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I've noted that site-built are usually much higher. Timberon seems to be largely mobile or modular. The difficulty of transporting all the building materials, especially since it only recently acquired paved road access, has a lot to do with it, I would think. Mobile homes here in Tornado Alley are IMHO not a good idea.
I've noted that site-built are usually much higher. .
It depends on the age. At one time, and still true in many areas, there were no building codes or inspections of new structures. That led to many "site built" houses that were constructed poorly and often with recycled materials.
Ruidoso is a prime example of such structures in the older parts of town. It's led to the designation "cabin" when people speak of "going to our cabin for the summer." Many of the older "cabins" were (some still are) nothing more than board and batten walls and corrugated tin roofs with no insulation, intended only for summer use. Many of the old cabins have since been "modernized" and in their current state a casual observer passing on the street might not realize that the basic structure, now hidden beneath new siding and roofing, is still the original cabin on a questionable post and pier foundation.
The same can be said for many former house trailers (mobile homes) that are now hidden behind new facades or have had additions that disguise the original house trailer.
Well, sure, it depends on the house! Some of the former house trailers are hard to recognize.
In my area, a post and pier foundation is preferable because the ground is so shifty. I have an addition on my house which is on a slab, unfortunately.
Well, sure, it depends on the house! Some of the former house trailers are hard to recognize.
I apologize for getting so carried away with my answer that I failed to make my point.
OLDER site built houses CAN be found that are in the same price range as house trailers, mobile homes and modular homes. NEWER site built homes are going to definitely be higher priced, but you usually get what you pay for in that newer homes are built to higher standards and not usually "do-it-yourself" projects as so many older homes throughout NM were.
Site built frame homes often start at $125/sq ft while newer mods are about half the price and almost as well built. The diff btwn a mod and a mobile is simple. A mod is a mobile, with the wheels taken off and crane set on a permanent foundation. The assembly is exactly the same. I've had several mods over the years and they are well built, as much so or even more so than the conventional site built homes. Getting materiels to a remote site is just as difficult as bringing in a double wide. Unconventional mods include the Deltec homes Hurricane Resistant Prefab Round House, Prefab Green Dome Kits which are round and are hurricane resistant. That doesn't mean much, unless you've experienced Chinook winds in the PNW.
I've had several mods over the years and they are well built, as much so or even more so than the conventional site built homes.
But have you ever bought one in NM? Colorado likely has much more stringent inspections, even out in the counties, than does NM. Modular homes sold in NM are often seen on sales lots, already in a state of deterioration before they're even sold! And if not properly maintained after they're installed on site they soon begin falling apart. Of course it's never good to generalize since it's possible to purchase modulars from manufacturers who build to code standards and take pride in their products.
As always inspect before you buy. If the owner will not allow a thoruough inspection either go somewhere else of offer an appropriate price not much larger the the value of the lot.
We plan on visiting the area next Fall and will be looking for houses or Winter rentals.
But have you ever bought one in NM? Colorado likely has much more stringent inspections, even out in the counties, than does NM. Modular homes sold in NM are often seen on sales lots, already in a state of deterioration before they're even sold! And if not properly maintained after they're installed on site they soon begin falling apart. Of course it's never good to generalize since it's possible to purchase modulars from manufacturers who build to code standards and take pride in their products.
The rules of construction are the same as site built - UBC. Mods are not generally found on sales lots - because they command higher prices and are built to order. What you're seeing in the sales lots are plain old double wides with vinyl siding, they don't last long. Same is true of vinyl sided stick built. Vinyl was the choice because it's cheap. Otherwise you'd see more of half-round log homes and real brick options.
Why are genuine full thickness wall adobes so expensive? With annual maintainence they seem to last forever.
Labor to construct.
The cost of delivering adobe as compared to concrete block or framing.
Everything will last forever with annual maintenance.
Adobe is not strong nor does it have good thermal insulation.
But it was around 3,000 + years ago, so it catches the romance and character from years ago....
Rich
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