Loading Search Form
Please Wait
“Real estate cannot be lost or stolen, nor can it be carried away. Purchased with common sense, paid for in full, and managed with reasonable care, it is about the safest investment in the world.” Franklin D. Roosevelt
- 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.
