modular home update

[miramargal]

I just read an old thread about modular homes and I thought I'd throw in my two cents, albeit a bit late.

We plan to relocate to northern Walton or Okaloosa in about a year and after buying overpriced land we will have a modular home assembled there.

Our home will be a Deltec home. The difference there is the polygonal design. You've all seen them around I'm sure. We were concerned about them after Katrina, Dennis, etc. but in viewing beachfront video from Ivan, Dennis, and Katrina, we saw numerous Deltecs standing unscathed while traditional houses were crumbled beside it.

There are no guarantees in life, of course, but it just makes sense that only an eight foot wall will hit the winds headon and that's got to be better than twenty or thirty feet of a flat square box.

I come from Louisiana, where modular homes (i.e. trailers) are regularly twisted by tornadoes so I'm not a fan of them all. But the controlled environment of assembly (i.e. inside a factory) has got to be better. If they split into pieces after assembly, then it was the contractor, not the product.

You can't fight physics and the shape has simply got to be a plus (www.deltechomes.com (http://www.deltechomes.com)).

[Beachlover2]

Thanks for the info - I am interested in hearing from anyone else about this product. We have a piece of property near the bay we are going to build on - hopefully in the next couple of years and are exploring all our options.

[kurt]

I'm interested in why you think it will be cheaper than traditional building. What does your cost comparison look like?

They sure do have a great PR department - google "deltec hurricanes" and you'll see a lot of articles in newspapers across the country. Interesting that they are all similar articles with identical quotes (press releases).

I hope you are taking a careful look at how they are constructed and secured, especially on site not just at the factory. On their site they seem to be touting the shape as defying wind, rather than specific methods. :scratch:



Deltec Circular Homes stand up to high winds for three important reasons:

1. A Deltec Home has no single, flat section wider than eight feet. This minimizes large areas where wind can build and create pressure, which would easily collapse a conventional square or rectangular home. And the circular design insures that any force exerted against one side of the structure is distributed out the opposing side, similar to the spokes of a wheel.

2. Deltec’s one of a kind roof system aids its wind resistance by using the optimal pitch to equalize any downward pressure or uplift infamous to high winds.

3. The Deltec Circular Home is built to strict specifications. Panelization provides the home with extremely high tolerances using the highest quality materials, giving the home exceptional strength and durability. Proven to last through even the worst of conditions, Deltec Homes are constructed to resist high winds and safely keep the structure intact.



http://www.deltechomes.com/media/4round.jpg

http://www.deltechomes.com/media/4roundcloseup.jpg

The north end of the county is pretty safe except for tornadoes spawned from hurricanes, falling trees.

[spinDrAtl]

Modular homes are not necessarily trailers. Trailers are normally referred to as manufactured homes, which are built offsite. Modular homes have the walls, roof, etc. brought in and are assembled on the homesite.

[miramargal]

I have visited the model home in NC and we have talked to them extensively for three years now. Honestly, my husband is more involved in the specifics than I am.

I do have a friend who is in the process of having one built in Colorado and she seems very satisfied with everything so far. She has toured several Deltecs and all the owners are extremely pleased.

As for the cost, we have the design kit which lists all the prices and doing a rough estimate (since we are still about two years from building) our price (just the parts not the construction) for ap. 1600 sq feet is around 70K. That includes the hurricane package, and high quality pieces such as name brand windows and Hardie planking on the side. Even if installation is 100K (which I would find hard to believe) then the house would still be cheaper than a new comparable one there. The installation time is supposed to be less than a week if you have an experienced contractor and there is one in Pensacola who has installed these before. Deltec has told us that, of course, NC has the largest number of the homes, but Florida is second.

I'll have my husband get online this evening and give more details of what he knows. This does seem to be a sound product with a good history. Modular is growing in popularity and quality these days. There's a good show on DIY called "Assembly Required" that highlights the different companies. Deltec was featured awhile back.

Right now I'm not worried about the house as much as just reeling from reading all of your posts about insurance. We are planning to find an acre of land up north of Defuniak or Crestview. I saw the post about north of the waterway going up 70+ percent. I just can't imagine.

[SHELLY]

I just read an old thread about modular homes and I thought I'd throw in my two cents, albeit a bit late.

We plan to relocate to northern Walton or Okaloosa in about a year and after buying overpriced land we will have a modular home assembled there.

Our home will be a Deltec home. The difference there is the polygonal design. You've all seen them around I'm sure. We were concerned about them after Katrina, Dennis, etc. but in viewing beachfront video from Ivan, Dennis, and Katrina, we saw numerous Deltecs standing unscathed while traditional houses were crumbled beside it.

There are no guarantees in life, of course, but it just makes sense that only an eight foot wall will hit the winds headon and that's got to be better than twenty or thirty feet of a flat square box.

You can't fight physics and the shape has simply got to be a plus (www.deltechomes.com (http://www.deltechomes.com)).

I suggest you contact a Florida insurance agent (that's assuming of course you can find one willing to write new Florida homeowners insurance :roll: ) and have them punch in the info of your intended home. There may or may not be a premium applied for a "non-traditional" structure.

[miramargal]

You know, I've wondered about the "non-traditional" structure thing, but Florida is filled with "non-traditional" structures of many sorts and someone, even if it is the wonderful (choke) Citizens has got to be writing policies for them. Like I wrote before, Florida is Deltec's second largest market so hopefully their good track record in hurricanes will help. I just don't know. Since my husband and I decided to try to move down there I've had a myriad of people here in North Louisiana try to talk me out of it because of the hurricanes. Well, two years ago I was down there on Memorial Weekend and had to return early because a tornado caused thousands of dollars of damage to my home in my absence and last fall Hurricane Rita came right through my back yard so now I just tell them that something's going to happen anywhere and you might as well try to live in your own paradise. I guess that's what we will do. We'll figure out a way to make it work somehow.

[Bob]

Is that multi-sided building a Deltec home on 30A[south side],just east of cr83????

[John R]

a structure i'm considering: http://www.coloradoyurt.com/yurts.htm

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e53/rosenrosen15/cad-tension.gif
The yurt's natural strength:
Rafters push inward on compression ring and outward on tension cable, which acts in a similar way to a hoop on a barrel preventing the rafters from moving/spreading outward.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e53/rosenrosen15/cad-wind.gif
An aerodynamic shape:
The yurt's aerodynamic shape allows the wind to easily flow around it rather than pushing against flat walls.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e53/rosenrosen15/roof-load.gif
Roof Load:
Roof loads are transferred down the rafters to the tension cable.

[Chickpea]

a structure i'm considering: http://www.coloradoyurt.com/yurts.htm

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e53/rosenrosen15/cad-tension.gif
The yurt's natural strength:
Rafters push inward on compression ring and outward on tension cable, which acts in a similar way to a hoop on a barrel preventing the rafters from moving/spreading outward.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e53/rosenrosen15/cad-wind.gif
An aerodynamic shape:
The yurt's aerodynamic shape allows the wind to easily flow around it rather than pushing against flat walls.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e53/rosenrosen15/roof-load.gif
Roof Load:
Roof loads are transferred down the rafters to the tension cable.

I want to come visit you if you get a yurt!!

[Smiling JOe]

Unfortunately, the Building Dept probably will not issue a permit to build a yurt due to it not conforming to building codes.

[miramargal]

Yurts rock!


I saw they have hurricane clips, and that's good. But I gotta wonder what good the clips would do when a huge tree comes flying through the fabric wall in 100 mph sustained winds.

an addendum: After mulling on this, I'm thinking it might not be so bad. Aren't they easy to assemble and disassemble? If so, then just roll it up and evacuate during a 'cane and reset it after the storm.

[peapod1980]

a structure i'm considering: http://www.coloradoyurt.com/yurts.htm

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e53/rosenrosen15/cad-tension.gif
The yurt's natural strength:
Rafters push inward on compression ring and outward on tension cable, which acts in a similar way to a hoop on a barrel preventing the rafters from moving/spreading outward.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e53/rosenrosen15/cad-wind.gif
An aerodynamic shape:
The yurt's aerodynamic shape allows the wind to easily flow around it rather than pushing against flat walls.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e53/rosenrosen15/roof-load.gif
Roof Load:
Roof loads are transferred down the rafters to the tension cable.
JR, HGTV just did a design show on a guy building a yurt; showed the building process and then the interior design. Link doesn't show much, but here you go:
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/shows_hdinc/episode/0,2756,HGTV_24337_42235,00.html

[Smiling JOe]

A yurt does not have to be fancy. You could simply build a platform for the floor, and as you say, when the storms approach, load up your trailer, and roll down the walls. I once stayed in a ecovillage on St John which did exactly this. They were back up and running within a week of each major storm where other hotels were out of business for years after major storms. They also built these structures under the tree canopy. I thought it was really cool philosophy/idea.

[John R]

SJ, there are yurts being used in every state of the union, and my supplier has engineering drawings for the building depts. i would need the high wind package for sure, and would want to anchor it even more myself.

chickpea, you guys can come visit whether there's a yurt or not. i'd probably come to you for foundation drawings anyway, so there's your price of admission ;-)

miramargal, a tree moving at 100 mph will be coming through any walls with ease, except chickpea's. and yes, it could come down, with some work, but i'd still need to deal with what's inside. my plan is to build it up on a deck, with the garage/shop underneath. and, i'm looking at a 30' one so there would be a pretty large area underneath for hurricane shelter(sort of) if things get out of hand above.

peapod, thanks for the link. thats an interesting yurt. everyone i've been at has a deck around the perimeter. that yurt has a nice small footprint. pros and cons to both. so, if i want a 30' yurt and put a deck up with a minimum of a 5' surround, then i've got a potential 40x40 garage/shop below. enough for me :cool:

sorry for the tangent/hijack miramargal, i just wanted to show the aerodynamics of our structures that you were mentioning.

some interesting links: http://www.a-spi.org/tp/TP8.htm
http://www.fishrock.com/conics/
http://www.a.tu-berlin.de/cocoon/php/database%20contents/Mongolia_tuvaimag_ulaanbaatar_objekt1.pdf

[SHELLY]

Unfortunately, the Building Dept probably will not issue a permit to build a yurt due to it not conforming to building codes.

At least not until developers can figure out a way to stack'em and market them as "Yurtominiums." :cool:

[Mango]

At least not until developers can figure out a way to stack'em and market them as "Yurtominiums." :cool:


:lolabove:

[miramargal]

****New Development****

"Vista Yurt de la Mar"
Experience the seashore the way it was meant to be experienced...from a fancy tent. Hear the sounds of the sea as if it was just on the other side of a piece of material. Twist in the wind with the balmy breezes. Pack it up and go if a hurricane threatens.


ONLY $1.47 million!!

Get in on the "ground floor" before prices soar!!!

[Pirate]

There used to be a dome type house similar to a yurt on Cape San Blas. Looked like it had been around for quite a long time. By now it probably washed into the Gulf with the 60 percent of the Cape that has eroded but it seemed to last through at least a few hurricanes with zero damage.

Be interesting to see the reaction of the architectural control board of say... Rosemary react to a submission for such a structure. :rolling:

[csamps]

A "modular home" - built in the factory - and assembled on site was just picked in Country Living's House of the year. It is really quite cute w/ porches, a tin (metal) roof, working shutters,and the company (Genesis Homes) designed it to fit in the the historic architecture of the area (it was built in Florida). It looked more like what you see in some of the new subdivisions down here at the beach.

I have read before that these usually exceed local building code/standards. so my thought was why not have them up the windows, doors to hurricane standards and ship it in to your lot.

They could probably get very close to some existing designs.

The one in the mag, probably ended up being a bit costly because of so many on-site /custom changes.

You don't have to have a geodome, for it to be modular. There was a company in Georgia that was doing many that looked like period houses/ or Southern living plans.

[Sandcastle]

There used to be a dome type house similar to a yurt on Cape San Blas. Looked like it had been around for quite a long time. By now it probably washed into the Gulf with the 60 percent of the Cape that has eroded but it seemed to last through at least a few hurricanes with zero damage.

Be interesting to see the reaction of the architectural control board of say... Rosemary react to a submission for such a structure. :rolling:

I watched that home being built and I was in it while it was under construction. It certainly didn’t give us a very “homey” feeling.:confused: The neighbors didn’t care for it either. I haven’t been back to see if it’s still on dry land.

[Sandcastle]

A "modular home" - built in the factory - and assembled on site was just picked in Country Living's House of the year. It is really quite cute w/ porches, a tin (metal) roof, working shutters,and the company (Genesis Homes) designed it to fit in the the historic architecture of the area (it was built in Florida). It looked more like what you see in some of the new subdivisions down here at the beach.

I have read before that these usually exceed local building code/standards. so my thought was why not have them up the windows, doors to hurricane standards and ship it in to your lot.

They could probably get very close to some existing designs.

The one in the mag, probably ended up being a bit costly because of so many on-site /custom changes.

You don't have to have a geodome, for it to be modular. There was a company in Georgia that was doing many that looked like period houses/ or Southern living plans.

A lot of these homes are very attractive and they're getting better every year. Many of the joints are glued as well as nailed and they're stronger than "stick" houses. I might buy one for a lot that we have in NC.

[Cil]

I watched that home being built and I was in it while it was under construction. It certainly didn’t give us a very “homey” feeling.:confused: The neighbors didn’t care for it either. I haven’t been back to see if it’s still on dry land.

heh
It's still there. I agree it's kinda funny looking, but I haven't been inside.

[csamps]

the florida one is online... go to countryliving.com website and look at 2006 home of the year.

[ShallowsNole]

A lot of these homes are very attractive and they're getting better every year. Many of the joints are glued as well as nailed and they're stronger than "stick" houses. I might buy one for a lot that we have in NC.

My brother's home on Walton Road in DeFuniak Springs is 3000 sq ft +, and modular. Unless you asked him to show you, you'd never know it. Very little waste, especially since materials don't mysteriously walk off your job site.

[Sandcastle]

We seriously considered a modular home for our beach house in SoWal seven years ago. The contractor who built our stick house in Tallahassee highly recommended it, and he had nothing to gain from telling us about it. The model that we saw was very well constructed and really attractive. We went with conventional construction at the beach, though, because we wanted a lot of height and a tower room.

I’m very interested in the small modular homes that have been built for some of the hurricane victims. I’d really like to get inside of one. I think that Lowes will begin selling the kits soon.

[Diane4145]

Sandcastle;145475]We seriously considered a modular home for our beach house in SoWal seven years ago. The contractor who built our stick house in Tallahassee highly recommended it, and he had nothing to gain from telling us about it. The model that we saw was very well constructed and really attractive. We went with conventional construction at the beach, though, because we wanted a lot of height and a tower room.

I’m very interested in the small modular homes that have been built for some of the hurricane victims. I’d really like to get inside of one. I think that Lowes will begin selling the kits soon

Maybe I'm just gullible, but I'm trying to figure out if you're really serious.:idontno: Is Lowes going to start selling kits, for those homes? I haven't heard of them, personally. What sizes, are they making? If they are, sounds very interesting!:clap_1: :clap_1: :clap_1:

[Sandcastle]

Maybe I'm just gullible, but I'm trying to figure out if you're really serious.:idontno: Is Lowes going to start selling kits, for those homes? I haven't heard of them, personally. What sizes, are they making? If they are, sounds very interesting!:clap_1: :clap_1: :clap_1:
I’m serious.:lolabove: I saw a small portion of a news clip about modular homes being built in Mississippi (or LA). They were very small, but architecturally attractive. They looked like tiny Seaside cottages – white picket fences and all! They could be expanded into larger homes at a later date, or used as a guest house.

Yes, it was mentioned that Lowes will eventually sell the plans, kits, etc. Also, the cost of the home shown was $45,000 – versus $65,000 for a FEMA trailer. They’re supposed to withstand a wind force of 135MPH.

Prior to the news clip, there was an article in the Seaside Times about Robert Davis’ involvement in a similar project for the hurricane victims. After reading the Seaside Times article I thought that the concept sounded great. I would really like to see the homes.

When I’m at the beach next week, I might walk over and talk to someone in the Seaside Community Development Corporation’s office and see if I can get some more info.

I like your TAR. We just brought home a Yorkiepoo that's 10 weeks old.:D

[nowgirl]

Take a look at cusatocottages.com (http://www.cusatocottages.com)....they are really nice, and much cheaper than the government issue FEMA trailer.

[Sandcastle]

These are the cottages that I saw in the news clip.;-)

[Diane4145]

[
Sandcastle;145854]I’m serious.:lolabove: I saw a small portion of a news clip about modular homes being built in Mississippi (or LA). They were very small, but architecturally attractive. They looked like tiny Seaside cottages – white picket fences and all! They could be expanded into larger homes at a later date, or used as a guest house.

Yes, it was mentioned that Lowes will eventually sell the plans, kits, etc. Also, the cost of the home shown was $45,000 – versus $65,000 for a FEMA trailer. They’re supposed to withstand a wind force of 135MPH.

Prior to the news clip, there was an article in the Seaside Times about Robert Davis’ involvement in a similar project for the hurricane victims. After reading the Seaside Times article I thought that the concept sounded great. I would really like to see the homes.

When I’m at the beach next week, I might walk over and talk to someone in the Seaside Community Development Corporation’s office and see if I can get some more info.

I like your TAR. We just brought home a Yorkiepoo that's 10 weeks old.:D


That's great....more affordable housing!:clap_1: I'll be real interested in hearing about this, as well. Please let us know what you find out, from Seaside. I've been doing some research on the modulars myself and hear that they're actually stronger and better built, than stick homes.

I'm glad ya like, my TAR! I have a precious yorkie, named Princess Heather. Her nick name's Twinky and her nick name for her nick name's Nini! She's very smart, loving, extremely loyal and somewhat over protective! You're in for a lifetime, of lotsa love & kisses!:wub: What's your baby's name?

[Diane4145]

Sandcastle;144398
A lot of these homes are very attractive and they're getting better every year. Many of the joints are glued as well as nailed and they're stronger than "stick" houses. I might buy one for a lot that we have in NC

An interesting link with interior photos, of Katrina Cottage. How cute!:clap_1:

http://www.residentialarchitect.com/gallery.asp?sectionID=282&articleID=319427&imagename=RA060601070L1.jpg

[Sandcastle]

I'm glad ya like, my TAR! I have a precious yorkie, named Princess Heather. Her nick name's Twinky and her nick name for her nick name's Nini! She's very smart, loving, extremely loyal and somewhat over protective! You're in for a lifetime, of lotsa love & kisses!:wub: What's your baby's name?

We named her Albatross.:floor: Her nick name is Ali.;-) She's a lot of fun! She enjoys chasing Bright Eyes, the Martini Time cat -- that fluffy tail is just too much to resist.:clap_1: Bright Eyes really even enjoys her, but she hates to admit it.

[Sandcastle]

An interesting link with interior photos, of Katrina Cottage. How cute!:clap_1:

http://www.residentialarchitect.com/gallery.asp?sectionID=282&articleID=319427&imagename=RA060601070L1.jpg

These are great. We'll probably spend most of next week at the beach. I'll let you know what we find out when we return to Tallahassee -- there's no computer at the beach (thank God).;-)

[Sandcastle]

When I visited the Seaside Developer’s Office last week no one was there. The door was unlocked, the lights were on, etc., but the place was deserted.:idontno: I heard later that everyone was attending a land use seminar.

I’d still like to learn more about Robert Davis’ involvement in providing modular housing for hurricane victims in Mississippi. I’ll try again when I’m back at the beach next week.