Modular Homes: What Are They and Do You Want One?

Modular Homes: What Are They and Do You Want One?

Understanding the differences between housing options when you are searching for a home to purchase is very important. In your search for your dream home, you will encounter housing terms such as stick built, modular, and manufactured (mobile home). Each type of dwelling has their benefits and drawbacks, both temporary and long term. Primarily though, confusion exists about modular home manufacturing.  Also, many are unaware of the benefits of owning one.

The overall production of modular homes is a unique process. However, design begins (as with most floor plans) with an architectural engineer using a CAD (Computer Aided Design) program, and is approved by structural engineers for durability and safety. There are benefits to having your home constructed in the fashion of a modular home. The construction of the modular home sections begins on an enclosed factory floor. Quality control is strictly adhered too for each section of the house. Your home during the building phase is never subjected to inclement weather conditions, and usually the home can be ordered and delivered on site with in two weeks. Also, during this phase your contractor can set a pre - made foundation, and ensure that all necessary permits and grading work is completed in time for your modular home delivery. Finishing work such as crown molding, carpeting and appliance installation is completed once the home is joined and all utilities are hooked up. During this phase you can begin to pack and schedule your date for move in. Note worthy too is the fact that many modular homes can be special ordered from any standard house design on the market.

In a comparison between modular and manufactured homes the differences are quite clear. When comparing them, the potential home owner must think in terms of the long run. It's true manufactured housing does have short term benefits, but over the long haul it might be wise to invest a little more money into a modular home.

• Modular homes appreciate in value, manufactured homes depreciate.
• Modular homes are set on a permanent home foundation, manufactured homes set on a block pier making financing harder if not impossible to obtain.
• Modular homes meet state and local building requirements and are inspected, manufactured homes do not, and structural reliability can be faulty.
• Modular homes meet federal, state and local regulations, while manufactured housing must meet only HUD (Housing and Urban Development) requirements.
• Modular homes are accepted into most communities of stick built homes, but restrictive covenants exist on where a manufactured house may be placed.
• Modular homes are, in comparison, just as energy saving in heating and cooling as any stick built home.

Give us your thoughts or opinions about modular homes. We'd love to hear from you.