The parts snapped together like Lego pieces.

Gigantic Lego pieces.

It took an 85-ton crane to assemble two hurricane-resistant modular homes Thursday on the 3200 block of Galloway Avenue in the Bayou Grove subdivision.

The homes are outfitted with hurricane windows, storm panels and have Gulf Power Energy Star ratings on all of the windows, appliances and light fixtures. Energy Star products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and U.S. Department of Energy.

“The house and the foundation are built to sustain 160-mph winds,” project manager Jim Reynolds said. “They also come with a natural gas generator with an automatic transfer switch.”

Reynolds said that means these houses should never be without power.

“This is the wave of the future,” said Reynolds, who has been building homes for more than 30 years. “I don’t think a custom builder can compete with things like this.”

One of the homes is already sold. The other is for sale for $175,000.

“A home like this built on site would cost about $225,000,” Reynolds said. “These are built in a controlled environment, so the (building materials) have never had exposure to moisture.”

The homes were built and inspected during a three-week period in Arabi, Ga. Now they will be strapped to the foundation, secured and carpeted. A front porch will be built and the yard landscaped.

“The homeowner could move in in about three weeks,” Reynolds said.

The 1,200-square-foot homes are the first of its kind to be built within city limits.

“There is a community of 24 of the homes off of Gulf Beach Highway,” said Michael Paquette, who handles marketing for Gulf Coast Specialties. “But these have added features like an air-conditioned attic with a center walkway.”

source : Chrissy Littledale
clittledale@pnj.com