Evaluating the Costs of Modular and Stick-Built Construction Using ACE

Author:  Ken Balliet of Susquehanna Forest Services, Inc.  

Date:  June 1997

Foreword

The development of a builder friendly software package to evaluate comparative construction costs was initiated by the Pennsylvania Housing Research Center (PHRC) at the request of the Mid-Atlantic Building Systems Council (MABSC). Funding for the project was largely provided by the Department of Economic and Community Development, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Ken Balliet of K.L. Balliet Associates was contracted to undertake the development and commissioning of the software and documentation. Supervision was provided by Steve Snyder, Executive Director of the MABSC, and Eric Burnett, Director of the PHRC, who was responsible for managing the project. The assistance freely provided by members of the modular housing industry was greatly appreciated. The editorial input provided by Angela Burnett is also acknowledged.

This project is intended to assist home builders, especially those who do most of the site work- that is stick builders or conventional or traditional builders. This software product is a “what you see is what you get” tool to compare stick built and modular house construction. We would welcome feedback in order to upgrade ACE in the near future.

The PHRC serves the housing industry, both providers and consumers, in Pennsylvania through its activities in education, training, research, development, demonstration, and technology training. The PHRC is currently conducting a series of projects in support of the modular housing industry. For information about these and other projects, please contact the PHRC in State College or Williamsport.

   

Eric Burnett                                                     Steve Snyder
Director, PHRC                                              Executive Director, MABSC
(814) 865-2341                                                (717) 238-9130