Todd Kessler is the President of US Modular Inc in California , a modular
builder that thinks outside the box when it comes to doing modular homes and projects.
I asked Todd a few questions and I think you will find this builder to be one of
the most unique and forward thinking people in our industry.
Modcoach: Todd, first let me thank you for taking the time
to talk with me. How did you get started in the modular home industry?
Todd: I am a second generation general contractor with over
30 years of Modular and Manufactured construction experience. I am hands on and
involved in all aspects of the day to day operations. My responsibilities
include overseeing all projects including: pre-construction services, quality
control – on site and with factory partners, sub-contractor negotiations,
scheduling, safety, estimating, budgeting and coordination of all parties
involved thought the entire construction process. I work closely with all
Engineers’ and Architects to ensure projects are modular friendly and
permitting is accomplished in timely fashion. Project experience includes
Manufactured Single Family construction and Single Family and high density Multi-Family,
systems built Modular construction.
Modcoach: Are you doing commercial projects like hotels,
apartment buildings, etc?
Todd: Yes, we are currently working on a 3 story, 106,000 sf
86 unit MF project for the housing Authority for San Bernardino in Redlands.
Modcoach: What “green” or energy saving products have you
added to your homes, either as a standard item or as an option?
Todd: As a full service GC, we offer every green and energy
saving product our manufactures offer… Cavco, Fleetwood, Skyline, and Silver
Creek Industries.
Modcoach: Is the size of today’s homes different from the
boom times before 2008?
Todd: Yes, avg. home in 20008 was approx. 2,200 sf, now avg
home is 1750 sf
Modcoach: We hear a lot about Granny Pads, is that something
that you are working on?
Todd: These are very popular on the West Coast, as many
families have had to move in and live together. We are working with Cavco on
their cottage series for just this purpose. This below is he explanation we
have on our website for / Accessory units.
An Accessory Dwelling Unit is a small apartment accessory to
a primary residence. These units can be attached or detached and typically
contain a kitchen, bedroom, bath and living area. Alternative names include”
mother-in-law apartment”, “granny flat”, “granny suite”, “in-law suite”, and
“accessory apartment”. USModular has many standard designs or we can design an
Accessory Unit to meet your family needs. We handle design, permitting, and
construction. Since 1986, California
has had a “granny flat” law in place. Granny flat refers to a second-unit
residential dwelling. Known as Government Code Section 65852.2 Second Unit Law,
the statute is designed to provide affordable housing in population-dense
areas, ease rental housing deficits, increase the property tax base, and allow
for additional income to homeowners. Any local municipality may adopt an
ordinance to build second-unit housing in a single-family house. They may set
certain standards regarding such things as restricted parking, unit size and
architectural preferences. Localities have the discretion to consider such
things as traffic flow and water and sewer services; however, localities must
maintain the intent of second-unit state law, without undue provisions and
requirements.
Modcoach: Have code regulations been hurting our industry?
Todd: Over regulation hurts all industries, here in California , its worse
than in most areas.
Modcoach: The cost of shipping homes is continuing to rise.
How has that impacted modular home sales?
Todd: On the west coast this is a significant cost, however,
in the overall budget to build a custom home… I don’t see it as a major factor.
Modcoach: Are you getting more involved in social media such
as Facebook and Pinterest?
Todd: We are very active on Facebook and Twitter. “Like”our
USModular Home Builders Facebook page!
Modcoach: Why do you think that the modular home industry
still stuck at 3% of the total new home market?
Todd: Our industry as a whole… as well as our trade
organizations have not done a good job marketing our industry. We need to
educate the consumer and all be on the same page, using the same terms. Most
consumers we deal with don’t know the difference between HUD and Modular. We in
the industry confuse them even more with the terms we use to describe our
product:
· Modular
Construction
· Modular
Sections
· Modular
boxes
· Modular
Homes
· Off Site
Construction
· Pre fab
· Pre-Fabricated
· Systems
Built
· Factory
Built ( this is what all the local jurisdictions in Ca use)
· IRC home
· Manufactured
Home
· Mobile Home
· HUD Home
· Trailer
Coach, need I say more?
We also need to get rid of the good ole boys in the
industry, that have not changed their mind set… if we want to compare ourselves
to site built homes then our quality needs to be comparable or better.
We use the term Off- Site Construction or Modular… Once
stated we simply call it what it is a “ Custom Home”
Todd, thanks again for answering my questions. I hope you
continue to grow both your company and your reputation for being a great home
builder.
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