System Built Construction

System Built Homes are built in a modern factory, in a controlled environment, and with strict quality control guidelines. Specially trained workers use computerized, state-of-the-art equipment to produce homes on an assembly line, much like auto manufacturers. System Built homes are built to meet the same local building codes that site-built (sometimes called "stick-built") homes are required to meet and are made from the same materials.  System-Built homes are constructed in modules (three-dimensional sections measuring up to 16'x68'x12.5') and are up to 85% complete when they leave the factory. Modules are shipped to the site and are attached to a foundation and each other. Minor finish work, plumbing and gas connections, and decks are some of the items finished on the building site.

A common misconception is that a "System Built" home is the same as a "manufactured" home. In fact, they are very different. A manufactured home (commonly called a "mobile" home) is built under the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) standards. This federal code differs from locally adopted codes in several areas. Most notably, HUD code homes have a permanent chassis, with removable axles, wheels and hitches to transport it to the installation site. Transform will design and build to current IBC code; the same code as site-built construction.

There are three major advantages of System Built construction. The most obvious is the speed with which product can be built. While a site-built home may take up to nine months to be completed, a System Built home can go from raw material to enclosed modules within seven days in the factory.

While the home is being constructed at the factory, contractors prepare the site and foundation to ensure it is ready for the modules once they are completed and shipped. Site-built homes are also frequently delayed by inclement weather and subcontractor schedules; factors System Built homes are not affected by. Additionally, since materials are purchased in larger quantities, suppliers can better predict orders and are able to provide a more dependable supply.

Another clear advantage to System Built construction is the superior quality. Although required to meet the same building codes as a site-built home, System Built homes exceed these standards. Factories use state-of-the-art computerized equipment, so materials must be of the highest grade to move through the system smoothly. Materials are inspected to ensure quality, so suppliers know they need to provide a consistent product that meets manufacturer standards. Weather also plays an important role in quality, because materials exposed to the weather lose strength and durability. Lumber will crack, bend or warp when left outside in the rain, causing squeaky, uneven floors and wall cracks. Poor workmanship from contractors working in adverse conditions is also avoided. These long-term negative effects, introduced during construction of a site-built home, simply do not exist when homes are built in a controlled environment.

The third major advantage to System Built construction is reduced cost. Home prices in recent years have soared, outpacing wage increases while families see more single-parent households and increased health care costs. In many areas, teachers, firefighters and police officers can't afford to live in the communities where they work. Homeownership is the most important investment a person will make. System Built construction is typically 5-20% cheaper than traditional site-built homes.