Another Look At Prefab Housing

27 November 2006 - 12:00pm

Households looking for alternatives to building a new home from scratch are discovering the possibilities and cost effectiveness of modular homes.

"Factory-made housing is nothing new, but the industry is getting a face lift as it comes out with better-looking homes that pack in more amenities. Manufacturers are releasing more refined configurations and even architecture firms are jumping into the industry with modern designs that often appeal to second-home buyers."

"Industry associations and builders estimate that a modular house can cost 10 percent less per square foot than a site-built home, while a manufactured house can be anywhere from 20 to 25 percent cheaper."

Source: The New York Times, November 22, 2006
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If housing does exceed three times household income, it is a warning sign that there are likely regulatory impediments to that particular urban market's ability to supply affordable housing around the urban periphery.