Brief synopsis taken from Seminar from Dr. Nabil Taha, structural engineer:

Many believe that lower cost is the main reason to build modular, but surprisingly, lower cost is only a secondary consideration.

1. Superior Quality is the main reason
2. followed by Quicker Building Time,
3. then Fixed Costs.

Five good reasons to build a modular home:

• Modular homes are built from the best quality lumber and are protected in a factory controlled environment. (in contract, on-site houses are typically built from average quality lumber and are open to rain and/or snow during construction, which can cause wood to warp or swell leading to a lifetime of structural and mold problems.)
• Factories offer skilled craftsmen steady employment and benefits, resulting in a consistent skilled labor force. You will have no worries about delays relating to inexperienced or tardy laborers
• With additional insulation and precision craftsmanship, modular homes can be significantly more energy efficient. Your utility bills can be far cheaper than your neighbors and save you more money in years to come.
• Factory inspections cover every construction detail of a modular home, which are built to the strictest codes (IBC and IRC).
• Faster use. You can choose a brand new inventory home that is already built and move in on your land in a matter of weeks.

Additional benefits from building modular:

• Faster Loan approvals
• Less costly design and engineering
• Guaranteed price
• Potentially better return on investment

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Seminar: Building Green: Making Your Home More Energy Efficient

Join Design Forward's Lisa Swan in Glendale on February 7, 2009 for a Building Green seminar for home owners.

Class Description: Whether you are interested in a new house, remodeling your existing home, or just adding a few sustainable features, this innovative class will give you an in depth review of green building and sustainable architecture. Learn about solar and wind energy, wall systems such as straw bale, insulated concrete forms and foam insulation, natural and recycled materials, efficient windows and appliances, and more. Also learn how you can save money through State and local rebates.
Reference Class: SI011

Instructor: Lisa Swan is the owner of Design Forward, a residential design firm, specializing in sustainable and green projects. She is an Honors' graduate of the Illinois Institute of Technology, with a Bachelor of Architecture and has an MBA from Norwich University.

Date & Time: February 7, 2009 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Cost: $35, plus $10 materials fee is payable to the instructor in class.

Location: Glendale, CA - Garfield Campus of the Glendale Community College, Room 120

Register Now: http://www.glendale.edu/cse

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