Over the past decade, we’ve witnessed some of the most devastating hurricanes in recent memory, including Hurricanes Sandy, Katrina, Helene, and Milton. While no hurricane is ever good, the aftermath of these disasters has highlighted the urgent need for more innovative and efficient approaches to disaster recovery. In this first of a three-part series, we will explore forward-thinking strategies to meet the challenges of future disasters.

Hurricane Sandy

To kick things off, I spoke with three key figures in the modular construction industry: a modular factory General Manager, an Engineering Manager, and a prominent modular builder in New Jersey. They generously shared their experiences from the rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Sandy and offered valuable insights on how we can improve recovery efforts today.

Aaron Trometter, Engineering Manager

Aaron Trometter, the Engineering Manager for Champion’s Excel Homes Group in Liverpool, PA, brings two decades of experience in modular construction. Throughout his career, he has faced the evolving challenges of building codes and regulations, especially in the wake of natural disasters. Having worked closely with builders to rebuild homes after such events, he has seen firsthand the need for new solutions. 

Hurricane Sandy

That’s why I asked him to share his thoughts on how builders, developers, and state code enforcement teams can better navigate the rebuilding process after Hurricane Helene. There must be a more effective way to restore cities, towns, and rural areas than simply relying on the practices used in normal times.

Gary Fleisher: After Hurricane Sandy, Excel Homes became a hub for rebuilding efforts, but you faced an overwhelming influx of requests from both established builders and newcomers looking for quick profits. What were the biggest challenges you faced in managing this surge, and how did it impact your company’s operations?

Aaron Trometter: The biggest challenge was mixing the rebuild effort with your core business while trying to keep everyone happy. While you want to go out of your way to help hurricane victims start the next chapter of their lives with a new house, you still need to build houses for builders and homeowners in your other territories. It might be helpful to set aside a few slots in your production schedule after a disaster hits.

Hurricane Helene

Gary: With so many opportunistic builders entering the modular industry after Sandy, what advice would you give to state and local officials in terms of vetting builders and ensuring that only qualified, reputable companies are involved in recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene?

Aaron: We were aware of these new “builders” popping up and trying to get rich after the natural disaster, so we made sure to take care of the established builders we already had in the area. They came first. Also, when a new builder appears, the factory needs to do some background checking (license, credit check, insurance, previous customer reviews). If needed, ask around and see what other builders or tradesmen think of the new “builder.” The last thing you want is a builder to buy the house, set it, and leave it unfinished. Seeing an unfinished modular house sitting on a foundation for months after being set just gives the whole industry a bad name.

Gary: Hurricane relief programs were launched in every affected state after Sandy, but many builders found it difficult to navigate the various regulations and funding opportunities. What improvements would you suggest to streamline these relief programs and make them more accessible to builders and homeowners in Helene’s aftermath?

Aaron: Not to create favoritism, but permit offices need to have a separate line/review process for these victims. If homeowners have their insurance money and permit sets and are eager to get back “home,” the local offices need to speed up their process. This also applies to site inspections. Many times a builder is sitting idle, waiting for an inspection before moving on to the next step. I know that after Sandy, local officials started conducting more thorough inspections of the foundation strapping to the house. Waiting for this inspection can prevent decks and porches from being built, which holds up the siding installation.

Hurricane Helene

Gary: How did the demands placed on your factory and builder network by site builders and developers unfamiliar with modular construction affect your ability to deliver quality homes after Sandy, and what lessons can be applied to manage similar situations during Helene’s recovery?

Aaron: Getting the required materials in time was one of the biggest hurdles. While you are doing your best to get hurricane victims back into a house, you still need to build it to the required codes. Whether it’s getting engineered braced wall calculations from an engineer, the necessary strapping, or special doors and windows needed for wind speed and exposure categories, there is always that bump in the road that causes a delay. There could be such high demand for windows with a higher DP rating that window manufacturers are unable to keep up, causing the modular manufacturer to face shortages.

Hurricane Helene

Gary: Looking ahead, what steps should modular builders and housing officials take now to better prepare for future disasters like Helene, ensuring a more coordinated and efficient recovery process for both builders and homeowners?

Aaron: Create a guidebook for these potential disasters, outlining a response/recovery process. This way, housing officials are more prepared for an influx of plan reviews and inspections at job sites. In areas prone to hurricanes, local builders, building organizations, and government officials should develop a support network for each other. Government officials should clearly outline exactly what they need for builders and homeowners to move from one step in the process to the next, avoiding unnecessary hurdles. A plan, partnership, and communication are key.

Hurricane Helene

In this first of three-part series, I explored innovative ways to improve disaster recovery efforts, particularly focusing on the role of modular construction in rebuilding after devastating hurricanes like Sandy, Katrina, Helene, and Milton. Through this insightful interview with Aaron Trometter, the Engineering Manager of Excel Homes, we delved into his experiences and the lessons he learned from Hurricane Sandy’s aftermath. His valuable perspectives shed light on how builders, developers, and state officials can better prepare for future disasters and navigate the complexities of rebuilding in the face of strict codes and regulations.

A special thank you to Aaron Trometter, Engineering Manager for Champion’s Excel Homes Group, for sharing his two decades of expertise. His forward-thinking suggestions highlight the importance of developing more efficient strategies for rebuilding in disaster-prone areas. 

.