HUD Selects NIBS to Support Expansion of Factory-Built Multifamily Housing
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has selected the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) for a new initiative aimed at expanding factory-built construction methods in multifamily housing developments. The project, which will run for one year with strategic partner MOD X, seeks to address challenges such as building codes, financing, insurance, and regulatory approval that hinder widespread adoption of offsite construction techniques. The effort focuses on creating a clear pathway for manufactured housing in projects involving five or more units and supports HUD's planning for future demonstrations. The initiative builds upon prior research conducted by NIBS with funding from HUD’s Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R). A key component involves developing a performance-based framework that outlines safety, quality, and performance expectations while allowing greater flexibility for innovation in materials and methods. George Guszcza, President and CEO of NIBS, emphasized the need to align standards, financing, insurance, and approval processes with innovative construction techniques. The project aims to provide HUD with a technical foundation without altering existing federal requirements.
Topics: construction methods housing HUD manufactured homes policy development