[connbear]

I am looking for new construction homes in CT and came across some websites with builders of "modular homes". Anyone has a good idea what these kinds of homes are like? Do they have the same value (especially the resale value) of the traditionally site-built homes? Any pros and cons are greatly appreciated!

[renovating]

You should post this in the House forum, as well. I think you will get a wider range of responses.

[GrotonMan]

I read an article on modular homes once, and they were actually recycling old shipping containers. It was quite a unique and much less expensive solution to high housing costs and low space availability as they are fairly inexpensive to obtain and convert and they were made to fit together with as little wasted space as possible. They are definitely much more popular with young creative types here in America and Europe. From what I read there were actually a few colleges here in America that were either actually using modular dorms, or were seriously considering them.

Here is an article from MSN, Shipping containers provide home in a box - MSN Real Estate
There is a slideshow in there that shows you a bunch of them.

This is all of course assuming that you aren't really talking about pre-fab homes, the term modular homes is pretty ambiguous.

[jodyrose]

Originally Posted by connbear

I am looking for new construction homes in CT and came across some websites with builders of "modular homes". Anyone has a good idea what these kinds of homes are like? Do they have the same value (especially the resale value) of the traditionally site-built homes? Any pros and cons are greatly appreciated!

As long as they are truly "modular" and not "manufactured" you are probably pretty good to go. According to present financing rules, modulars can be financed the same as stick built homes. Manufactured homes are very difficult to find financing on and you have to have at least 20% down.

The difference between the 2? Manufactured has wheels on the bottom of the structure and they tow them to the site. Modulars are brought onsite on the back of flat bed trucks. As for resale?? Not so great. I would say that 99% of my clients looking to buy say "NO" to manufactured or modular.

I know that housing in CT is pretty pricey from what I hear, so this might be a good option, but I know that here in IN right now, you can buy solidly built, in decent shape all brick homes on a full basement for around 100K, so I would find Realtor to work for you and see what you can find before going too far down this road. Good luck to you!

[sojourner950]

I've lived in a modular home and I'm hoping to buy another once the market recovers a bit...
My home was produced indoors, in a weather-free environment. I loved it. Nothing bad to say...

There is a little info on the Over 55 Delaware thread that has more than 40 pages..you will need to skin through to get some info, but it should be helpful.

Good luck.
jan

[jimazee]

Modular homes come in a wide range of quality, size, style, trim and price. Just like 'stick built'. They are not necessarily cheap or inexpensive. Some can be quite nice, even elegant.

Here is a starting point Modular building - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia .

There are probably hundreds of manufacturers and installer/builders. A web search will turn up lots of information and contacts.

[CTbrooktrout]

The quality of your modular manufacturer will make a difference. You might want to get in contact with Epoch Homes Epoch Homes – Fine Custom Modular Home Builder or take a look at their site to see what they offer

I met one of their sales reps at the CT Home Show back in March I think it was. They manufacture their modules in New Hampshire and have a local builder who's specialized in modular building put it all together here.

I wish I could remember the lady's name, she lives in Eastern CT and is a green building specialist so if you do call Epoch, they'll probably be able to identify her with that info.

Least you have a company to look up now!

edit: http://bwwilliamsbuilder.com/ is one of the local builders they use

[YAZ]

If you're gonna spend that kind of cash, then why not a log cabin?

Just sayin'.....

[NJ987654]

Modular just means that some or all of it is preassembled in a factory versus "site built". It is then brought out in pieces on a flat bed truck and assembled on site.

As the previous poster said, as long as it isn't a manufactured home (aka, mobile home), it shouldn't make a difference. A manufactured home is also assembled in a factory, however, it has a meta l undercarriage. Axels, wheels, etc are physcially attached to the structure as it is transported to the site. Typcially, these axels and wheel are removed and the home is "de-mobilized." Manufactured homes are not as valuable as stick built (whether site built or modular).

Hope this helps.

[JayCT]

The problem with modular homes is that you really have to be careful to avoid the "modular" look. For some reason many of these homes do not look quite right. I believe it is the window sizes and trim as well as the fininshes that give it away. You will need to spend extra to get the home to look right and that could eat up any savings you have by going modular. A development nearby features modular homes and the pictures and drawings online are nice but in person there is something that clearly say to the discerning eye that it is manufactured. You might want to consider a "kit" home that features more traditional architecture and is put together on-site. Good luck, Jay