Standards That Make a Modular Home Green

A modular home is sought after because of its many benefits. Making it green adds more home buyers. But when you buy a modular home, green comes with a certain degree of standard.

Some of the features that make a modular home green are:

Recycling of Materials for Modular Home Construction

During the construction process, it is much easier to reuse cut off pieces of lumber and other building materials.  Inside the factory, they are not damaged by the elements or construction equipment.  Most modular home manufacturers also recycle any leftover materials that are too small to use for building purposes.  Some materials may be repurposed.  For example, scraps of drywall can be processed into lime for farming.

Level of Energy Efficiency

Insulation is important to the energy efficiency of your home.  Modular homes are constructed with 2×6 framing to accommodate thicker insulation, which provides a higher R-value.  All floors, walls, and attics and well insulated.  In addition, construction is tighter than traditional building and all systems (heating, cooling, ventilation, hot water, etc.) are tighter and more energy efficient

Water Conservation of Modular Home

Low-flow toilets come standard in modular units.  Just by using low-flow toilets, you can significantly reduce the amount of water used in your home on a daily basis.  You may also choose to upgrade water conserving showerheads, faucets, and appliances.

Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

Modular homes are constructed in a manner that uses less energy, creates less waste, and has less of an impact on the environment.  The factories handle building materials in bulk.  This reduces the amount of fuel being used to transport materials in smaller loads to job sites.  The same thing is true for all other products used in the home.  Instead of individual deliveries for plumbing supplies, electrical supplies, appliances, tile, flooring, etc., a complete house is delivered in a few large pieces.

Fuel usage is also curtailed by the amount of work required on the site.  Fewer trips to the job site by subcontractors mean less fuel usage and a reduced carbon footprint.  Additionally, lumber is ordered in specific lengths and sizes to reduce waste and maximize the use of resources.  When the modular home is delivered to the building site, much of the work has been completed.  This means a shorter period of disruption to the local ecosystem, and a smaller impact on the environment.

Environmentally Friendly Materials

Many manufacturers use products that have less of an impact on the environment.  One area that has really improved over the years is finishing material, such as paint.  Modular manufacturers use latex paints that are low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds).  Latex paints are easier to dispose of and much less harmful to the environment than oil based paints.  The low VOC paint release less toxic fumes (less off-gassing) into your home, and are less toxic for disposal purposes.  Other environmentally friendly products used in modular homes are formaldehyde-free fiberglass insulation and products made from recycled materials such as OSB sheathing and decking; engineered lumber and recycled-content carpet pads

Product Choices

In addition to the standard features of a modular home, there are other choices you can make that have a positive impact on the environment without having a significant negative impact on your budget.  Simple options such as water saving plumbing fixtures (showerheads, faucets, etc.), and energy saving light bulbs and appliances will make your home greener without much of an increase in cost.  Some renewable products, like bamboo flooring, cost about the same as traditional products.

In case you still have question about modular homes, you may contact Legendary Homes Inc in Jackson, Michigan. A representative will be happy to assist you. Meanwhile you can check our modular home price sheets by signing up to our blog

Topic: Modular Home

Standards That Make a Modular Home Green