One Day Makes All the Difference in Modular Construction

Quail Run in Darnestown has stood apart from other subdivisions with its unique array of quality-built, custom homes inspired by the architectural details of Colonial Williamsburg.

With modern modular construction technology, George Wohlfarth of Wohlfarth Construction realized he could build a quality custom home that would be on par with the neighborhood’s standard.

“Now there are no limits with modular construction,” said Wohlfarth. “We are still building a completely custom home, but more efficiently and with very little waste.”  

Designed by Rockville architect Claude C. Lapp, Quail Run’s newest spec home is 4,400 square feet, complete with four bedrooms, four bathrooms and two half-bathrooms. Other features include a large gourmet kitchen, hardwood floors, an over-sized second floor laundry room, family room with coffered ceiling, and a master suite with spa bath. The second level has an additional 500 square feet of living space that has numerous options for finishing.

What is not visible to the eye is what makes this new construction the home of the future. With the utmost of efficiency in mind, the house is insulated with a high density, high performing, open cell insulation with a R-21 value; the heating and cooling systems have been specially incorporated into the home’s design to maximize performance.  

The design and floor plan allow for the addition of an elevator and solar panels, should the future owners decide to add them.

Another advantage of the modular design is the roof, which employs a rafter system, not trusses. The roof, with shingles already attached, is connected to the building module with a series of hinges that literally unhinge and lift up. Without the obstruction of trusses, the third level is open and insulated for easy finishing of additional living space.

However, the technology high point is probably the Savant’s Smart Control house automation system.

“This is a ‘smart’ house,” said Kevin Johnson of Professional Building Systems, “which means there is an iPad or iPhone docking station that allows you to control the home’s systems like lights, heat and security from wherever.”

That is, from wherever you are in the world.

The burning question is how the cost of modular construction compares to stick built. When completed, the house will list for sale at $1.38 million.

“There is a savings in building costs of about 10 to 15 percent with this kind of construction,” said Wohlfarth. With this savings, he was able to put more back into the house like the state-of-the-art heat and cooling systems.

Still, time is money and the biggest advantage to modular construction seems to be the time savings.

“It took longer to get the permits than it did to build the house,” said Wohlfarth. These days, saving time and money is always a good thing.

Related story:

Part 1: Construction of a custom, modular home in Quail Run entails innovative trends in building technology