Modular homes outfitted with solar screen shades increase energy savings

In recent years, modular homes have become increasingly popular in new home construction because of the savings of time, money and energy they provide homeowners.


Modularhomesnetwork.com reports that modular construction projects have more than doubled in the last decade. The components are built in a factory so weather doesn't delay construction, which saves on labor costs. Homeowners can customize their floorplans, but assembly of the home on-site is significantly faster than building a conventional home.


Depending on location, the website estimates that modular homes cost $50 to $80 per square foot – not including the cost of property - compared to building costs for on-site housing construction of $80 to $150 per square foot.


Most modular home companies in the U.S. build Energy Star certified homes that meet guidelines for energy efficient determined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Once an Energy Star home is outfitted with appliances and interior finishes, they can be as much as 30 percent more efficient than standard homes.


Another cost savings for a modular home is the use of window treatments such as solar screen shades, which improve temperature and draft control at windows. Different weaves can be chosen depending on how much light the homeowner chooses to block from the interior.