What is Hive Modular?
Hive Modular builds and sells modern homes using the latest modular fabrication technology. Products can be chosen from existing lines or Hive can work with clients to design and customize a home of their choice. The hallmarks of modular construction; material and labor efficiency, cost savings through large-volume supply chains and speed of fabrication inspired us to develop creative and affordable modern houses. Our experience as high-end residential architects qualifies us to manage your project with care and attention while providing a high quality product.
What do Hive homes cost?
It is difficult to give costs in a range that does not become meaningless. The cost of your completed home depends on your geographical location, your choice of finishes, fixtures and equipment, how much work you can do yourself, your general contractor, the conditions for construction at your site and other factors that a Hive project manager will calculate and monitor once you have hired us to provide your home. The cost of your home is a combination of our model costs plus those of the site construction. We provide ongoing cost updates as the project evolves and can work with you to keep your project within your budget while making decisions that maintain the integrity of your design. For more information on house costs refer to the pricing page.
How are Hive homes constructed?
Hive Modular homes are built with standard wood framed construction materials, but are strengthened and reinforced to withstand over-the-road travel. This added structure makes the modules, and therefore the house, more robust than most site-built homes. Hive houses feature 2x6 exterior walls with R-19 fiberglass batt insulation, engineered floor and roof (with R-44 insulation) trusses, 3/4" glue & nailed plywood subfloor and glue adhered gypsum wallboard. Our vented flat roof system features factory-installed seamless EPDM rubber roofing. The vented pitched roof version is fully clad in ice and water shield and ready for site-installed metal roofing. Aside from strength, Hive Modular homes are constructed in factories by skilled trades people and independently inspected.
What is the difference between modular and manufactured housing?
Manufactured housing is built on a trailer chassis and is considered portable or temporary in nature. Typically constructed from light-weight metal framing, manufactured housing is less durable and versatile than modular structures. Modular houses are comprised of all the same materials, techniques and standards as site construction, except that the units are assembled in less than a day.
Are your modules inspected or tested?
Hive homes are built to current International Residential Code (IRC) standards and all fabrication processes used by Hive Modular have been inspected and tested by PFS Corporation, the testing entity that regulates the modular construction industry.
Are there technological or economical advantages to factory-constructed houses?
Hive modules are manufactured per our designs and are constructed in a controlled factory setting. Factory production optimizes the speed, accuracy and cost savings of assembly line automation while reducing construction waste. Large-scale purchasing power and supply lines ensure a cost efficient, high quality modular product. Hive homes make the most of well-established standards within the modular home industry while pushing design and product availability to new and innovative levels in order to provide unique designs at mass-produced prices.
Are Hive Modular homes environmentally responsible?
Hive homes adhere to basic sustainable design ideas such as building small and efficiently. We value high-modern, yet efficient living by not over-sizing our spaces. Compared to conventional construction, factory-built homes generate far less construction waste. By achieving close tolerances allowed by factory building, Hive homes are tight and energy efficient. As we build more homes and our relationship with factories grows, we will partner with them to include more low-VOC and green-certified materials into the process. Hive's architects are experienced with environmentally responsible materials and systems and can work with you to include green ideas and solutions of your choice.
Will I have difficulty getting a building permit for my Hive Modular home?
Generally, no. The majority of our house elements are based on standard construction methods. These methods comply with the International Residential Code (IRC) and are used extensively in all 50 states and meet or exceed the performance of conventionally framed homes. Before beginning construction, we offer clients support and assistance throughout the permit review and approval process. Hive provides you with a construction drawing set, including site plan, which should be adequate for your local planning department to review and issue a building permit. Inspections and certification during the fabrication process means fewer on-site building inspections and a faster occupancy process. Local codes do vary, however, regarding restrictions on things such as height, maximum or minimum width, maximum or minimum built square footage on a lot, hardcover, etc. and a preliminary review of your design with your local building official is highly recommended.
Please note, however, that Hive Modular does not investigate the likelihood of approval of a contemporary design on your property. Prospective clients should research local residential design guidelines or covenants to see if your permit process requires Design Review Board approval. If necessary, we supply clients with the drawings for a design review.
What is included in the price of a Hive Modular house?
Hive is in the business of selling and pricing complete projects. This means we are not simply selling you a kit of parts, but a design and project management service that works to include the cost of not just a shell or core, but all of the elements that are required to complete your project. The cost of your Hive home will include the modules as they are finished from the factory, their delivery and set, ship-loose items, and any siding, roofing or button-up work on site performed by the factory set crew. We will work with you and your contractor to determine the selection of owner/contractor provided items such as utilities, mechanical equipment, appliances, and site-installed finishes and how they influence the cost of your home. Your contactor also calculates the cost of the foundation, which is designed by Hive specifically for your site. We will be in contact with your contractor as we work through cost estimation to help obtain the most accurate pricing information. Garages and site-built structures not provided by Hive would be estimated by your contractor but planned into your project financing. Our goal is to determine the complete cost of your project to the greatest extent possible, both for financing purposes and for your peace of mind. Land costs are the only expenses that we do not factor into your package.
Base models include: Norcoฎ aluminum clad wood windows and patio doors, Certainteedไ fibercement siding, fully adhered EPDM roof. High-end European designed plumbing fixtures (Totoฎ, KWCฎ, Alapeฎ and Fima-Frattiniฎ) and lighting fixtures (Lightolierฎ, Junoฎ, Artemideฎ, Nemoฎ, Techฎ, etc.) are also included, as well as Mid-Continentฎ cabinetry, laminate countertops, Waterworksฎ and American Oleanฎ tile, stairways, and flooring. Generally, the more finished, i.e. the more of these items that are included from the factory, the more cost effective your project will be. Refer to our model descriptions for more information.
Are design services included in the base price of a Hive Modular home?
Hive home models are a complete service and our low square-foot pricing is the result of offering pre-designed models optimized to the standards and techniques of the modular fabrication industry. Utilization of standard Hive designs, construction drawings and specifications is included in the base price of the home. All changes and modifications to the drawings and specifications are billed on an hourly basis. We are also capable of doing completely custom projects for a standard architectural fee of 5% to 12% of total construction cost. Some sites, design changes or municipalities may require engineering services outside of the scope of our pricing.
The house is a pre-designed product, but is there a design process to adapt it to my site?
Every building site is unique and we believe that a house should be oriented to best utilize views, environmental factors and functional practicality. As part of the hourly fee based design services, we'll work with you to adapt the house orientation, views and foundation to your site and make any requested adjustments or customizations.
What's included for your fee-based architectural services?
Fees for site adaptation design and specification modifications to standard Hive designs are charged on an hourly basis. In addition to personal design attention, you'll receive all design documentation and construction/permit drawings and specifications needed for your project. If you choose to do a completely custom design, our full service fee for this work ranges from 5% to 12% of the final cost of construction and includes our professional architectural service from schematic design through construction. Regardless of whether your Hive home is ordered as a standard model or fully customized, Hive Modular architects are available to field questions from you or your contractor throughout the process. If warranted by the changes, we also suggest including an allowance for engineering costs from a licensed engineer.
Can I make changes to my Hive Modular home plans?
Certainly, although Hive homes are most cost effective when purchase as a completed design or with minimal modifications (more like buying a car with options). The house is value engineered to provide an elegant design with many options for enhancing it at the most accessible prices. Our background as residential architects gives us the ability to work with you to customize your Hive Modular home to almost any degree, or to do a completely custom home. The decision to use an existing model with minor modifications or do a custom home is best engaged early in the process. As with any homebuilding project, late-stage modifications would involve more cost in the form of fees and time delays.
If you like our work but do not want to be limited by modular construction, we are allied with MA Architecture, Inc. to do custom architectural design using conventional construction. Fees for this work would be negotiated with MA Architecture but are generally similar.
What are the size limitations to the modules?
Roadway regulations limit the width of the modules to 16' and the length to 62' in most areas of our shipping region. In parts of Wisconsin we can increase the width to 18'. The Hive Modular C-Line is a design concept to address sites where narrow lots are not a factor. The C-Line arranges two 16' wide modules side-by-side, resulting in a cube-like square plan core. Once we begin working with you and know your site, other width limitations may make themselves known (clearance between trees, other houses, etc.).
Standard models have 9' tall ceilings - a luxury not found in most site-built houses these days. Most standard models also feature stacked modules with openings in the ceiling/floor resulting in dramatic 20' high spaces.
What are the siding materials?
Our typical exterior siding is comprised of panel and lap configurations of fibercement. Other portions of the modules are clad in materials such as corrugated metal, cedar shiplap and stucco. Although our houses have predominately employed fibercement siding, we can use any residential siding that your budget allows.
Are there any savings to be realized in DIY finishes?
If you choose not to have any number of standard features or components, we can provide you with discounted model pricing upon request. One caveat is that DIY projects may incur greater building inspector scrutiny as well as delay the issue of your certificate of occupancy and mortgage rollover (from construction to 30 year or eq.).
Can I add on to a Hive modular home in the future?
Our construction allows you to easily add to your home in the future, in a fashion not dissimilar to other homes. If you know the desired end result ahead of time we can master plan the entire home during the initial design phase, such that your chosen model affords the addition of later modules. This may increase the cost of the initial house, although subsequent additions will be easier and more efficient.
Do I have to include all of your standard components and products?
Ideally. Hive has researched and selected finishes and fixtures that we feel exemplify our mission of creating affordable, high-end modern design. We are open to exchange or delete items according to your wishes from the standard models (for example, if you prefer different light fixtures or hardware). This action may incur a small administration fee. We welcome opportunities during the design process to explore alternate or site-installed/provided materials that may better meet your budget or individual taste. Feel free to contact us for more information.
How do I find a contractor?
Hive Modular requires each project to have a general contractor in order to ensure proper and timely site preparation and house completion in accordance to all codes and regulations as well as our quality standards. In regions where we currently deliver, we've made contacts with contractors who share our interest in high quality modular housing. We are always expanding our network of contractors who are experienced with modular construction in an effort offer a seamless experience. In areas where we have not yet worked or have no contractor contacts, we can assist you by inquiring to local building trades or factory recommendations.
Do I need to own property in order to begin the design process?
We are happy to answer questions and help you select the Hive house you're interested in prior to owning land. In order to proceed beyond this point and begin selections, drawing review and siting the house we will need site-specific information.
Can Hive homes be built on complicated or steep sites?
Typically, yes. Any site where a conventionally constructed house can be built would be suitable for a Hive Modular house. Each house is set on a foundation designed to your site. Special attention should be paid to the conditions of the site with regard to crane and truck access.
Can you assist with construction lending?
Yes, we have sourced loan partners that can help answer questions and guide you through the construction loan process.
