This information can clarify and help answer questions.

Panel basics: Some manufacturers sell just the shell which includes a complete set of wall panels, floor decks, roof, floor trusses, heathing and exterior doors and windows (sometimes pre-hung). Others offer what is known as "full packages," or everything that's required to "turn key" or move right into the home, even appliances.

Open wall or closed wall: Manufacturers offer open or closed wall systems. In open wall systems the exterior sheathing is applied in the factory to the stud wall, leaving a totally open interior wall partition for inspection by local code officials. Insulation, wiring, plumbing and drywall all are added at the job site.

In the closed wall system, the entire wall is made and it includes the electrical and plumbing installed, with inspections being performed at the factory by code officials or third-party agents. In the field the panels need only be erected and the inter-panel connections completed.

Panels can also be constructed of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) made in factory by sandwiching an expanded polystyrene insulation core between two sheets of oriented strand board (OSB) to achieve a durable, low-cost, energy-efficient product.

Studies have proven that using SIPs for the exterior provides substantial energy advantages compared to ordinary wood-framed walls with fiberglass insulation. Replacing conventionally-framed walls with SIPs may increase production costs minimally, but result in lower energy bills.

Panelized homes certified by EPA's and DOE's Energy Star Homes program may ease homebuyer loan qualification and interest rates. Certification may also add value to the home.

Geodisic dome homes are constructed of trianular panels, creating an energy efficient home that maximizes living space using a minimal amount of materials.

Are you looking for more information on modular home construction? Please click here to find out how you can have a new modular home.

According to a recent study by The Freedonia Group, a Cleveland-based industrial market research firm, the amount of factory- or systems-built housing will grow 1.2% annually through 2005.

Modular homes account for one of every 10 homes built in the Northeast, according to the NAHB’s Building Systems Council. That region ac-counted for 29% of the nation’s modular activity. The South Atlantic region was a close second with 26%, and the Great Lakes region ranked third at 24%.

The most popular states for modular construction were North Carolina, Michigan and New York.

A good many of the homes you see today — perhaps some of your competitors’ — are modular homes. In 2001, modular homes accounted for 3% of all single-family homes constructed, the BSC says. Outside of metropolitan areas, that figure jumped to 11%.