Modular Construction – Why the Popularity?

I’m sharing some insights into why modular construction has become an increasingly popular choice for homeowners on Nantucket. I recently interviewed David Pekarcik, a local builder who has done over 200 modular houses and house sets on the island, to understand the process and the benefits. David has worked with Huntington Homes Inc. since 2010, one of the leading module suppliers on Nantucket for the past three decades. Other notable companies serving the island include Dreamline Modular Homes and Avalon Building Systems.

Where would one start with modular home construction?

If you own land or plan to tear down your existing home for a new build, the first step is to obtain a land survey, which will consider lot specifics and zoning requirements. Next, if you’re financing, consult your trusted lender about construction loan products and their terms. Modular companies can also recommend banks or lenders they regularly work with. With the survey in hand, contact a modular company to discuss the next steps. You can use your own architect, work with the modular company’s design team to come up with the floor plans, or select one of their stock floor plans.

Why the popularity?

Modular homes are popular due to their cost- and time-efficiency. Modular companies achieve this by constructing the home’s core in a controlled factory environment, minimizing delays from weather or scheduling conflicts. This process typically offers significant time and cost savings compared to traditional stick-built homes.

What is the price per square foot in modular construction?

Pricing varies based on specifications. According to Huntington Homes, standard modular components cost roughly $120-$180 per square foot for the modular portion of the work only. The higher end of this range applies to more complex designs or remote delivery sites like the islands.

What services are not included?

While some modular companies may not include services like excavation, foundation, interior trim, or barge transport, others might offer a portion of these as add-ons. Homeowners should clarify these details directly with their chosen modular company.

How do the modular boxes get delivered to the island?

Modular house deliveries to Nantucket are restricted to the off-season, primarily from September 15th to June 1st. Modular companies put the modules on the barge to deliver them to the island. Huntington Homes also offers a “Modules with Set Crew” package, where they supply the module components for the project, and the homeowner works with a local GC for all site work and the “button-up” phase.

What is the typical timeline from start to finish?

The factory portion of modular construction can be completed very quickly, sometimes in a matter of days under ideal conditions. However, including design, permitting, site work, foundation, module installation, and finishing, Huntington Homes’ typical end-to-end schedule for many projects under their “Modules with Set Crew” model ranges from 5 to 9 months. It’s also important to factor in island-specific considerations, such as weather, HDC (Historic District Commission) approvals and permitting, site preparation, and coordination with local contractors, which can affect the overall timeline.

Can modular homes be customized?

Yes, modular homes are largely customizable. You can personalize elements such as windows, doors, interior and exterior finishes, and upgrade options like hardwood flooring, bathroom and kitchen tile, and countertop materials. Factories can complete most finish elements, including mechanical rough-ins, cabinetry, windows, and trim, before shipping the modules. 

Do modular homes comply with the State Energy Code?

Yes, modular homes fully comply with the Massachusetts Energy Code. They are built to be weather-tight, meeting or exceeding the same energy standards as any new stick-built homes. Homes undergo two inspections: a preliminary HERS rating is done at the factory, and a final blower door test is done when the home is completed. 

If you are considering building a modular home on Nantucket and have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me. I would be happy to connect you with reputable General Contractors who specialize in modular construction on the island.

For more Nantucket stories visit our blog at Fisher Real Estate.