Home of the Month Summary

April 2026 Home of the Month: Two-Story Modular Home Rebuild After Fire Damage 
Manufacturer: Signature Building Systems
Location: North Caldwell, New Jersey
Square Footage: 3,500 sq ft.
Stories: 2
Modules: 6
Bedrooms: 6
Bathrooms: 5.5

In December 2023, the Berkowitz family lost their home to a fire likely caused by outdated electrical wiring common in homes built in the late 1960s. With multiple generations living under one roof, the priority was to rebuild quickly without compromising quality or longterm durability.

From the beginning, the objective was straightforward: rebuild the home they wanted and avoid a multi-year construction process.

Modular construction provided a clear path forward, allowing the family to move ahead with confidence and a defined timeline.

Strategic Modular Rebuild, Not New Construction

A key decision made by the builder was to reuse the existing footprint. Damaged block walls were removed, the structure was cleaned up, and new concrete was poured over the existing foundation walls. This allowed the project to qualify as a rehabilitation and reconstruction, avoiding a full new construction zoning process that would have added 6–8 months to the timeline.

Custom Design & Specifications Highlights

Project Timeline: 10 Months Total

Design: 1 month

Permitting: 2 months

Fabrication & Delivery: 2 months

On-Site Finish Work: 5 months

From initial meeting to move in, the home was completed in approximately 10 months. Proving modular construction is a critical advantage for fire rebuild homeowners. The layout was modernized for contemporary family life while supporting multigenerational living, including a finished basement, flexible bedroom spaces, and open gathering areas.

Windows: Andersen 100 Series casement & awning windows, black exterior / white interior

Exterior: JamesHardie Board on site by Builder

Roofing: CertainTeed Landmark shingle, Moire Black

Fireplace: Heatilator Novus Series NDV30-IFT, 36" direct-vent gas

Cabinetry: Wolf Classic, Dartmouth wall & 5-piece base cabinets

Ceiling Details: Coffered ceiling in great room and tray ceilings in dining room & kitchen island

The home extends beyond its walls with a finished basement, rear deck, pool and backyard designed for entertaining.

“In December of 2023 our home burned to the ground. Our house was a late 1960's colonial with 5 bedrooms. My wife and I decided to rebuild on the property. After looking at different options, we decided to build a modular house. After some research, we contacted Custom Modular Concepts. Working with them we designed a 6 bedroom, 5½ bath open-country-farmhouse on three floors. Custom Modular Concepts worked with Signature Building Systems to make our rebuilding experience easy and stress free. We highly recommend them both.”

— David & AnaMaria Berkowitz