In the heart of New England, the housing market is bustling with a blend of modular and manufactured homes. Over the past two days, I’ve embarked on a fascinating journey, today visiting builders and dealers, to understand their expectations and experiences within the offsite housing industry.
My tour revealed a mix of product offerings. One builder specialized in modular and panelized homes but steered clear of HUD code-manufactured products. In contrast, the others provided a mix of both modular and manufactured homes, with each leaning more heavily towards one type. Despite their different product lines, they all shared a common joy: the transformative experience of helping customers realize that owning a home is within their reach. Witnessing the journey from doubt to homeownership—and ultimately handing over the keys to a brand new home—brings them immense satisfaction.
However, the builders also voiced some challenges. A notable one is the unpredictability of quality. Even the best factories can suddenly shift from delivering great homes to releasing a batch plagued with issues. This inconsistency is a significant headache for builders committed to customer satisfaction.
Display villages were prominent features for the builders dealing in both manufactured homes and modular units. These setups not only showcased their commitment to quality but also visibly distinguished them as top-tier providers in the industry.
Attitudes towards collaboration varied among the builders. One preferred to remain isolated, focusing solely on their internal strategies without outside influence. Another expressed interest in attending more industry shows and conferences, albeit with reservations about sharing their business tactics. Meanwhile, the third builder actively engaged with peers nationwide, a strategy that they attributed as a key component of their success.
The dialogue often returned to the relationships between builders and factories. One builder, who favored modular homes, praised their factory’s consistent quality. This reliance on a single brand has built a familiar expectation of excellence. However, all builders shared experiences of feeling undervalued by some factories, leading them to sever ties with those who stopped responding to their needs and took their business for granted.
As my journey through New England’s housing landscape continues, it raises an important question for the industry: how can factories foster a more supportive and responsive relationship with builders, ensuring they feel valued and not just another client on the books? This ongoing conversation is crucial for the advancement and health of the offsite housing industry.
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Gary Fleisher is a renowned blogger and commentator on construction and housing trends, known for his insightful analysis of the industry.
