On Modular: what is the safest and most efficient?

[joeunderdog]

We are designing a modular home in the Northeast and have been struggling with price and preference on the materials to use. The choices are hard because the construction costs are very high in this part of the country. There are so many things to consider in this process and we keep coming up with new questions with each answer.

There appears to be no end to the options for factory-installed, very efficient insulation, but it's hard to tell where the best bang for the buck is. We are a little worried that a home that is too air-tight might not have adequate air exchange. A must for us it to have low-to-no VOC's and clean air. Is there a safe, cost-effective industry standard?

We want solar on the roof. Despite a significant initial investment, my math says that we can justify the bump in mortgage payments because the energy $ offset will easily be a net reduction in monthly out-of-pocket. Is this a fair assumption? Is there a reputable website that compares energy sources, their cost and benefits? I have heard that the government has something on this but don't know if this is the best place to look.

Lastly, we are stuck choosing between propane and oil. While propane is more expensive, we are leaning towards it because it is more efficient and cleaner. We will have the option of supplementing by using some small electrical units in common areas because of the solar if that works out. Thoughts on this?

Any feedback/ideas for this project?
Thanks.

[NMDemDist2]

1. there are mobile home standards for different parts of the country

i'd start there and upgrade as needed.

have fun!

[kristopher]

2. When you say you are designing the modular...

...does that mean you are picking from a range of options that the manufacturer offers? Or do you have an architect that will send the plans to a local factory that builds to your spec?

[joeunderdog]

5. We haven't ruled out an architect, but I think we can do it ourselves with the software available.

We have narrowed down our design quite a bit, but there is so much to consider.

[kristopher]

7. I'd suggest investing in an architect

Find one that specializes in LEED certified design and they will design you a home that saves enough energy to more than pay for their services and the energy saving systems themselves. There is a very large body of knowledge involved in successfully accomplishing the goal you seem to have, and the fact that you are asking for ideas on an internet forum like this suggests you are probably closer to the beginning of the job of learning than the end.
Get professional help, you'll not regret it.

[PADemD]

3. Why not go total electric?

I live in the Northeast. My friend has a total electric house which is very well insulated. Her winter electric bills are lower than my combined oil/electric bills. She has a propane fireplace in case her electric goes off.

[joeunderdog]

4. If it's possible, we'd do it. Builders seem reluctant about it.

Living in MA, the winters can be cold and we have to build a 2800+s.f. house. These are just the kind of considerations we have to get hard answers on. We can position the house for optimal solar, so we are in good shape that way.

[PADemD]

6. My friend's house is 2600 sq ft.

I need to use both oil and electric to heat my house. I'd rather use just one form of energy, namely electric.