Inspiration

Is Modular Home Building Our “New Normal?”

After nearly two years, our global public health crisis has confirmed the urgent demand for a new, more reliable way of building. With on-site construction sectors coming to a drastic halt due to stay-at-home orders, material shortages, and labor inefficiency, the industry stands in a unique position when gauging the future. Although it would be naive to declare that the COVID-19 pandemic has single-handedly changed the construction sector forever, at River Valley Builders, it has given a glimpse of what is possible when unprecedented matters provide significant, time-dependent challenges. Throughout this difficult time, construction has played a critical role in our nation’s recovery, from the building of hospitals in a matter of days to donating lifesaving equipment. Now, as building sites all over the world gradually re-open after lockdown, it’s becoming increasingly clear that construction will continue to shift off-site after COVID-19.

One positive economic side-effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a decrease in the amount of greenhouse gases and other pollutants due to reduced levels of industrial activity. This ties to one of the biggest emerging trends pre-pandemic, from a housebuilding and environmental perspective—the rise of Modern Methods of Construction (MMCs), which inevitably includes modular home building. At River Valley Builders, sustainability and efficiency matter to us and our customers. Our modular homes are built with quality and consistency from the factory to your lot. Building in controlled environments makes even more sense in a world that requires close management of the movement and interaction or workforces. Such rationale further strengthens the case for off-site construction, beyond the existing value and speed benefits. River Valley Builders construction’s energy efficiency, streamlined process, quality control, and well-built final product make it a wise option to consider when you’re in the market for a new residential or commercial building.

As demand for high-quality housing is continuing to rise post-lockdown, especially in cities, the question continues: how do we move forward in an efficient, sustainable, and environmentally sound way? Our answer is: the future is modular. We expect to see contractors gradually push construction off-site and join us in expanding their range of prefabricated assemblies. MMCs provide a neat solution to the speedy delivery of high-quality, affordable housing demand whilst addressing ongoing environmental concerns. At River Valley Builders, our building process is fast and efficient to reduce the environmental impact per building. Due to technology efficiency and waste control, we save on labor, time, and materials without sacrificing quality. If you want to learn all the facts and more about our modular homes, schedule a consultation with our team! Our designers are more than happy to assist you throughout the process and teach you more about River Valley Builders – Susquehanna Valley’s Premiere Modular Home Builders. Call us today at 570.374.7823.

3 Popular Modular Home Myths

Throughout the evolution of modular home building, stigmas continue to circulate around the quality they bring to the customer. While there are plenty of assumptions made regarding modular construction, River Valley Builders is here to help you learn and retain the facts. Here are the Top Three Modular Home Myths that we’re putting to rest:

  1. Modular Homes are “Cheap”— While building modular is typically more cost-effective and efficient, that by no means reduces the quality of the building materials or the overall construct of the home. In fact, modular homes are built with the same firm, durable materials as any stick-build home – the only difference is that they’re built in a weather-controlled environment rather than on-site. At River Valley Builders, our modular home building process is very straightforward. Our modular homes are built with quality and consistency from the factory to your lot. You can rest assured that our building materials meet the highest standards, and our quality assurance process is the best in the business.
  2. All Modular Homes Look the Same— Unfortunately, many people picture small, cookie-cutter homes after hearing the word “modular,” but this couldn’t be further from the truth. While River Valley Builders offer sample floorplan designs to inspire customers, in no way is that inhibiting their creativity to customize! Our team takes the time to establish exactly what plan is best for our customers based on their preferences, and when customization is needed, that’s not a problem. We work with you to achieve your dream house vision with no limits to customization, the highest quality building materials, and an in-house design team at your disposal. From concept to creation—our team is built to serve!
  3. Modular Home Construction Isn’t as Reliable as Stick-Built Construction— We saved the biggest myth for last, as many homeowners worry about a modular home’s integrity versus stick-built construction. Let us break it down for you: stick-built homes are 100% built on-site, while modular homes are built off-site and then assembled on your land. The reason modular home construction is completed off-site is so our builders don’t experience delays or setbacks in the building process. This means faster turnaround times, and a simple building timeline for our customers to follow. Understandably, some homeowners still lend concern that modular homes can’t live up to the natural wear and tear that all houses’ face. However, a modular home is, without a doubt, durable and reliable enough to last. What many people forget is that modular homes are built durable enough to withstand highway distribution from our factory to your building site, which should not be taken lightly. At River Valley Builders, we design and construct all our homes to last, so you and your family can enjoy your home for a lifetime.

If you want to learn all the facts and more about our modular homes, schedule a consultation with our team! Our designers are more than happy to assist you throughout the process and teach you more about River Valley Builders – Susquehanna Valley’s Premiere Modular Home Builders. Call us today at 570.374.7823.

Why Modular Construction is Superior in Today’s Society

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned property owner, River Valley Builder’s modular homes or “module” homes offer unique design and lasting quality for a competitive price. You may be wondering, why go modular? But the fact of the matter is, cost of modular homes vs. site-built homes can be as much as 15% less expensive in the market today. This does not warrant the long-lasting value provided, however.

Contrary to popular misconception, due to improvements in manufacturing, modular homes have no design limitations and truly stand equal with stick-based homes in terms of quality. Our modular homes are constructed in climate-controlled factory settings with raw materials assembled on site, section-by-section, by our master craftsmen. Rather than being built on site, each section is built separately in our weather-proof environment before being shipped to the site for final assembly. So, in other words, the cost-efficient price is due to the preservation of materials and technology efficiency, not lack of stability or standard. In fact, modular homes are generally stronger because each module is engineered to independently withstand the rigors of transportation and craning into foundations.

While building modular may still carry a stigma, we take assurance that each home we build is secure and structurally sound. No matter the climate season, our building materials meet the highest standards, and once assembled, are virtually indistinguishable from their site-built counterparts. Intrigued? Call us today at 570.374.7823 to unlock innovative, efficient, cost-effective construction that’s bound to exceed your expectations.

Build Green with Modular Homes

At River Valley Builders sustainability matters – we understand the importance of utilizing the highest-quality materials in each home we build but strive to do so using the most environmentally-friendly approach possible. In this day in age, when building or buying a home there are a countless number of options when choosing to “go green.” From minimizing your utility bills with solar energy to reducing your carbon footprint with recycling materials—the list goes on and building modular stands tall with its competitors, deeming more cost-effective and efficient than conventional construction.

Here are 3 Ways Modular Construction is Greener for YOU and the Planet:

  1. Tighter Construction = More Energy Efficient

Say goodbye to loose leaks and drafts – with River Valley Builders strict building practices and expert construction teams, our modular homes are built with efficient use of insulation and precise, tightly sealed framing to regulate comfortable temperatures throughout every room. This not only makes our homes more efficient, but also saves you money.

  • Less Wasted Materials

Waste control is one of the greatest benefits of modular construction. Due to our specific floorplan measurements, we know exactly what materials are needed and prepare accordingly to meet those requirements. This causes a decrease in excess and wasted jobsite materials. In fact, because our homes are built in factory, recycling unused materials from project to project is easier than ever before. So, if and when unused materials arise, our centralized construction site allows us to remain resourceful in areas where traditional construction typically burdens landfill space.

  • Technology Efficiency

Building a home requires a lot of energy, which is released in the form of CO2 and other emissions into the air. However, because construction of modular buildings occurs simultaneously with site work, projects can be completed in half the time of traditional construction. At River Valley Builders, our building process is fast and efficient to reduce the environmental impact per building. Due to technology efficiency, we save on labor and time without sacrificing quality.

Planet Earth is everyone’s home, and River Valley Builders is doing their part in preserving that. Contact us today at 570.374.7823 or info@rivervalleybuild.com to find a sustainable modular home that is perfect for you and the environment.

Choosing New Appliances for a Modular Home

There is a large amount of preliminary planning that is involved with building a modular home. One of the plus sides to this is that you are less susceptible to unforeseen and costly changes. However, it can often be difficult planning for everything, especially something as minor as home appliances. Fortunately, our team at River Valley Builders has a list of things to keep in mind when preparing for your future modular home.

Size Requirements

The range of options for appliances is greater than it has ever been. Manufacturers are constantly coming up with different ways to change and improve products, which often changes the size of the product. Your modular plan will provide enough space for a standard sized appliance, but if you are planning for a taller, wider, or deeper appliance, you need to make your manufacturer aware.

To avoid any issues with size requirements, you can always shop for your home appliances before you sign off on the manufacturers plan. This way, you will be able to know the exact measurements that are required, including electrical and gas hook-ups.

Another way to avoid this issue is to have your manufacturer inform you of the standard space and hook-ups that will be provided. This will give you more time to find appliances that will fit perfectly into your modular floor plan.

Easy Access

Something else to consider when choosing appliances is accessibility. Make sure they are in a place where they can be easily utilized. For example, if you have a small area for laundry, a stackable washer and dryer are a good option to save space. If you are using a front loading washer and dryer, make sure there is enough space in front to open the doors.

For more information about new home appliances for your modular home, contact our team at River Valley Builders.

Details matter in your home design

As you plan for your new home, there are countless details to take into consideration. Some things, like your kitchen cabinets or number of bedrooms, often come to mind. However, there are other specifics that could make your life easier after you move into your new home. Planning the location of your electrical outlets, for example, can make a big difference.

The holiday season is here, which means plenty of decorations that need to be plugged into electrical outlets. Have you ever set up all of your holiday lights, and then realized you did not have a place to plug them in? When building your modular home, keep in mind where you will want your outlets located for all of your special purposes. Here are a few places to keep in mind.

Where to locate your outlets:

  • Under windows: Many homeowners enjoy putting candles in their windows, so having an outlet under each window will climate the use of extension cords and excess wires.
  • Top of the stairwell: If you want to put lighted garland up the railing, make sure to include an outlet in the upstairs hallway.
  • Living/family room: Your electrical plan will have outlets in the living/family room for a TV and lamps, but may not have one for your ideal Christmas tree spot. Placing multiple outlets around the room will give you many different options for where to place your tree.
  • Outside: Aside from the outdoor lights, including extra outlets outdoors will make it easier for other decorations such as inflatables.

Before constructing your modular home, make sure to decide whether there are any other places you should add additional outlets. Extra outlets in an office and garage will make it much easier to plug in all of your different gadgets. Floor outlets can also be beneficial if you will not be placing your furniture along a wall and need a space to power lamps.

Contact our team at River Valley Builders for more information about your electrical plan layout for your future modular home.

Why Choose Modular This Winter Season?

Winter is right around the corner, but the unpredictable weather will not stop River Valley Builders from building our beautiful, quality modular homes. While most traditional builders are taking a break, we will be hard at work. Thinking about planning for your new home? Here are three reasons why a modular home is the best choice for this winter season.

Avoid the Damaging Weather.

The most obvious, but important, reason for building a modular home in the winter is that our process is done indoors, therefore avoiding potentially damaging weather. Despite the cold and snow, your home will be safely completed in our facility. Wet and changing temperatures do not mix well with untreated wood, and can be very damaging to homes constructed in these conditions. When you choose River Valley Builders, you can rest assured that your home will be prepared indoors and away from the harmful weather.

Be at the top of the list.

Finding a contractor who is not already fully booked during the warmer months can be very difficult. By using our team at River Valley Builders during the winter, you have the opportunity to bypass others who could have been before you in the production process; meaning no wait time!

Get ahead of the game.

Our crew is able to work all year round to give you the best quality modular homes. You can be assured that your home will be protected from any weather condition, and will be completed much faster than a traditionally built home. Constructing your home during the winter months will allow you to get a head start so you will be able to enjoy your brand-new space during the warm spring months.

Contact our team at River Valley Builders to build your home this winter season!

Eco-Conscious Customers are at Home with River Valley Builders

Today’s home buyers are seeking out eco-friendly homes in addition to their other efforts to go green including energy efficient appliances, hybrid cars, energy efficient lighting, and recycling. They are even willing to sacrifice square footage in order to use less building materials and have a home that consumes less energy. Our team at River Valley Builders keeps every build environmentally friendly, and can help you choose a floorplan to do your part for the environment.

Recycling Materials

Our team exhausts every effort to keep our homes safe for the environment. We know exactly what materials are needed for our floorplans, reducing the amount of waste materials. We also use less energy during construction because our homes are built quickly within our factory. Our building process makes it easier to recycle unused materials as compared to traditional on-site built homes, which can often involve a lot of waste materials not being properly recycled. Our leftover materials aren’t exposed to the elements which can cause damage. Therefore they can be recycled for future homes.

Energy Efficient

Our building process gives you the ability to make your new home energy efficient. This enhanced efficiency in manufactured homes is achieved with upgraded levels of insulation and more efficient heating and cooling systems. Not only are these efforts better for the environment, but they also provide another source of savings for homeowners in this era of rising energy costs. Smart buyers are also turning to EnergyStar-labeled manufactured homes for substantial savings in many aspects of their home. You can be sure that a modular home from River Valley Builders will not only be your dream home, but will be energy and cost-effective as well.

Our modular homes are highly customizable, offering a wide variety of floorplans and amenities to be as friendly for the environment as possible. Contact us today at River Valley Builders to find a sustainable modular home that is perfect for you and the environment.

Single-Story Ranch Plans: A Homeowner’s Dream Come True

More and more homeowners are falling in love with River Valley Builders’ collection of ranch style house plans. Our open layouts and versatile plans open the door to countless opportunities for customization.

One of our most popular ranch home plans is the Charles, which we selected as the plan for our model home. Stop by at 10 Paramount Road in Selinsgrove to view this amazing plan with lots of upgrades including custom tile master bath, quartz counter tops, hardwood flooring, exterior stonework, and so much more! You have to see it to believe it! Can’t stop by, no problem! We invite you to take a virtual tour of Charles. Experience the true beauty of modular as you ‘walk through’ the Charles floorplan.

We offer various other ranch style house plans. Let’s take a look at Pine Grove, a beautifully spacious ranch style home. Oftentimes our customers have the misconception that ranch homes are small with basic layouts and amenities. That couldn’t be further from the truth! In fact, many of our ranch homes are actually larger than traditional two-story homes. Pine Grove has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and plenty of space to gather together in the large living room that leads into the dining room/kitchen. An open dining/kitchen area matches a large living room, adding a sense of openness. The master bedroom also has an en suite bathroom and two walk-in-closets! The attractively sophisticated Pine Grove has a floorplan that wastes no space

                     

 

Another ranch style home with an open floorplan is Glen Oak. This space is an eye catching four-bedroom three-bathroom home that’s perfect for a family. With a sizable living room opening up into the kitchen and dining room, it is a wonderful space to relax and spend time together. Other amenities include a walk in closet, utility room, and the option to attach a garage.

                            

 

Contact us today at River Valley Builders to find a ranch style house that is perfect for you. We offer hundreds of customization options to help your build your own ranch home!

 

The Versatility and Value of Modular.

At River Valley Builders, we’ve seen a shift in what many new homeowners need and want. Thanks to our diverse floorplan offerings and ability to customize every step of the way, we are able to deliver precisely what our customers look for in a new home.

In fact, we have seen more and more younger individuals and couples seek out smaller, more modest designs. One great floorplan is Independence III. It is a single story home with three bedrooms and one bathroom. The 955 square foot has everything a small family would want! This home features a covered porch, a fireplace, and a garage. This home is a perfect example of a more modest design that still includes many luxuries.

Another home with a more modest design is Barclay. Barclay is a beautiful and simplistic home. This 1,315 square foot home offers maximum convenience with three bedrooms and three bathrooms. This home also has a small front porch and a fireplace. Though it may be compact, it is extremely efficient.

These more modest designs typically offer the same amenities that some of our larger floor plans offer, just a little more compact. Younger generations are becoming more and more inclined to reduce their carbon footprint, which is why a modular home is already a great option. However, choosing a more compact design requires less building materials, less space to heat and cool, and uses less electricity. If you are interested in learning more benefits of choosing a modular home, check out our blog post The Benefits of Choosing a Modular Home.

We offer various different floorplans ranging from more modest to more elaborate designs. No matter what size home you are searching floor, our team at River Valley Builders is here to design your dream home! Contact us today to get started!