Leanify Construction: D&W Homes

Welcome to the Leanify Construction blog! I’m Sneha Kumari, and I’m thrilled to kick off the year with you all, brought to you in collaboration with Offsite Dirt. Let’s get the dirt on the latest in modular construction.

Gwen Elliott with with D&W Homes she is a trailblazer in the modular construction industry, with 20 years of experience under her belt. She’s dedicated to building affordable, high-quality homes and holds degrees in journalism and graphic design, along with a master’s from the University of Colorado. Impressively, she’s the only woman on the board of MHBA—a fact that underscores her groundbreaking contributions.

Gwen’s Journey: A Life Built on Construction

Gwen grew up immersed in construction, following in her father’s footsteps. Her family’s entrepreneurial spirit—from grocery stores to appliance shops—inspired her journey. She recalls how her father started the business in 1977 and how, even as a child, she contributed to projects, from clearing sites to digging footers.

“I was born into this industry,” Gwen shares. “I grew up sitting on dozers with my dad and helping build mobile home parks. That’s where my passion for small businesses and construction began.”

Her company, D&W Homes, has three model centers and a loyal, seasoned team, some of whom have been with them for decades. They specialize in building modular homes ranging from 900 to 2,100 square feet, primarily in Southern Ohio and West Virginia. Their mission is clear: provide affordable, high-quality housing to families.

Living the Talk: A Commitment to Modular

Gwen not only builds modular homes but lives in one herself. For over 22 years, she’s called a modular house home. “If I won the lottery tomorrow, I’d still live in this house,” she says, underscoring the quality and comfort modular homes offer.

She’s particularly proud of the generational loyalty her business has fostered. Families return to D&W Homes, sometimes purchasing the same floor plan their parents did. This is a testament to the enduring quality and trust built over decades.

Overcoming Challenges and Educating the Market

Despite the growing acceptance of modular construction, misconceptions persist. “People still refer to modular homes as trailers,” Gwen notes. “We’ve been selling modular homes for over 45 years, but the stigma lingers. Educating people about the differences remains a key challenge.”

However, the industry is evolving. Manufacturers are integrating high-quality finishes—solid surface countertops, soft-close cabinets, and more—making modular homes comparable to traditional stick-built houses. These advancements are helping shift perceptions and prove that modular is a modern, efficient solution for housing needs.

The Role of Technology in Shaping the Future

When asked about future trends, Gwen highlights the transformative potential of technology. “AI and VR will revolutionize how customers design and visualize their homes,” she explains. Imagine being able to walk through your custom-designed home virtually, adjust layouts in real-time, and feel confident in your choices before construction even begins.

These advancements will empower homeowners, making modular construction even more appealing and accessible. “Technology is moving fast, and it’s exciting to think about how it will enhance the customer experience and streamline the building process,” Gwen adds.

Why Modular is the Way Forward

Modular construction offers numerous advantages: affordability, sustainability, and speed. Built in controlled environments, modular homes ensure consistent quality and minimize waste. As Gwen emphasizes, “This is the future of construction. With growing acceptance of modern technologies, modular will become the go-to solution for housing.”

Offsite Dirt’s mission aligns perfectly with this vision: educating the public about the benefits of modular and offsite construction. By sharing stories like Gwen’s, we aim to inspire greater adoption of these innovative methods.

Final Thoughts

Gwen’s journey is a shining example of resilience, innovation, and commitment. Her dedication to providing affordable housing while embracing new technologies makes her a leader worth celebrating.

Thank you, Gwen, for sharing your story and insights. Let’s continue to champion modular construction as the future of housing. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and industry updates from Leanify Construction and Offsite Dirt.