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 from RED HOT, March 2013
by CORT SMITH
Many homeowners whose houses were severely damaged by Hurricane Sandy continue to weigh their options: repair an existing structure—while dealing with uncertain insurance settlements and the vagaries of new flood zone building requirements—or raze it and begin anew. What everyone agrees on is that they never want go through a similar storm experience again. What they're thinking is: We need a better-built house, and we need it fast.
That's where RBA Homes comes in. The firm specializes in modular construction for primary homes in towns including Rumson, Oceanport, Monmouth Beach, Fair Haven, Sea Bright, Highlands, Union Beach, and others, and secondary homes mostly throughout New Jersey's barrier islands. "People who have elevated modular—homes that are constructed and partially assembled in a climate-controlled factory and shipped to a customer's site in sections—know that the standards for modular construction are higher standards, resulting in a superior, better built product," explains Pandora Jacoubs, sales manager at RBA Homes in Red Bank.
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| "Of the more than 250 homes RBA has built since 1986, not one homeowner has reported sustaining structural damage from any storm, including Sandy." Bill Lashovitz, President, RBA Homes |
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"Many of our customers, witnessing the destruction around them, have called us to say, 'Thank you RBA for building us such a strong, solid house,'" reports Niesa Silverberg, RBA's senior design consultant. Here's an example: St. Elisabeth's Chapel-by-the-Sea in Ortley Beach, built in 1885, weathered many storms until Hurricane Sandy washed it away. What's left on the lot is a Fellowship Hall of modular construction that RBA erected there in 2009. It remains structurally unscathed.
RBA is commanding a second look by those previously unfamiliar with the benefits of modular construction. The reasons are many. Some who planned to repair their homes are concerned about issues ranging from mandatory structure elevation to mold remediation. As Bill points out, "insurance companies generally pay for sheetrock removal, but you never can get rid of all that mold," he maintains.
RBA modular homes solve these problems. And since interest rates have never been lower, the cost differential between restoration and new construction may be minimal, adds Bill. A new modular can also allow for the seamless integration of chair lifts and elevators into modern "lifted" homes so increasingly prevalent in coastal areas.
"With our expertise, contacts in the lending industry, and surveyors and engineers, we're able to provide direction to those who don't know where to turn and help them start putting their lives back together," says Pandora. But you don't need a storm to enjoy the benefits of RBA Homes. The houses are cost effective and beautifully unique.
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