When most people think “modular” they think “prefab”, “temporary”, “mobile home”, “trailer” and a few other words or ideas that just aren’t quite accurate. The term “modular” is broad and covers many things including some of what I just mentioned, but it’s also much more than short-term mobile structures.  Here at DeLuxe, modular is defined as a building process that produces strong, permanent buildings that can be built as high as 12 stories. There are quite a few myths and misconceptions about modular construction that we enjoy debunking; I’ve listed a few here:

1. Modular=temporary. Not necessarily. Modular construction is utilized for a variety of structures including temporary classrooms and shelters, but it’s also used to build multi-story additions and new buildings on a permanent foundation. This is how we build here at DeLuxe…our buildings are built to last.
2. Modular=mobile or manufactured. There is in fact, a significant difference between modular homes or buildings, and mobile homes. Mobile homes are not built to meet any state or local building code. Mobile homes also include wheels, axels and a chassis; the latter usually remains on the mobile home permanently. Modular buildings however, are built offsite, to code, and then installed on permanent foundations.
3. Modular=residential homes. While modular construction methods are indeed used to build wood-framed residential homes, the same methods can be applied in the construction of multi-story steel-framed residential buildings including hotels, student housing, apartments, condominiums and senior housing. 
4. Modular=reduced quality.  In fact, building utilizing a steel-framed modular system will give you an inherently stronger, more stable structure. Brand-name materials are also often used in the construction of modular buildings, and are warehoused and protected from the elements, unlike traditional construction, in which elements are often exposed throughout the build process. Additionally, DeLuxe takes quality standards very seriously. Our buildings are continually inspected throughout the production process by both internal quality personnel, and independent third-party inspectors.

Many of the myths that are associated with modular construction are just that – old myths. Technological advances in the modular or offsite construction process have made the building method the choice of many project owners, developers, and architects for multi-story buildings. You can view some of DeLuxe’s completed modular projects (including hotels, student housing, and apartments) here and see what modular really is…and isn’t. 

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