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Bring the factory to the site

Link to Bring the factory to the site
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:

"Megabuilder Mattamy Homes is constructing a subdivision of houses in Milton, Ont., that are, for the most part, assembled on the factory floor and then transported by truck.

'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."

Read the full article for details on this revolutionary process.

Seems like the best of both worlds: factory-built on site!

Title: A new address, fresh off the line
Author: Carolyn Leitch
Publication: The Globe and Mail
Length: 775 words
Date: September 7, 2007

(Hat tip: Treehugger)

3 comments, 0 trackbacks (URL) , 
Comments
Lance Naismith on October 06, 2007 at 6:28 p.m.
Although this is a novel idea and has some merit, based on some past history, I would be somewhat concerned about quality. Will they allow a homeowner to have the house inspected at various levels of construction?

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....
Scott Lawton (Prefabcosm) on October 12, 2007 at 6:27 p.m.
For what it's worth: a quick Google search shows that "Lance Naismith" has posted a similar comment on several posts (across the Web) that mention Mattamy Homes. Prefabcosm isn't in the business of investigating consumer complaints, and I hope our readers are savvy enough to do their own research. There's a fine line here: any large company is bound to have some complaints, but companies with too many should be called out. I have no information about where any particular home builder falls along that spectrum.

In case it's not otherwise clear: Prefabcosm doesn't endorse the position of any commenter, or anyone we quote.
Lance Naismith on October 22, 2007 at 6:24 p.m.
I totally agree with what you have stated and understand that your site is not for endorsement but to educate the public. My program is to educate the public and show that they should hire professionals to evaluate their homes, even those built by award winning builders. My experience with the Town of Oakville and their inspecters showed that the consumers welfare was not taken into consideration in regards to illegal and potentially dangerous wiring. Since the Town of Oakville refuses to deal with the matter (they have received donations from Mattamy) I can only educate the public via forums such as these, thus my name on several posts. I am glad that such forums are available to ensure the public is well served...
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