Some beach residents are beginning to ride a new construction wave that’s beginning to crest: modular, prefabricated homes.
The foundation is being laid currently for one such home by U.S. Modular Inc., a West Coast premier design and build contractor specializing in modular construction. That home at 4741 Del Mar Ave. in Ocean Beach is expected to be built and ready to move into by this September.
U.S. Modular’s vice president Bill Cavanaugh said his firm is about to break ground soon on the 3,190-square-foot, two-story home, which will feature five bedrooms, a rooftop deck, an efficient heat pump system, dual pane windows and many other amenities.
“We’ve done hundreds of homes in this style,” said Cavanaugh, noting the new OB model will be “very contemporary and high-end.”
Cavanaugh noted modular, prefabricated homes, are “nothing new,” having been around since the 1800s.
Cavanaugh pointed out modular design does have some advantages over more traditionally built dwellings. He added speed of construction is the biggest difference.
“It’s good for us (U.S. Modular) because we can do two jobs at the same time, laying the foundation for one while we’re manufacturing another,” Cavanaugh said.
The new OB prefab home will be built off-site in a modern modular home building center at the same time the existing home is demolished, grading is completed and its foundation is built. The home will be delivered to Ocean Beach and a giant crane will install the new home on the foundation in a single day.
“I tell people, once we get our building permit in hand, it should be three to four months before they get into their house, while site-built homes typically take nine months to a year,” Cavanaugh said. “You save six to eight months on construction.”
Homes built with modular construction are built to the same codes and standards as conventional site-built homes, except being built in significantly less time.  A quality-control process provides complete assurance that a modular home has been inspected for code compliance and workmanship.
Cavanaugh said his firm’s motto is “better, faster, greener and for less.”
“That’s the concept,” he added.
Today’s technology also allows modular manufacturers to build almost any style of house, from a simple ranch to a highly customized contemporary. Built indoors in sections (modules), the homes are built in the building center with electrical, plumbing, doors, windows, HVAC, appliances, flooring and cabinetry all installed. Homes are also built solar-panel ready.
Modular homes can be started from scratch, or by using a floor plan or home design that the owner found in a magazine for inspiration. Whatever the style, each home is designed using state-of-the-art, computer-assisted design that allows for customizing floor plans and producing drawings and material lists.
For more information, call 888-987-6638, email [email protected] or visit www.usmodularinc.com.