Book Description
This is the only book that gives homeowners who are dreaming about building or planning to build a new home the good and the bad on all types of prefabricated houses. Shows that prefabricated can be mainstream traditional design and does not have to look like a mobile home or a modular "Dwell" box.
Prefabulous describes the many systems available for prefabricating all or parts of a new home, including timber frame and log, as well as modular, panelized, structural insulated panels, steel framing and concrete systems, which are relatively new. Prefabulous describes these systems, compares their advantages and disadvantages, and shows beautiful examples of houses built using these techniques. Although all of these "prefabricated" houses look very different, all of them were manufactured partially or almost completely in a controlled factory environment and transported to the home site to be erected. As a group these systems offer a faster, more energy-efficient, and sometimes more cost-efficient method of building.
Includes a foreword by Not So Big House author Sarah Susanka, who writes: "For homeowners who want to know the options, the advantages and disadvantages of those options, and to see how those prefabricated parts come together into a good, attractive home, read this book."
Customer Reviews:
Prefabulous.......2007-09-20
Very informative book. A must read for anyone thinking of building an upscale prefab house.
Fabulous is right!.......2007-08-24
Sheri Koones has done another remarkable job showing the benefits and cusomization capabilities of systems-built homes. The press has made 'pre-fab' a common term over the last few years, and this book helps to showcase the many types of quality, code-compliant, factory built homes. As Executive Director of the Building Systems Councils at the National Association of Home Builders, I know many of our members own copies of this book and are proud to see systems-built homes get the recognition they deserve for being such great ways to build. The book is extremely well done, outlining the types, options, floorplans, and design choices of systems-built homes. There is no other book like it.
Long on promise, short on substance.......2007-08-23
I purchased this book along with another book about "modular" homes by the same author titled "Modular Mansions". I am terribly disappointed by both the books and I am leaving this same exact review for the other book as well.
The book is nothing more than pretty pictures. It offers very little in substance. While the book does profile several large houses constructed in a modular fashion, the author seem to have neither the inclination nor the construction background to discuss the meat and potatoes issues. The book is sprinkled with platitudes and how various home owners chose to decorate their homes. I would have liked to see discussions about how the actual construction was accomplished, what the pitfalls have been, some rudimentary floor plans etc. An in-depth profile of at least one of the houses including perhaps a sit-down with the architect as to how the pieces fit together would have been better than the sheer fluff that fills the pages.
It seems the author was exposed to the modular way of building homes rather by accident and while she seems genuinely enthusiastic about this method, she does not possess proper education/training/experience to guide a reader properly. Instead, she chose to produce this coffee table book that is pretty to look at but offers little else. I was suckered by the promise of modular homes into ordering both the "coffee table" books by this author at the same time and both are equally disappointing.
Modular type of construction does offer some promise in very specific cases for an educated home owner/builder that can take advantage of the efficiencies of this method while avoiding the various pitfalls. But do not buy these books expecting to be educated. You are better of researching somewhere else where true professionals offer advice in this area.
Extraordinary Approach To Housing.......2007-07-23
I had no idea factory built homes existed at anything close to this level of detail, craftsmanship, beauty, variety, durability and more.
This is an excellent book which incorporates all the major types of factory built homes outside of manufactured homes and mobile homes. I now have an entirely new perspective on the current and future state of housing in our country, especially here in Miami, Florida.
As a result of this tremendous "discovery," I am putting together a team of dedicated professionals to assess the viability of the construction applications (residential, commercial and otherwise) featured in this book for the South Florida market.
Every one of my colleagues, friends, family and others have been absolutely amazed at the contents of this book.
You will not be disappointed with this outstanding piece of work even if you employ its use for educational or edification purposes only, or just as a conversation piece for your coffee table.
FAB.......2007-06-08
This book is very helpful in learning about the different choices you have for building. Worth buying if you are looking for something besides standard stick built house.
Book Description
Home buyers and house architects agree: the most exciting things on the housing market today are modular homes. They can be built and reach move-in condition in just a few weeks, and they offer a host of customizing possibilities.
Now Andy Gianino, founder and president of The Home Store, the largest dealer of modular homes in the Northeast, has written a comprehensive handbook for prospective modular home buyers. The book is packed with everything you need to know about buying and building a modular home--or a modular addition to your existing home.
Gianino dispels the misconceptions about the limitations of modular homes and shows potential buyers that a modular home can be as good as, if not better than, houses built with traditional stick-frame construction. Then he gets down to the nitty-gritty: choosing a dealer, working with a general contractor, selecting a floor plan, choosing the customized details, even planning the landscaping around the house. Throughout the book the emphasis is on top-quality materials and cost-effective measures to ensure that the buyer gets their dream home at a great price. What's more, this book is equally useful for anyone already in the modular business or looking to get in as a dealer, manufacturer, designer, or specialized general contractor.
Illustrated throughout with a 16-page fullcolor insert, plus a host of house plans, The Modular Home shows home buyers how going modular can expand their choices, save time, save money, and prove to be more durable than conventionally-built houses.
Customer Reviews:
Very good resource.......2007-05-02
This is a useful book on modular building with lots of practical advice.
a minor point, but nonetheless..........2007-01-22
Before there were modular homes, there were Sears kit homes (which were pre-cut, NOT prefab). And while I was gladdened to see that Sears kit homes got an honorable mention in "The Modular Home", I was disappointed to see an erroneous fact.
Sears did NOT sell 100,000 of their kit homes, as is mentioned on page eight, but less than 75,000. And of these 75,000 (or less), many have already been torn down or ruined through insensitive remodeling.
All that aside, I do believe that modular homes are the wave of the future. And Sears (and others) started that trend in the early 1900s with their pre-fabricated Simplex Sectionals (very different from their pre-cut homes). These Simplex Sections were sold and shipped in sections, to be bolted together at the job site.
Rose Thornton
author, The Houses That Sears Built
The Modular Home.......2007-01-15
I bought the book for my husband for a Christmas present. He is raving about the book, telling me how useful it is in planning for our retirement home, to be built in the near future. He reads parts of it to me as he finds especially good ideas. He plans to re-read and make notes for future use. It is one of the best Christmas gifts I have given him, and will be invaluable in dealing with the people and materials involved in assembling our future home.
not for me.......2007-01-10
It is hard to judge from the description, but the book is mostly about "old school" modular homes -- no edgy designs, no new technologies, etc. Given how much new and exciting developments there have been in the pre-fab space recently, this book seems quite dated
Modular Works - Even in CA.......2006-07-23
Hi. I highly recommend this book and more than just a passing comment, I have developed a personal home in coastal CA and there is no resource as complete. There is still so much misinformation out there it aggravates me sometimes - "But most stick builders are not using open faced floor joists and glued drywall. Is that a better way of building or a huge savings in material and labor costs? My feeling is that it's merely a cost savings, and not really a revolutionary way to build.?
Take it from an engineering dropout, my home and many manufacturers are building a more solid house than I see on many jobsites. (So roof trusses are then "open faced" but somehow support roof tiles/snow load, glue disperses a load across full length of a wall beam instead of all load hanging on a nail head above/below the next nail.) Like anything, your house will only be as good as company building it. Big corporate builders use these techniques and some even use modules in finished homes, unbeknownst to buyer (and a modular falls under "system built" housing, similar to incorporated wall panels/roof trusses). US has some catching up to do in modular, especially CA, and yes there IS a LOT of HUD-code "manufactured" homes being passed off as modular or "on-frame" modular (that is UBC-code but won't pass mustard with many lenders) being pushed onto those not aware.
It is a maze, I've been there and live in a very unique modular in coastal CA and you wouldn't believe me if I told you what my appraisals are shortly after my building it. Hands down, best financial decision for my family and instant equity. If interested, feel free to drop me an e-mail as I'm happy to share info to help others. Also read Modular Mansions if you haven't already.
Customer Reviews:
Great SIPs Primer.......2007-08-23
Excellent overview of SIPs construction basics and techniques. Author explains in ordinary terms so any layman can understand. Anyone considering SIPs construction should buy this book. It would be nice if a newer version (this one is 2002)were available to discuss the latest products.
Arguing for the Technology.......2007-01-13
Good book to explain the fundamentals and ideas behind why Structural Insulated Panels area a good building medium. Unfortunately, the solid information on estimating the costs or tricks to design that the interested party are looking for are not there.
I look for someone to write the next book in the series.
an excellent source for hard to find information.......2006-06-18
this book provides a thorough and well detailed look at SIP anatomy and construction techniques. information on this construction type is extremely difficult to find from sources other than (possibly biased or glossed-over) information from SIP manufacturers. the content covers so many details of its construction that it could concievably be used as a primer/manual/textbook for contractors or others interested in using this construction type. any information needed to supplement the information found here will most likely be so specific that it will be material related to a particular manufacturer's product or information gleaned directly from materials testing reports. i have looked extensively, and not been able to find, any materials on SIPs that could compare to the value of this source.
Excellent Starting Point for Learning about SIPS.......2005-09-21
Just a quick note on this book. My wife and I are looking to build an energy-efficient home. We are both engineers and very detail-oriented people. As part of our due diligence, we picked up this book after seeing a demonstration house built with SIPS as part of the 2005 Smithsonian Folk Life Festival (this was part of the US Forest Service pavilion - sustainable building approaches area). As noted in an earlier review, this book does have a bit of a promotional feel. However, it could simply be the author's enthusiasm for what appears to be a very good product. The book is also somewhat light in treating potential problems with SIPS. The failures of mutliple SIP roofing systems in Juneau, Alaska should have been addressed. In fairness though, these failures seem to largely be installation problems on the part of a small number of builders unfamiliar with the product. Overall, this book is a very useful and fairly detailed introduction to SIPS building. We would love to see a follow-up title that goes into much more technical detail on designing for SIPs use, as well as further exploration of lessons-learned from using SIPs in various settings and climates.
Answered my questions.......2004-05-25
I have been considering building a home on a piece of property I own for the better part of a year now. I'm a fan of SIPs due to energy efficiency and the perception I have of their ability to withstand the harsh climate of south Texas. It helps that the best home I've ever owned (and I've owned more than ten) was a panelized home but on a wood foundation that I purchased in Minnesota 15 years ago. The house was solid, energy efficient and better built than anything any of the many site built stick homes I owned before and since.
I've tracked down a variety of sources of information on SIPS including most information readily available on the web. This book has been an essential tool for me, and I would heartily recommend it to anyone considering building with SIPs. It addresses all of the common objections and misperceptions (and there are many), and it does so in a methodical and comprehensive manner. I can see where some folks might consider that to be promotional, but I believe there is still a stigma to panelized construction, at least in the minds of a large segment of the population, so perhaps it's appropriate that a little promotion or cheerleading is included. It also addresses a number of practical considerations you'll have when building, such as electrical, plumbing and hvac considerations. It's not a manual, but I wasn't looking for a manual. After reading it, I feel that I will be better able to find and work with a builder and accomplish my goal...to build a quality, affordable house that is structurally superior, energy efficient and will last the rest of my life. Most importantly, I have yet to find another source on the subject that provides so much information with so little effort. As a result, it gets five stars.
Book Description
Take a look into the future of home building with author Sheri Koones as she explores America's fastest-growing method of home construction.
< BR> In Modular Mansions, Koones profiles twenty-one modular houses in varied styles, ranging from 1,344 to 12,700 square feet, including an Arts & Crafts House on Lake Orange, a canyon view log home, a colonial on the lake, Victorian nostalgia in New England, and more, in locations across the country.
< BR>
Customer Reviews:
Top Notch.......2007-08-24
Sheri Koones' book shows proof of the benefits, customization and capabilities of modular construction and has been a great publication for this growing industry. As the Executive Director of the Modular Building Systems Council of NAHB, our members have felt a lot of pride in the success this book has had, and the notoriety it has brought to the industry. It is a great book for builders and homeowners alike, whether you own a modular home or are considering purchasing one.
Long on promise, short on substance.......2007-08-23
I purchased this book along with another book about "modular" homes by the same author titled "Prefabulous: The House of Your Dreams Delivered Fresh from the Factory". I am terribly disappointed by both the books and I am leaving this same exact review for the other book as well.
The book is nothing more than pretty pictures. It offers very little in substance. While the book does profile several large houses constructed in a modular fashion, the author seem to have neither the inclination nor the construction background to discuss the meat and potatoes issues. The book is sprinkled with platitudes and how various home owners chose to decorate their homes. I would have liked to see discussions about how the actual construction was accomplished, what the pitfalls have been, some rudimentary floor plans etc. An in-depth profile of at least one of the houses including perhaps a sit-down with the architect as to how the pieces fit together would have been better than the sheer fluff that fills the pages.
It seems the author was exposed to the modular way of building homes rather by accident and while she seems genuinely enthusiastic about this method, she does not possess proper education/training/experience to guide a reader properly. Instead, she chose to produce this coffee table book that is pretty to look at but offers little else. I was suckered by the promise of modular homes into ordering both the "coffee table" books by this author at the same time and both are equally disappointing.
Modular type of construction does offer some promise in very specific cases for an educated home owner/builder that can take advantage of the efficiencies of this method while avoiding the various pitfalls. But do not buy these books expecting to be educated. You are better of researching somewhere else where true professionals offer advice in this area.
i want my money back........2007-04-10
probably, the writer doesn't have any background of architecture. i am very disappoited.
Modular Mansions.......2006-08-02
Nicely done - gives good overview of the oncoming world of high quality, factory built housing.... Best, Don Meyer
Modular Works - Even in CA.......2006-07-23
Hi. I highly recommend this book and more than just a passing comment, I have developed a personal home in coastal CA and there are some nice examples of what is possible, mostly on the east coast, but some factories here can get close with stock plans. I really like the intro and first chapter or so of text, think it does a great job of showing how these homes are not only equals but surpass site/stick building in many respects. There is still so much misinformation out there it aggravates me sometimes, I think this book will drop your jaw not just because they're modular, but because they feature homes you'd expect to see in Architectural Digest.
Many manufacturers are building a more solid house than I see on many jobsites around here in CA, and I'm originally from areas featured in this book on the east coast, so when wanting to build this method for my own home it was tougher but possible in the west. Like anything, your house will only be as good as company building it. Big corporate builders use these techniques and some even use modules in finished homes, unbeknownst to buyer (and a modular falls under "system built" housing, similar to incorporated wall panels/roof trusses). US has some catching up to do in modular, especially CA, and yes there IS a LOT of HUD-code "manufactured" homes being passed off as modular or "on-frame" modular (that is UBC-code but won't pass mustard with many lenders) being pushed onto those not aware.
It is a maze, I've been there and live in a very unique modular in coastal CA and you wouldn't believe me if I told you what my appraisals are shortly after my building it. Hands down, best financial decision for my family and instant equity. If interested, feel free to drop me an e-mail as I'm happy to share info to help others. Also read The Modular Home if you haven't already.
Product Description
This richly illustrated book provides step-by-step instructions for the construction of over 30 different modular origami structures. The author describes basic folding techniques required to construct the modules that are used as building blocks to construct complex ornamental models. The diagrams are clear, crisp, and easy to follow, and are accompanied by inspiring color photographs. Additional tips encourage the reader to design their own original creations.
Customer Reviews:
Marvelous Modular Origami.......2007-07-24
Este libro representa una estupenda muestra del ingenio y buen hacer de la autora, que ya nos había adelantado en su maravillosa página Web. Modelos sencillos de plegar y muy espectaculares.
Mad for modulars!.......2007-06-08
Meenakshi's web-site has been a hot spot for those of us who are hooked on making these intracate decorative balls for years and her new book does not disappoint! Very clear diagrams, helpful directions, multiple ways of forming the units to make different flowers appear, and the vast majority are not recycled from other books. For the bored begginer in origami on up!
Warning! This is an addictive hobby. Fortunately tiny sheets of square paper are inexpensive.......
Marvelous Modular Origami is MARVELOUS !!!!!.......2007-05-11
Plunged into the book and started with the Cosmos Ball on pages 18-19.
Spectacular in solid colored paper.
Planning to fold this modular again with dramatically printed recycled paper....and then on to the rest of this fascinating book.
Looking forward to Marvelous Modular Origami 2 !!
Louise Yale
Czarina of Origami
Redwood Valley, California
Customer Reviews:
Post & Beam is excellent.......2006-02-26
This book is by far the best I have read on the subject of post and beam construction. Lots of nice drawings and understandable instructions. Good advice for average person. Explains wood joinery very well
Not for the non-builder..........2005-10-25
If you are not building your own home, I don't recommend this book
Terrific.......2005-10-08
This book is excellent. It gave me all the information I wanted/needed plus more.
I actually did it........2005-06-22
The other reviewers of this book allude to the fact that they will someday get around to using the information. I have already done it and wanted to add my comments here.
I used this book as my "bible" to construct a 24x40 log home with a porch wrapped all the way around. It took two years, but I couldn't have done it by myself without the theories and examples in this book. My joinery isn't as pretty as the ones in the book, but I used them and wooden pegs to secure all the posts and beams in the house.
I highly recommend this book to all who have their own 'library' of log home books and need some practical advice that works.
The Craft of Modular Post & Beam.......2004-01-11
I first stumbled on this wonderful book in our local library. Read it cover to cover in two weeks and unfortunatly had to return it but, it is on my birthday wish list. This is the most informative book on the subject I have read to date. Mr Mitchell did an excellent job in the chapters covering the details of modular log home construction. Many of which I plan to use in the very near future.
Book Description
The most completely finished variation of industrialized housing is the manufactured home. Many people still refer to these homes as mobile homes, even though they are rarely, if ever, moved.
Developing with Manufactured Homes illustrates how the manufactured housing industry functions and how the homes are constructed. It explains how developers can make use of the industrialized approach to building, in lieu of the increasingly cumbersome “stick” building process.
Elementary concepts in land selection, acquisition, the public approval process, development and construction are not covered in this book, except to the extent that the use of manufactured housing would dictate a significant variation in practice as compared to building homes on site.
The primary focus throughout the text is on fee simple development - merging the house with the land to create a singular title of real estate. Although the emphasis is on subdivisions, planned unit developments and urban infill lots as opposed to the development of land-lease communities, many of the subjects covered are applicable to all of the above modes of land use.
This book is an indispensable guide for any builder, developer or student interested in taking advantage of the opportunities in manufactured housing development.
Customer Reviews:
ONE OF A KIND BOOK FOR BUILDERS.......2001-04-05
This is a great book for anyone using or considering using manufactured housing. The book contains tons of helpful hints and lots of PRACTICAL information I've never seen elsewhere. Would be a great addition to any builder library.
This book is a must read........2001-04-01
For any Developer or Builder thinking about utilizing Manufactured Homes on their lots or communities, this is the first book to buy. The information that relates between Manufacturer's and how a Builder can effectively use their product for broad public appeal is invaluable and will save you $$$$$. Following these concepts we have started 5 homes and will be building many more.
Average customer rating:
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Transport, Regulation and Control (Cambridge Modular Sciences)
University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Biology
| Science, Nature & How It Works
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Education
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Biology
| Biological Sciences
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Biology
| Biological Sciences
| Professional Science
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
Science & Technology
| Specific Skills
| Education
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0521422027 |
Book Description
This book aims to develop an understanding of the transport mechanisms in mammals and flowering plants. It includes a detailed study of the structure and function of the heart, kidney and liver in mammals. Control of water content and pH is examined, as well as the importance of homeostasis in mammals and the use of negative feedback mechanisms. To help students with study and revision, there are self-assessment questions throughout the text, a list of learning objectives at the start of each chapter and a summary of the contents at the end. Structured and essay questions also appear at the end of each chapter. Guidance for teachers can be found in the teacher’s notes for the module which are published separately.
Average customer rating:
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Complete Guide to Modular Home Entertainment Equipment: Troubleshooting and Repair
John D. Lenk
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Electrical & Electronics
| Engineering
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Engineering
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
Radio & Wireless
| Telecommunications
| Engineering
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
Applied
| Physics
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0131610015 |
Books:
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- Quick and Easy Boat Maintenance: 1,001 Time-Saving Tips
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- Rich Dad's Real Estate Advantages: Tax and Legal Secrets of Successful Real Estate Investors
- Rivers for Life: Managing Water For People And Nature
- Rutland Place
- Smooth Moves
- Special Edition Using Microsoft Expression Web
- Staffordshire Portrait Figures
- Texas Real Estate
Books Index
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