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I was wondering if anyone could tell me what they think of a modular home and if one can save money with them rather than one that is site built. I've just begun my search.
I'm not referring to a manufactured home per se (trailer, mobile), but one that really looks like a house even though it's made in sections in factory conditions and "stays put" once on the property. I understand they're made even better than site built and are built to conform to all state, local or regional building codes at their destinations. I have a friend in WA state that says I should really check into them as they're just like a regular house.
The manufactured conform to a Federal building code, called the HUD code, rather than to building codes at their destinations and, of course, have many other differences. I wouldn't live in a single or doublewide; I have some kind of weird quirk against them.
Search the threads, this has been discussed before and quite a few people responded who know about these types of homes. Myself, after looking into the price of land and the price of a modular home, have come to the conclusion that it will cost just as much as buying an existing stick made home. Of course, I would be willing to look at a modular home that was for sale, as long as it was newer, and of course it would have to pass inspection by professional.
Search the threads, this has been discussed before and quite a few people responded who know about these types of homes. Myself, after looking into the price of land and the price of a modular home, have come to the conclusion that it will cost just as much as buying an existing stick made home. Of course, I would be willing to look at a modular home that was for sale, as long as it was newer, and of course it would have to pass inspection by professional.
I have looked into modular / manufactured homes. I have gone to all the retailers near me and would definatly live in one. They higher end ones are built well and are real nice looking. http://homebuying.about.com/od/homemanufacturers/
There is a distinct difference between modular and manufactured homes.
Modular tends to refer to houses which are built in pieces in a factory setting and then transported to a foundation and set up.
Manufactured homes usually is a fancy way of say mobile home or double wide mobile home.
I looked at the option of modular several years ago here in Ontario. They tended to be about 15% more expensive than a comparable stick-built house, but the selling points were that everything was assembled in a controlled environment using precision ****, etc.
I liked the idea of having a very firm idea of when my house was going to be ready and not being at the mercy of sub-contractors and weather.
On the down side, you don't have the flexability to change the location of the bathroom door halfway through the build. LOL
Like most things in life each has good and bad points.
Regardless of which route you choose to go, the most important thing is to deal with a reputable, trustworthy builder who still stand behind the work.
I solved my dilemma by purchasing a house that was 125 years old. LOL
Last edited by Cornerguy1; 02-28-2007 at 12:16 AM..
Reason: typo
There is a distinct difference between modular and manufactured homes.
Modular tends to refer to houses which are built in pieces in a factory setting and then transported to a foundation and set up.
Manufactured homes usually is a fancy way of say mobile home or double wide mobile home.
I looked at the option of modular several years ago here in Ontario. They tended to be about 15% more expensive than a comparable stick-built house, but the selling points were that everything was assembled in a controlled environment using precision ****, etc.
I liked the idea of having a very firm idea of when my house was going to be ready and not being at the mercy of sub-contractors and weather.
On the down side, you don't have the flexability to change the location of the bathroom door halfway through the build. LOL
Like most things in life each has good and bad points.
Regardless of which route you choose to go, the most important thing is to deal with a reputable, trustworthy builder who still stand behind the work.
I solved my dilemma by purchasing a house that was 125 years old. LOL
Thanks for your post, Cornerguy1, and yours too, lookingfortheperfectplace.
I definitely would really prefer buying an existing home and hopefully, that's what I'll find when the search gets in full swing.
I know there is a big difference between modular and manufactured. I won't live in a manufactured, especially in tornado prone Texas, as they don't withstand winds very well. Even if it were not for tornadoes and high winds, I just think they are made so "crummy," so to speak. Of course, if a house is hit "right on" with a tornado, it's usually "gone with the wind" as well.
If modular are more expensive than site built, then I know that won't be an option anyway. I'm trying to save money as I'm not made of it.
KewGee,
Try this web site www.ewpa.com It has plenty of info on component mfg's.
Under the Trusses & Wallpanels tab you will find a list Mfg's by state.
IMO Factory built homes have better quality control compared to site built homes.
I lived in a modular home for 15 years. I loved it, the only reason why We sold it is that we wanted something bigger. It is not a mobile home!!! It is just built in a factory and delivered in pieces to your property. I do not remember the company who built my house. But we never had any problems with it. Good luck
I went back and checked that article about the Amish modular home builders. They are making these homes for $50 per square foot; I think that's about half of some stick-built houses. These houses are quality, quality, quality; definitely not mobile homes. The clients can customize the interiors, appliances, etc. Less than 25 years ago when this family started, they were asking just $17 per sq. foot. Can you imagine, getting a nice home (e.g. 1500 sq. ft.) for about $25,000? Too bad we don't live near such honest and industrious folks where we could also take advantage.
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