Buying vs. Building?

[jar546]

Some things to think about: Modular homes can be a good investment, but I often hear of complaints when it comes to finish work, so you may need to do a little extra before you move in.

Scrantonluna makes an excellent point. This is often the case. Where they have outstanding structural integrity, the finish work lacks. They are build to a higher standard than most stick built.

[poconoproud]

Originally Posted by REMAS Inspections

Scrantonluna makes an excellent point. This is often the case. Where they have outstanding structural integrity, the finish work lacks. They are build to a higher standard than most stick built.

I disagree, I'm sorry. I don't believe that modulars are built to a higher standard, in fact they are not even held to the same standard or codes that a stick built home is. The codes that townships have adopted (IRC) does not apply to a modular until it leaves the factory. A stick built home is a better investment. IMHO

[jar546]

There are small sections of the building code that are different between modular and stick built. I will give you that. The UCC is enforced within the modular plant and not on site except for the prep work and tie in work for a C/O. They still comply with the PA UCC. Since the modulars are prepared for over the road driving they have more structural strapping. Building codes are minimum standars and before most of PA was building to minimum standards, the modular community was building to a higher standard because they were shipping homes to other states with strict building codes.

I am not a fan of the hinged truss system of modulard so a stick built has a better attic/roof structure. When it comes time to look at the frame there is very little difference and more structural strapping on the modular.

I prefer stick built but either one will do.

[tsedeski]

Modular has very little to offer as far as character. They are limited to some degree. The quality can be higher due to the controlled building environment but nothing signifianct that makes them any better than a field built home. The modular companies tend to use lesser finishes from plumbing and electrical fixtures to the doors, interior moldings etc. If you investing in a home for the long term I would definately not go modular becuase you simply can do much more with you money the other way.

Either way you go, choose what to upgrade carefully. Builders make there biggest margins on upgrades. Sometimes over 100%. When deciding which upgrades to defer until later the things to select first are items that are most easily added "after the fact". For example, landscape can be added anytime and little by little when funds are avialable. Decks can be added easiliy. Basements can be finished later. Appliances can be upgraded as they wear out in 5-10 years. Same with flooring. However, optional rooms, fireplaces, rough-ins for plumbing, cabinets etc all are costly down the road and harder for harry homeowner to self perform.

Finally, now is the time to build. Just price shop and be sure you arent using a builder who is jacking prices to offset a slow market vs the guy who understands lowering pricing to reflect the market is the better marketing strategy.

[jar546]

One of the problems I see with modulars is the person who is listed as the general contractor. Often they have limited construction experience and got into doing it because it is easier and you don't have to know much. This creates a problem.

When I inspect the home itself there are few problems. Where I find the problems is where the "contractor" did the work such as plumbing in basement/crawlspace, foundation, anchoring of the structure to the foundation, basement access & stairwells, etc.

The draw to a modular is cost and speed.

[poconoproud]

I think people's initial draw to modulars is that they believe them to be less expensive. I have seen modulars whose list price is on par with a stick built home, however. I have looked into modular construction and believe there is too much responsibility put on the home owner and general contractor, while the modular company washers their hands upon delivery. Extra costs and responsibilities for the homeowner come into play such as hiring a crane to place the home (and has to assume any and all liability for the crane and it's operator), installing lolly columns, permits, excavation and backfill, foundation with sill plates, sill sealer, connecting all plumbing, heating, and wiring to outside sources, steps, provide a staging area for the unit. I always try to steer people away from modular, and give them the reasons that a stick built home is A BETTER INVESTMENT.

[poconoproud]

sorry, wrong post.

[dansdrive]

Build vs Buy. Anything that has 'vs' in the title means trade-offs. Unless you are extremely lucky or have a lot of latitude on what your meaning of perfect is you will most likely not find an existing home with what you want. Having said that on the build side unless you have deep pockets for the typical extras you may not be able to afford to build either.

IMO the Pro's of each:

Existing home.
1. All the extra are basically done unless its old and need to be redone.
2. A lot of cases window adornments are usually in the home, this adds $$ in new homes that is usually not planned for.
3. Storage area and shelves are usually left behind which is nice and has to be added in new construction.
4. Lawn and landscaping is usually established and may need fertilizer some trimming and walaa ready to go. Anyone that built new knows you can sink a lot of money quickly into establishing a lawn and shubs/trees.
5. Phone/Cable lines already there. New construction they have to be installed and some companies depending on how far they have to go and where the lines need to be run charge for this service now. Check that out on new construction.
6. Tax rates, an existing homes tax value 'maybe' lower than a comparable 'NEW' home. Check that out prior to building.
7. For 2 acres I'll assume you need your own well and septic system. Both are costly which come with the price of an existing home provided you get a good home inspector prior to purchasing.
8. Energy eater. Some existing homes are less energy efficient than others. New construction can give you a very energy efficient home but may be an added charge.
9. Existing homes have the bells and whistles installed depending on the home. New homes required added charges for security systems, extra hose connections, outdoor lighting etc. etc.
10. Cost to remodel an existing home to how you want it maybe less than building a new home how you would like it. Check this option out prior to making a decision.
11. Out of pocket expenses lower than new construction.

New Home:
1. Energy efficient.
2. Build home the way you want it based on your budget.
3. Pick where your home is placed on the lot within building code guidelines.
4. Add the wiring for the bells and whistles that you can always install later.

New Home Cons:
1. Extra stress on picking out paint colors, siding colors, floor coverings, lighting fixtures, stone, bricks, concrete colors, etc, etc. That is mind boggling at times. Unless you enjoy this type of thing than its a Pro not a Con.
2. Hidden cost of upgrades and things that pop up as the project progresses.

Good luck with your decision!