MODULAR homes, which are manufactured in a factory and then delivered to a building site and assembled there, are nothing new on Long Island.
They worked closely with their builders, Michael V. Buzzeo and Edward A. Sandor of Modular and More, in Stamford, Conn., and with Haven Homes, in Beech Creek, Pa., which manufactured their modular home.
The Lockwoods contacted the company, which suggested they see Bill Gallagher, the owner of Gallagher's, modular home builders in Spring Lake Heights, N.J.
WHILE there are scores of modular home manufacturers for consumers to choose among, the same cannot be said for modular home lenders.
"Twenty years ago, the modular home industry probably deserved its 'cookie cutter' reputation," said Fred Hallahan, principal of Hallahan Associates, a Baltimore-based consultant to the modular home industry.
"The man who owns the lot next door says now he wants a modular home".
He added, however, that a significant proportion of upscale modular home construction seems to be taking place in the Northeast, where there were about 9,600 modular homes built last year.
In some cases, Mr. Hallahan said, a builder will customize the modular home by "stick building" decks, porches, garages or breezeways.
"There are a number of things to keep in mind when you're designing a modular home," Mr. Shuey said.
Gina and Bart Breakstone, who live in Fairfield County, Conn., just put up a three-story, 6,400-square-foot modular home.
