Are you considering buying a mobile, modular or prefabricated house or home? All of which are classified as manufactured homes. Why choose manufactured home over a site built home?
Classes of Manufactured homes:
Mobile homes: Factory built in controlled environment. Built, to conform to CSA standards. Designed to be towed be truck. Leveled, blocked and skirted on a pad. Usually come in one or two completed sections referred to as single or double wide.
Modular homes: Factory built in a controlled environment. Built, to conform to final location building codes. Designed to be towed by truck and craned onto your foundation or basement. Usually come in one or more completed sections or modules. Modular homes are real homes. In essence, they are “stick-built” homes that are assembled in a factory as opposed to on your building site. But, should you buy one?
Pre-fabricated homes: Factory built in a controlled environment. Built to conform to final location building codes. Built in sections to be completed or assembled on site. Same construction as site built.
Advantages of manufactured homes: Built in a controlled, precise environment. On site assembly is faster than site building. Cost is usually lower than site built.
A few things to consider when choosing a home: Final cost, location, time frame.
A large variety of predesigned, sizes and floor plans are available. Custom floor plans are available. However additional engineering and manufacturing costs may apply. Most single or double wide mobile plans can be set up and ready to move into in less than two weeks from offer from a dealer to ship to site. Manufacturing is usually 6 to 8 weeks depending on factory backlog.
Mobile homes are usually set up in a mobile home park. Very little maintenance required. Modular are usually set on your property. Mobile, modular or pre-fabricated home are ideal for country or rural living.
Construction is similar to site built homes. Modular details, 2” x 6” exterior walls, 2” x 4” interior walls 8 foot ceilings. Mobile frame is 2” x 6” exterior and 2” x 3” interior walls 7-1/2 foot ceilings. Come with ten year warranty, on structure.
Most appraisers, lenders and real estate agents understand manufactured homes are built to code as an “on site” home would be. Here are some facts that will help describe what a modular is.
· They are built at a factory in modules (or sections)
· They are constructed to conform with all universal and local building codes
· The sections are delivered and connected on site
· Local building inspectors verify all requirements for structure and finishing are met
· They should have the same long term value and appreciation as any other site built or “stick-built” home in the area
What are the Main Advantages?
Manufactured homes can save you money over having a home built entirely on site by a contractor. They can also be built in much less time. Having the home built in the factory under controlled, precise environments and with crews always “on the job” can really speed things up.
Ideal for construction, in rural or country settings. Areas where security and time to complete are of major concern.
Construction costs for a modular home are usually less per square foot than for a similar site-built home. And there are other cost-saving features:
Many modular homes are very energy efficient, which helps reduce your heating and cooling costs.
Your home will probably be ready to move into much sooner than if you wait for a builder to construct a house on-site. Modular homes are built in sections in a factory setting, indoors, where they are never subjected to adverse weather conditions. The sections move through the factory, with the company’s quality control department checking them after every step. Finished modules are covered for protection, then transported to your home site. They are placed on a pre-made foundation, joined, and completed by your local builder.
Are There Disadvantages to Building a Modular Home?
You may find that there are limitations depending on the neighborhood you’re in. Some local neighborhoods prohibit the use of modular homes. This is often due to a lack of understanding of what they are. But, to be safe, check your neighborhood’s governing board and building restrictions to be sure.
In rare instances there may not be room for the big trucks and cranes that are necessary to get your home to your site and assemble it. Always check with the manufacturer or their representative early in the discussion process.
Will You Get What You Want and Save?
Remember, besides the cost to purchase the home, you’ll still have many other costs that would be there no matter what you do. Things like permits and fees, land costs, land improvement costs, water and power needs, financing costs and insurance (among other items.)
While there will be a savings on normal labor for subcontractors, you will still have labor costs for local assembly and some finishing items. Do a thorough examination of these before proceeding.
You can often have the company build the home you want with your plans. Otherwise, many companies have a wide variety of plans that you may love. So, you can often get what you want. And, you may find that you save up to 15% or more over a locally built home with a General Contractor.
Don’t all manufactured homes look alike?
No, and unless you were there to see the house delivered and assembled, you might not guess it’s a modular home. Modular home manufacturers use computer aided design programs to draw plans to your specifications, or to modify one of their standard plans to suit your needs, so nearly any home plan can be turned into a modular home.
The days when mobile homes were 8’ &10’ wide and looked like a trailer are gone. New 16’ wide singles are spacious and can be elegant. Double wide look like and resemble any style ranch home. Modulars come in a large variety of floor plans. Including Cape Cod.
Pre-fabricated homes come in any size, design, style and floor plan you desire.
Each manufacturer is different, so be sure to ask questions about flexibility if you would like to design your own home.