The International Construction Council (ICC) is active in Haiti and Japan. Go to www.iccsafe.org and see their report on Japan and how the pre planning paid off.
Now you have seen pictures of structures which are built faster that conventional construction you may have questions. Most people are familiar with the term "modular" but not "systems-built" when describing a structure that is built off-site. The short answer is that systems-built, modular, and pre-fab all mean basically the same thing. But local information dictates the understanding of the term modular. In 1927 a commercial contractors was behind on a government project due to bad weather and built units in a warehouse which was later known as modular construction. In the 80th the mobile home industry which is regulated by the Department of Transportation started building to look like houses and some called them modular as well.
COMMERCIAL modular or systems-built is for both commercial and residential structures and uses about 30% more structural material than required of site-building because they are placed by crane with finished sheetrock. The truth is that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) confirmed that modular/off-site homes withstood a hurricane far better than site-built housing. In its report "Building Performance: Hurricane Andrew in Florida," assessment teams from FEMA concluded that modular homes withstood the 131-155 mph winds of the Category 4 storm in August of 1992 far better than site-built housing. You may obtain a copy of this publication by contacting FEMA's distribution center at 1-800-480-2520 and requesting publication number FIA-22. Additional information is available at the FEMA site, FEMA publication file FIA-22.
Since this report which is almost 20 years old the International Code Council (ICC) www.iccsafe.org has merged with BOCA and other inspections programs to uniform worldwide construction standards. We are exposed more today to energy savings, green building and safety. Just look at the electical codes requirements of ground faults, etc. The Virginia Building and Code Official Association offers classes at (804) 748-1057.
So whether the need is for James Madison University dorms (on the first page), a 150,000 sq. ft. apartment complex, a $10m ocean front mansion or a 1,000 sq ft home the quality of the superstructure, electrical, plumbing, insulation, sheetrock and inspection is the same. At this point they are customized with roofing, siding, appliances, flooring, lighting, cabinets, kitchen and bath, Anderson windows, wood flooring, fireplaces, etc. or you can finish what you want on-site. On a 2,000 sq ft home we are 90% complete the first day work can start on top of the foundation and ready to occupy in as little as 2 weeks. We will leave a 2/10 year warranty.
From the first meeting with an owner of a fire loss the adjuster, building inspector, mortgage company all worked together and the family move in a new home 81 days later. We can help you clients do the same.
Give us a call at 800-211-5660 or e-mail bldgmgt@gmail.com so we can get started.
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