Two-Story Modular Home Rebuild After Fire Damage
Location: North Caldwell, New Jersey
Builder: Custom Modular Concepts
Build:
Type: Two Story
SQFT: 3,500
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In December 2023, the Berkowitz family lost their home to a fire likely caused by outdated electrical wiring common in homes built in the late 1960s.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.
After exploring several rebuilding options, the homeowners connected with Mike Fasheh from Custom Modular Concepts. 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, Mike Fasheh, 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.
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.
Custom Design & Specifications Highlights
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: White siding selected with builder guidance
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
Countertops: Bathrooms: 3 cm quartz, Calacatta Monaco
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.
Why Custom Modular Was the Right Choice for This Fire-Damage Rebuild
This project was not about building something new for the sake of it. It was about restoring a permanent home quickly, safely, and without unnecessary risk after a total loss. Modular construction aligned with those priorities from day one.
Faster recovery after a total loss
After a fire, time matters. Temporary housing costs, insurance timelines, and family disruption add pressure to move quickly. Modular fabrication allowed the home to be built in the factory while permits and site work were underway, significantly shortening the overall rebuild timeline.
Avoiding extended zoning and approval delays
By rebuilding within the original footprint, the project avoided being reclassified as full new construction. That decision eliminated months of additional zoning review and uncertainty. Custom modular construction supported this approach by allowing precise planning and execution within the existing parameters.
Cost certainty in an insurance-driven rebuild
Fire damage rebuilds are especially vulnerable to budget overruns. Modular construction established scope and pricing early in the process, giving the homeowners predictable costs that aligned with insurance proceeds and reduced exposure to change orders.
Factory controlled quality after a catastrophic failure
After losing a home to suspected electrical issues, quality control was a priority. Factory construction provided consistent installation standards, repeatable inspection processes, and third-party oversight that are difficult to achieve in uncontrolled site conditions.
Fully custom design without compromise
This was a custom two-story home, not a standard model. The rebuild incorporated modern layouts, updated systems, and a finished lower level while maintaining the architectural character of the original home. The project demonstrates that modular construction delivers design flexibility comparable to high end site built homes.
“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