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Posted by usm-admin on Jan 9, 2017 in Blog | 0 comments

Building Granny Flats in California in 2017

California’s housing crisis may have gotten some help as Gov. Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 1069, making the so-called “granny flats” easier and less expensive to build throughout the state starting in January of 2017. California homeowners interested in building “granny flats” also know as accessory dwelling units on their property can potentially save thousands of dollars in fees and permits under the new law. The easing restrictions by local building departments could spur the creation of more affordable housing. Accessory dwelling units (ADU) , including backyard cottages and some studio apartments, are typically more affordable than market-rate rentals and allow home owners to bring family members or others to live on their property. Under the new law water and sewer agencies would be prevented from charging hookup fees for Accessory Dwelling Units Unitss built within an existing house or an existing detached unit on the same lot. Local agencies also cannot impose parking rules for certain ADUs, including those located within a half-mile from public transit, or units that are part of an existing...

Posted by usm-admin on Dec 1, 2016 in Blog | 0 comments

Can Prefab Explode the Tiny House Movement

The tiny house movement has swept the country. There are TV shows dedicated to it, blogs that rave about it, and people that are drawn to it to find a way to live more economically. Tiny homes are typically broken down into two types, mobile and permanent. Many of the shows on TV do a walk along with a couple that are looking to downsize and someone takes them to three different tiny homes on wheels to see which one they like the best. They are usually built on a tandem axle trailer frame and average 8’ wide by 16-20’ long. That means about 128 – 160 sq ft of living space. The permanent tiny homes can be larger. Many definitions exist on how big a tiny home can be and still be tiny. The consensus seems to be that about 250 – 450 sq ft is the maximum size. That still isn’t much space to get living, bathing, and eating accomplished in one shelter. The limitation in size...

Posted by usm-admin on Nov 29, 2016 in Blog | 0 comments

The Perfect Prefab Floor Plan

One Size Prefab Floor Plan Does Not Fit All Perhaps the first concern on every new home-buyer’s mind is “Is the home big enough?” Since everyone’s needs are different, only you can answer that question. Modular building allows for much less expensive construction than plain old stick building, especially when it comes to something as simple as adding more square footage to your home. Some home styles lend themselves better to certain size homes. The Cape Cod style home for example lends itself to a more efficient use of space. Commonly found in colder, snowier climates, the distinctive steep roof is often accompanied by dormers, a combination that often allows for what would otherwise be an attic space to be used for bright and cozy bedrooms. Comparatively low square footage counts are generally made up for by the added utility of commonly placing all bedrooms on the smaller second floor A Ranch style home, a style common in the Southern United States, is more flexible. Square footage can run...

Posted by usm-admin on Nov 14, 2016 in Blog | 0 comments

Is Prefab Construction the Solution for Affordable Multifamily Housing?

With the demand for affordable multifamily housing growing – and funding scarce – new construction struggles to keep up with the need. Developers are discovering that modular construction may help to fill this gap because of its lower cost and quick turnaround. Since modular projects are replicable, they save design costs, and the process inherently reduces time since site work and building construction occur simultaneously. An added bonus is that the offsite construction process is inherently greener, keeping projects in tune with the current interest in sustainability. A prime example is the LEED-Gold Kah San Chako Haws, or “East House” in Chinook, Oregon – the first modular multifamily affordable apartment project in the Northwest. Currently under construction, the project is expected to take 13 months from design to completion, as opposed to the 18 months that would have been required with traditional construction. The modules for the project were constructed at Blazer Industries in Aumsville, Oregon, and trucked to Portland. Once the modules were onsite, the building went up in...

Posted by usm-admin on Nov 8, 2016 in Blog | 0 comments

Prefab Home That Can be Anchored Anywhere

Located 100 miles away from Chile’s capital Santiago sits Casa Remota (Remote House), a beautiful prefab residence that can be constructed in hours and redefines mobile housing. Designed by local architect Felipe Assadi, the modular, one-level shelter is made from wood, iron and glazed front and back facades. The stylish prototype is currently parked overlooking the Pacific Ocean in the remote Pichicuy area, but can be anchored just about anywhere in the world. Assadi’s minimal home is mounted on metal pillars on the ground. It has two glazed facades that flood the interior with daylight, while framing the stunning views into the ocean and countryside. As well as glass, the architects used iron and local pinewood to construct both the exterior and interiors’ cladding. The geometrical mobile home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms and one living room area with kitchen made up of four modules, each measuring 11 x 20 ft. This size enables the modules to be moved on the back of a truck without a police escort. These modules are prefabricated...

Posted by usm-admin on Nov 1, 2016 in Blog | 0 comments

Hurricane Proof Prefab Homes

Everyone wants affordable housing, but people who live in areas plagued by natural disasters also need resilient structures that won’t collapse or fly away when wind speeds pick up. A Dutch company named Cubicco created a line of flat-packed homes rated to withstand hurricane winds gusting up to 180 miles per hour, giving them nearly as much strength as traditionally built houses. The firm recently expanded operations with an office in Miami to market its durable prefab homes in a region where hurricane-force winds are a big threat for much of the year. A standard model Cubicco home is far and above what one might expect from a prefabricated house. Stylish and modern in appearance, each home is also designed to be energy efficient. Packages include options for solar water heaters and photovoltaic panels to make use of Florida’s abundant sunshine and reduce reliance on grid power. Cubicco homes also include rainwater collection systems for landscaping (or for filtration and use inside the home) and vertical gardens (that can...

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