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The world of prefab and modular homes. |
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| theglobeandmail.com |
A while back, a commenter on Inhabitat posed what seemed like a radical idea:
"It occurs to me that the factory could be brought to the jobsite with a modification of this method of construction. Perhaps we need to borrow the best method from factory and on-the-job techniques, instead of thinking either-or. For example, why not bring a semi truck that opens out into an on-the-job manufacturing construction unit."
According to the Globe and Mail, a developer in Ontario apparently had the same thought:
'The chandeliers are hanging, the tiles are grouted, the hardwood is shined up,' says Ron Cauchi, president of Mattamy's Stelumar operation....
Anybody who purchases a new house from a builder wants two things: a sturdy structure and a predictable closing date. Legions of buyers have suffered through problems with both.
For years, Mattamy has been looking for a way to improve the quality of the houses it builds and the reliability of move-in dates by transferring some parts of the construction process to the factory floor....
The longest distance any house will travel is about one kilometre, Mr. Cauchi says.
He expects the project to be complete in about four years, at which point the factory will be taken apart and re-erected somewhere else."
Seems like the best of both worlds: factory-built on site!
Mattamy Homes sold a house that had no electrical power and the furnace was wired illegally (code) to the house next door. A Town of Oakville inspector passed this as well. In addition to this, Mattamy began construction on land that had been recently fertilized with bio-solids (human waste) without waiting the required time. An unsafe practice!! I believe both of these incidents should concern potential buyers and I certainly recommend that a home inspector be hired to monitor any new home construction by any builder.
Time will tell....
In case it's not otherwise clear: Prefabcosm doesn't endorse the position of any commenter, or anyone we quote.