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- Phone
- (412) 361-4000
- School District
- Pittsburgh Schools, PA
About Columbus Square
Featuring modular construction by Blockhouse Residential:
Phase I: 8 lots remain in the final phase of Columbus Square
Phase II: 30 lots with an affordability component
Manchester/Chateau is where it will all be happening in a few short years with the development of the Esplanade. Today, Manchester is rich with history and cafés, restaurants and thriving businesses.
Columbus Square Features
Modular vs. Traditional Stick-Built Homes: A Cost & Performance Comparison
When considering building a new home, one of the biggest decisions is whether to go with modular construction or a traditional stick-built approach. While both methods result in a beautiful finished home, there are significant differences in cost, efficiency, and overall performance.
1. Cost Comparison: Modular vs. Stick-Built
A common misconception is that modular homes are simply a cheaper alternative to stick-built homes. The reality is more nuanced—modular homes are not about cutting corners but about building smarter.
- Higher Performance at a Lower Cost: Our modular homes are built to a performance standard that is 57% better than a conventional stick-built home in terms of framing precision, insulation, energy efficiency, and overall durability. If a stick-built home were constructed to these same specifications, it would require significantly more labor and materials, driving costs much higher than our modular process.
- Factory Efficiency = Cost Savings: Since modular homes are built in a controlled factory environment, material waste is minimized, labor is streamlined, and the risk of weather-related delays is eliminated. Traditional stick-built homes, on the other hand, are subject to site conditions, labor shortages, and inefficiencies, all of which contribute to higher costs and unpredictable timelines.
- Predictable Pricing: Modular homes are priced more accurately upfront, reducing the risk of cost overruns. With a stick-built home, unexpected delays, material price fluctuations, and change orders can easily add 20-30% more to the original budget.
2. The Process: How Modular Solves Traditional Building Complications
| Factor | Modular Home | Traditional Stick-Built Home |
| Construction Timeline | 30-50% faster – factory-built modules arrive nearly finished, reducing build time | Slower, subject to weather delays, site coordination issues, and labor availability |
| Quality Control | Precision-built in a controlled environment with rigorous inspections | Site-built with inconsistent craftsmanship and potential for weather-related damage |
| Energy Efficiency & Performance | 57% better performance due to tighter construction, superior insulation, and advanced air-sealing | Typically built to minimum code standards unless significantly upgraded (at a much higher cost) |
| Cost Predictability | Fixed pricing with minimal cost overruns | High variability due to labor costs, material fluctuations, and change orders |
| Weather & Material Protection | Built indoors, protected from the elements | Exposed to rain, snow, and humidity, leading to material degradation |
3. Performance: Why Modular Delivers More for Less
The 57% performance advantage of modular homes isn’t just a marketing number—it’s the result of:
- Advanced framing techniques that reduce thermal bridging
- Superior insulation & air-sealing for lower energy costs
- Stronger construction—built to withstand transportation, resulting in a more durable home
- Precision engineering that minimizes on-site errors and material waste
If a stick-built home were constructed to match these same high standards, the additional cost would be at least 57% more than a typical build. This means a $500,000 modular home built to our standards would cost well over $785,000 if constructed traditionally with the same level of airtightness, insulation, and structural integrity.
Conclusion: More Home, Less Hassle, Better Value
Modular construction isn’t just about cost savings—it’s about delivering a better-built home, faster, and with fewer uncertainties. With higher performance, superior quality, and a more efficient process, modular homes provide homeowners with a smarter, more predictable path to homeownership while avoiding the pitfalls of traditional stick-built construction.
If you’re looking for a better way to build, modular is the answer. ????
Driving Directions to Columbus Square
Chateau Street, to right on N Franklin St, to left on Manhattan St to right on Juniata St. to left on Fulton.
