coming to work the oil jobs in Williston are able to find work right away, they sometimes have trouble finding a place to live. Some people are forced to live in campers and cars, and others find themselves living in tents. This is an especially dire situation when the temperature drops below freezing as it does for several months out of the year in this northern state.

Even those able to find places to live are often forced to live in less than ideal conditions. Some people live in motels for months at a time. Others share space in cramped conditions. They all are willing to face the harsh living situations they encounter to earn the lucrative paychecks they receive working in North Dakota’s booming oil industry.

Luckily, this housing situation is not as dire as it once was. The key to improving the housing in North Dakota is the creation of many new homes that are built with modular construction. Modular homes can be constructed very quickly because they are built in off-site climate controlled factories. This avoids any construction delays due to poor weather conditions.

For people who are looking for housing in North Dakota, modular construction proves a great solution; offering both permanent and temporary housing options suitable for North Dakota’s growing workforce.

Find suitable housing today! Click here for more information.

The Modular Solution to Senior Housing

In recent years, modular homes have proven to be a great resource to nursing homes, assisted-living homes, community centers, and other living and gathering places for senior citizens. That’s because modular senior living homes offer so many unique advantages. They are safe, easy to build and offer residents an array of amenities and all the comforts of home.

Modular construction is a process by which sections of a building are assembled at a climate controlled factory, moved to a building site, and fitted together like massive toy blocks. This system thus allows for simple and inexpensive construction; developers of senior housing can open a new facility or expand an existing one quickly and efficiently.

Prefab senior living communities are often comprised of one floor. Even so, they usually contain a variety of rooms: living quarters, dining areas, spaces for games and recreation, administrative offices, and even medical clinics. Furthermore, when it comes to their design and decor, these structures can be opulent and grand or modest and cozy.

More importantly, these structures can be custom-made to meet all municipal and state building codes and suit a variety of budgets. They can incorporate the latest in energy-efficient technologies and can accommodate the individual needs of each senior resident: For instance, they might include wide doorways for wheelchairs.

The new-found popularity of these senior housing apartments comes at a crucial moment for our society. By 2030, the number of senior citizens living in the U.S. should be twice as large as it is today. By 2050, that population will be even larger. What’s more, in the immediate future, many baby boomers will require senior housing. Modular construction looks to be a growing trend in the senior housing industry.

If you or someone you know is in need of senior housing please click here.