Recognizing the lack of attainable housing supply in Hawaii, HPM Building Supply developed HalePlus, a locally built, factory-built home concept to meet the needs of our community. These fully permitted starter homes are built to code with smaller footprints. We thank you for your continued interest in HalePlus as the program is developing and appreciate your support as we work on making homeownership a reality for everyone on Hawaii Island.
What Is Factory-Built Housing (FBH)?
Factory-built housing involves manufactured building components that are assembled in a factory setting. Those pre-assembled units are then transported to a worksite and installed on a permanent foundation to form an entire house. This building process is fast and efficient while producing a dynamic home system that is just as reliable as a traditional site-built home. Factory-built housing, although new to Hawaii, is a housing solution that has been used on the US mainland and around the world for decades.
Safe
HPM’s factory-built housing is designed, engineered, and constructed according to the County of Hawaii building codes. Factory-built structures are inspected at all phases of construction, including the framing, insulation, electrical, and plumbing, in the factory. The foundation and final inspection are done on site. Because the parts lock together seamlessly, they form exceptionally durable structures that can withstand high winds, earthquakes, and other extreme island weather. Plus, they can be transported in case of a natural disaster, like a volcanic eruption.
Quality
Having the majority of the construction process take place in a factory results in quality control, with no need to worry about the weather. While using the same materials as a site-built home, factory-built housing is engineered to ensure that the modules can be transported safely.
Efficient
A home can be built in a factory at the same time as site work is being done, potentially saving weeks of lag time. Plus, with exact, consistent measurements, we avoid material waste.
Hale+ is Made in Hawaii for Hawaii
Our 100-year history in Hawaii means HalePlus homes will be manufactured by local professionals who understand what it means to build a home for life in our communities. All HalePlus homes are pre-assembled by the HalePlus construction team at our manufacturing facility in Keaau on Hawaii Island. Under the supervision of a licensed contractor, we ensure the build process has the proper oversight and quality controls. We are committed to keeping all aspects of the build process on island. The completed units are transported and installed by local contractors and finished by carpenters, plumbers, and electricians. Our HalePlus homes fully comply with County of Hawaii building codes and permitting requirements.
Why Hale+?
Build faster.
HalePlus homes are completed and assembled in our factory, so you can enjoy a faster timeline to completion.
Bridge a critical housing gap.
Meet an incredible affordable housing need to serve Hawaii families.
Leverage future potential.
Be on the forefront of factory built housing as a new, and growing trend for low cost, smaller footprint homes.
FAQS for Homeowners
1. Why did HPM develop HalePlus?
The origin of HalePlus can be traced back to the 2018 Kilauea eruption, which destroyed more than 700 homes. HPM helped those displaced by creating temporary shelters. These shelters and the subsequent need for more attainable housing after the eruption inspired HalePlus.
At HPM, we’re on a mission to help our community build and live better. HalePlus is a new, innovative project to create factory-built starter homes that put homeownership within reach for more people. These smaller homes are transportable and locally made following all building code requirements.
2. How are HalePlus homes constructed?
HalePlus homes are pre-assembled in sections using wall panels, trusses, and other quality building materials at HPM’s manufacturing facility in Keaau. HPM has worked with the County of Hawaii Building Division throughout the entire HalePlus development process, and factory-built structures are subject to the same codes, regulations, and permitting as site-built homes. The structures’ framing, electrical, and plumbing systems are inspected, then a final inspection is completed upon installation on a permanent foundation. HalePlus homes will be transported and installed at the build site by a licensed general contractor. HPM offers a HalePlus training program for local contractors.
3. Do I need to get a building permit for these homes?
Yes. HalePlus follows a two-permit procedure: a factory shell permit for work done in our manufacturing facility and an install permit that allows for the work to be done on site, including the foundation, electrical, and plumbing work.
4. Are HalePlus homes the same as mobile homes?
No. HalePlus is initially transported in sections from the factory to the installation site and set on a permanent foundation. Our factory-built housing is constructed according to local building codes. A mobile, trailer, or manufactured home, on the other hand, is fully assembled in a factory and has a permanent chassis that allows it to be moved at any time. It is regulated by the federal HUD code.
5. Are these HUD certified manufactured homes?
No, HPM does not have HUD certification and are not producing manufactured homes.
6. Do I need to have land first?
Yes, the topography of the land and location of your property will help determine if a HalePlus home can be delivered and installed.
7. How big are HalePlus homes?
HalePlus homes are uniquely designed to use space efficiently with a smaller footprint. Our initial offerings will feature studio options, and the future home models being planned also include 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom models. The sizes of these models will range from 300 sq. ft. for a studio to up to 1,200 sq. ft. for a 2-bedroom. They will make great starter homes or accommodate those who are considering downsizing.
8. What will HalePlus homes include?
These homes are intended to be turn-key products fully finished with roofing, siding, exterior and interior paint, cabinets, countertops, and fixtures installed. All interior finishes will have a limited selection to choose from based on good, better, and best categories. An appliance package is optional. HalePlus does not include on-site aspects, like a foundation, septic systems, water catchments, or photovoltaic capabilities.
9. Are HalePlus homes customizable?
These homes are designed to be replicated and no structural revisions can be made.
10. How long will it take for a HalePlus Home to be built?
The target timeframe for factory work is eight to 12 weeks from permit approval. During the factory build, site work can be done at the same time, saving valuable time and interest for the homeowner.
11. Can I get financing with HalePlus?
HPM aims to partner with local banks, credit unions, and mortgage brokers to create lending programs. A construction loan and mortgage will be typical loans for HalePlus. For more information, please reach out to a lender near you.
12. What construction project management services are included?
HalePlus will help homeowners with the home planning process, which includes preliminary site assessment, coordination with HPM design services, permit submission with the County of Hawaii, and coordination with their general contractor for installation.
FAQS for Pros
1. What HalePlus opportunities exist for contractors?
Licensed contractors have a critical role in the HalePlus process. You’ll work with HPM and HalePlus homeowners to plan, coordinate, transport and install the homes. We invite all licensed contractors to attend our HalePlus demonstrations to learn more about the process and opportunities for your company.
2. How do HalePlus homes fit into the existing home building market?
Factory built housing (FBH) is not going to be a solution for everyone and will not replace traditional residential home construction. Rather, FBH is meant to supplement and complement the current industry and provide additional resources to a large existing underserved market for small, affordable homes. HalePlus homes will encompass the services of licensed plumbers, electricians and general contractors during the factory-build process as well as during the setting of the modules onsite. The significant number of affordable housing units needed over the next five years exceeds the capacity of the current industry to meet those needs.
3. Are HalePlus homes in compliance with the County of Hawaii Construction Code?
Yes. HPM has been and continues to be committed to working with the County Building Division on the application of the code as it pertains to and regulates FBH. HPM is committed to ensuring for the customer that the HalePlus units being built are comparable in quality and safety compliance to any other traditional site-built structure.
4. Is participation in the HalePlus Contractor Briefings mandatory to work on a HalePlus home?
Through our HalePlus Contractor Briefings, we welcome the interest of all our contractor customers and the opportunity to discuss the implementation of this home solution with everyone. Participation in a demonstration is not mandatory to work on a HalePlus home and HalePlus homeowners can choose to work with any professional licensed contractor they prefer to transport, install and finish their HalePlus home.
HPM Building Supply is committed to affordable housing solutions for Hawaii. We look forward to sharing about exciting community projects that feature HalePlus factory-built processes and will continue to update you when HalePlus homes will be available for residential purchase.