Systems-Built Technology:

Modular Homes Constructed with Systems-Built Technology
Systems-built technology is a fast-growing modern form of new home construction using pre-built modular homes. This system is recognized for its increased efficiency and ability to apply advanced technology to the needs of today's market place. These affordable systems-built modular homes are constructed in our climate-controlled factory, on a large assembly-line. What our in-plant homebuilding technicians actually produce are not finished houses but nearly completed modules or housing sections of varying shapes and sizes. The home modules are transported to the job site location on transport carriers, and then positioned onto the home crawl space or basement foundation with a crane. The installation crew will raise the hinging roof sections and complete the on-site assembly and structural connections. The builder will then complete the construction process, adding site-built porches, garages, and other interior and exterior architectural amenities.

Today's systems-built technology homes encompass the entire spectrum of the housing market from the affordable single-family to multi-family housing to high-end luxury homes. The combination of reduced cycle time, more efficient and affordable construction, more efficient use of capital, reduced dependence on hard to find subcontractors, consistent construction cost and quality, and home customization are some of the primary reasons many builders are switching from traditional site-building to building with systems-built technology.

How are we different from stick-building?
There is no quality difference from a home built at a building site or a home built in a factory, but the systems-built or factory-built home is built smarter, faster and stronger than on-site. Modular homes are built to the same code as a site-built house. They are built with their own wood floor systems, are shipped on a transport carrier that is returned to the factory, and they are placed on the same permanent crawl space or basement foundation used in site-built homes.

In terms of investment potential, modular homes can increase in value at the same rate a comparable stick-built home can in the same area. Modular homes are actually stronger because the modules are engineered to withstand transportation and being picked up by a crane during the home assembly process.

Modular homes are in many ways superior to stick-built homes, and once assembled, cannot be distinguished from their traditionally built counterpart.

The entire process takes a fraction of the time it takes to build a house on-site. Sometimes the finished product can cost a great deal less too. Unlike site-builders, at our facility we have a fantastic purchasing department that can source products and negotiate great deals by purchasing in mass quantities. Many times site-builders will use what's on hand or what is easily available because they do not have the ties that a large purchasing department would have.

Modular houses are a growing part of the construction industry that can save consumers substantial amounts of time, money and frustration in building a house.

What makes Guerdon different from the rest?
We use a systems-built technology approach which is only the beginning of the process. On a constant basis, Guerdon follows a consistent level of high-quality and pays great attention to detail. The engineering team at Guerdon is known for its expertise in homebuilding and excellence in design. The support of our independent builders is outstanding along with our continuous commitment to customer satisfaction. Guerdon is different from the rest because we have a great deal of pride and care in the minor details that are carried throughout the homes that we build. The value of your home comes from every step taken in the design, material selection and construction phases of the home.

We are not manufactured housing.
An article in the 2006 Building Systems Councils magazine titled "Add Muscle to Your Building Business" sums it up quite well.

Although they both originate in a factory setting, systems-built structures are much brawnier than manufactured housing. These two forms of construction have separate building codes and market their homes to far different buyers.

Systems-built structures, like their counterpart site-built structures, are built to the prevailing state of local building code. From affordable starter to extravagant luxury, systems-built homes are indistinguishable from the site-built counterparts. Moreover, systems-built structures are valued and appraised the same as site-built structures.

In contrast, manufactured homes are built to the less stringent U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) performance code. Many communities have restrictions on where they can be placed, they are often valued as personal property and these single or double-wide HUD-code units remain on wheels or metal chassis.