PATH - A Public Private Partnership for Advancing Housing Technology

A Builder's Guide to Marketable, Affordable
and Durable Entry-level Homes [IMAGE: MADE_LifeWiseHome]

March 1999, 74 pages

FULL TEXT: [IMAGE: *] (*.pdf, 18.5 MB)

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Looking for a competitive edge in the affordable housing market? Want to save 15-20 percent on production costs? Keep reading.

First time homebuyers are price-conscious, but they also want a flexible, attractive home. This manual provides guidance and examples to builders for controlling construction costs while building marketable homes. It discusses the two key areas for improving durability -- water and on-site supervision -- and suggests ways to reduce callbacks. It provides builders with maintenance tips they can give to homeowners.

Based on the savings identified in the case studies, a builder who incorporates all of the MADE-to-Last techniques could save as much as 15-20 percent on the total costs of production.

The manual includes construction details, marketing tips and case studies on the following:

The text looks at ways to increase durability and prevent problems that increase maintenance costs, such as poor drainage, foundation wall cracks and water leakage, soil swelling or settlement, termites, and buckled siding. The manual includes preliminary plans for a MADE-to-last home.

Content updated on 1/5/2007

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