Gary’s viewpoint is for informational purposes only…and a few chuckles!

Starting a modular home factory is easy! All you need is a building, some equipment, a few workers, a design, a sales team, a delivery system, a set crew, a finishing crew… oh, and a small fortune. Simple, right?

Today, I sit down with Karen, one of two enthusiastic imaginary entrepreneurs, who’s convinced she can build a better, cheaper, and more affordable modular home than anyone else. Let’s see how her dream is coming along.

Gary: Karen, welcome! You’re diving into modular construction with no experience. What could possibly go wrong?

Karen: Oh, nothing at all! I mean, how hard can it be? It’s just a big LEGO set, right?

Gary: Ah yes, the famous “LEGO Theory of Modular Construction.” Just don’t forget that those LEGO blocks need permits, structural engineering, transportation logistics, and a highly trained workforce. Have you hired anyone with actual modular experience?

Karen: Not yet, but my cousin’s friend built a shed once.

Gary: Perfect. He can run quality control.

Gary: Let’s talk about funding. What’s your budget?

Karen: Well, I’ve got some savings, and I might ask my friends and family. Also, I heard there’s money in crowdfunding!

Gary: Right, because nothing says “trustworthy investment” like a GoFundMe page titled Help Me Build a Factory! Have you looked into actual investors or industry-specific funding sources?

Karen: Oh. There’s industry funding?

Gary: There is, but investors tend to like things like, oh, I don’t know… business plans.

Gary: Instead of starting from scratch, why not buy an existing factory?

Karen: But I want mine to be new!

Gary: So does every factory that has ever gone bankrupt. An existing facility has the equipment, production line, and maybe even workers who know what they’re doing. You’d be saving years of work and millions of dollars.

Karen: But then I wouldn’t get to design the factory floor plan in my college colors.

Gary: And that would be a true tragedy.

Some are for sale right now.

Gary: Have you talked to a consultant who’s actually started a modular factory before?

Karen: Oh, I don’t need one! I’ve watched so many YouTube videos.

Gary: Ah yes, the great YouTube Academy. While you’re at it, try learning brain surgery from a TikTok tutorial.

Karen: Okay, okay. Where do I find a consultant?

Gary: Lucky for you, there are experts out there who have helped launch successful factories. They can save you time, money, and painful rookie mistakes.

Karen: Like realizing halfway through that I need a transportation plan?

Gary: Exactly. Or that the modules don’t magically set themselves on a foundation.

Gary: Last question—what’s your backup plan if this doesn’t work out?

Karen: Oh, I don’t need one. This is definitely happening.

Gary: Famous last words. But hey, I love the enthusiasm! Now, let’s get you a consultant before this dream turns into a very expensive nightmare.

And there you have it, folks. A little humor, a little wisdom, and a whole lot of reality for anyone thinking about starting a modular home factory. If you’ve got a dream like Karen’s and Seth’s, make sure you get the right people on board—before your bank account learns the hard way!

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Gary Fleisher

Contact Gary

Gary Fleisher is the Leading Observer of the Offsite Housing Construction Industries. He has been actively involved in researching and writing about the latest trends and developments in the industry for over a decade now.

With his extensive knowledge and experience, Gary has emerged as a go-to expert for businesses looking to stay ahead of the curve in the modular construction industry. In addition to his work as an editor, he is also a sought-after speaker and consultant who has helped numerous companies achieve strategic and operational success.