Almost everyone is aware that modular homes are, on average, more energy efficient than stick-built homes. But some people point to the fact that the modules have to be driven via large, flatbed trucks to the final location as a reason why modular construction might not be as green as one might think.

It’s a valid point, but the shocking fact is – shocking even to some of us in the modular industry – that modular construction uses just 10 percent of the vehicle movements that stick built construction does. You heard that right. Even though these homes are transported on truck, modular homes rack up just a fraction of the mileage that the traditional construction process does.

It’s just another example of how modular really is the greener option.

Our very own director of architectural design and innovation, Steven Saffell, was interviewed recently for an article in EcoHome magazine about, well, design. More specifically, the article focused on how homeowners can make small spaces appear larger (echoing the trend reported earlier this month on Modular Musings about the rising popularity of smaller homes).

Below are few examples of Steven’s advice from the article. To read the article in its entirety, visit this website. (The link to the article on the EcoHome site was removed, but we were able to find it elsewhere.)

• Daylighting goes beyond installing extra traditional windows with typical views. Something as simple as installing a ribbon of windows above or below kitchen cabinets can help to brighten up the space and make it feel larger.

• Excel Homes is incorporating “visually-connected room dividers,” a more stylish twist on the passé half wall. These include two-sided fireplaces between the kitchen and living room or built-in bookcases with see-through glass backs

• Stagnant air can make a home feel tight. Design for air movement, including clerestory windows and interior transoms.

Imagine looking at a traditional two-story home through the lens of a child’s kaleidoscope. As you twist the lens, the home starts to transform. What was ground is now at roof level. What used to be a single recognizable component is now fractured into multiple pieces. This architectural perspective was the inspiration for the design of Excel Homes’ “Kaleidoscope” custom home.

Set on a typical flat lot, or one that gently slopes to the rear, this home focuses on a sunken courtyard and a rear, south facing veranda. These indoor/outdoor spaces expand the home’s livable space, and create secure, shaded areas that enhance its passive cooling design. A two-story water feature helps to keep the home cool as air is pulled naturally from the sunken courtyard up the open stairs and out the upper level windows.

This home also focuses on those who will live and grow within it. A private second master suite with private entrances and a bathroom that meets ADA standards allows for a secluded getaway and helps to maintain independence for the home’s older residents. Additionally, an accessible ramp, elevator and wide circulation paths allow for ease of movement by all.

Green design helps to ensure a healthy environment both indoors and out for the family and the remaining 7 billion inhabitants of the world. But sustainable or green building involves more than simply adding a low-flow faucet or installing ENERGY STAR rated appliances, and the Kaleidoscope home takes this concept to a new level. Integrated solar panels, a green roof, gray water systems, long lasting eco-friendly materials, energy monitoring devices and modular construction combine with the more common green finish materials to produce a home that is not only sustainable by  design, but also a pleasure to live in.

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We’ve talked in the past about how modular construction is stronger and more durable than stick-built construction. A big reason for that is the extra materials that go into making a modular home (yet we’re able to use fewer materials overall and keep costs down because we produce less waste material). These added braces and stronger joints are in place mainly to reinforce the structure during its ride on the truck on the way to its final location.

But this method also makes modular homes more durable during hurricanes and other natural disasters. In December 1992, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conducted a study of buildings and homes in the wake of Hurricane Andrew. The report was called “Building Performance: Hurricane Andrew in Florida.”

Below is an excerpt from the report that sheds some light on the findings in favor of modular construction, along with a graphic:

“Overall, relatively minimal structural damage was noted in modular housing developments. The module-to-module combination of the units appears to have provided an inherently rigid system that performed much better than conventional residential framing.”

Good news for millions of prospective home buyers who weren’t able to seal the deal on a new home in 2009 – the $8,000 first time homebuyer’s tax credit has been extended. Then again, if you’re a first time homebuyer, you probably already knew that.

President Obama signed the bill on Friday, which includes two key changes to last year’s tax credit bill, including:

• An increase in the earning limit for eligible couples to $225,000 (a $55,000 increase over the existing bill)
• A $6,500 tax credit for current homeowners available to those who have lived in their current residence for at least five years

The extension expires on April 30, 2010, with the stipulation that buyers must have a sales contract by that date and must close on the home within 60 days. First time homebuyers who have already started the process and are due to close on a home after the current credit expires on November 30 will still be eligible for the new credit.

Overall, the tax credit seems to be working, and is predicted to spur even more housing sales now that it’s been expanded to current homeowners. Under the existing credit, the National Association of Realtors reported that sales were up 9.4 percent in September 2009 (5.57 million units), a 9.2 percent increase over September 2008.