Modular Home Trends in Today's Housing Market

Unlimited design options and flexibility are available with today’s modular homes. These homes are not only aesthetically appealing but are easier to heat, cool and maintain. As people become more concerned about the environment, many seek to reduce their environmental impact and carbon footprint. Modular housing gives consumer’s unparalleled choices in design and function, while remaining environmentally friendly. Modular homes can be constructed with a wood or steel frame. Here’s a look at the similarities and differences between steel frame construction and wood frame construction.

Over 50 years ago (after WWII,) steel framing became popular when returning GI’s needed homes for their families. During the last 20 years, the housing market has shown a renewed interest in steel framing. The same techniques that were used with wood were used with steel, and construction costs were about the same until recently. In the last few years wood has become more expensive and steel more affordable. Wood and steel are both highly recyclable, with wood products (including paper and paper board,) being recycled at a rate of 65 percent. Steel products have an overall recycling rate of 63 percent.

Although the same principles of building with wood apply to steel construction, they use different types of fasteners. Wood frames are nailed together while steel frames are fastened with sheet metal screws. Energy use is slightly higher in steel frame buildings because metal transfers cold and heat more readily than wood. However, steel framing is lighter yet stronger and more resistant to earthquakes, fire and pests. Ceiling joists made of steel can cover longer distances than wooden ones, but wood is easier to cut and install.

Because of the lighter weight of the material, modular housing built with steel frame construction is generally completed faster than housing built with wood. However, it is easier and less expensive to incorporate design details like higher pitched roofs, overhangs, interesting roof lines and dormers on wood frame buildings. The overall material costs for a steel frame building can be substantially more than wood frame costs but insurance and maintenance costs may be lower.

Choose a home in a style that you and your family will love, using either steel or wood frame construction. In today’s market, modular homes suit many tastes with their limitless design options, flexibility and affordability. Building a home is easy and fun when choices include the most contemporary and unique options.