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5 things to know when buying a modular home

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Modular housing is considered one of the modern solutions to the global housing crisis, as these homes can offer many benefits over traditional houses. For instance, modular homes cost up to 50% less to build than traditional homes. Modular homes are also typically energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. That said, if considering investing in a modular living space, one should know a few details to make an informed decision and ease the buying process.

Things to know before investing in a modular home

1. Builder

As a modular home is a massive investment, the right service provider is one who cares about the finished product as much as the buyer does. Ideally, one needs to choose a builder known to make high-quality, durable homes and offer incredible customer service. So, one must research modular home builders before buying a home from one of them. The research must include reviewing their past work and the online ratings of builders. These details will give one some insight into each builder’s credibility. One can also seek builder recommendations from friends, family members, neighbors, and acquaintances. If on a tight budget, spending some time on research can also help one find the cheapest modular home builders nearby.

2. Site foundation and access

A modular home is a structure almost entirely built off-site (at a factory or similar place) and then later transported and assembled at the destination. Once assembled, the structure looks like any other house. While the factory or industrial setting makes the modular home construction process simpler, the structure still requires a lot of work. The process also requires complete precision, as the dimensions and overall foundation of the modular home should match the foundation of the destination site. Unlike traditional homes, for which builders can make adjustments post-construction to the foundations if they seem uneven, modular homes do not have this luxury. Being constructed off-site, these homes typically have no room for error. This is why buyers need to ensure that the foundations of the final site are perfectly level or square before the modular home is placed there.

Besides the foundation, buyers must ensure uninterrupted access to the final site. Typically, parts of or the whole modular home are transported and placed at the final site using cranes. So, buyers need to remove any trees or structures that can block the crane.

3. Logistics and assembly

The transportation and assembly of factory-made components are crucial aspects of modular home construction. Additionally, builders may create and assemble modular homes in different ways based on the ease of access to the site. For instance, they may pre-assemble components of the home (or the large structure in its entirety). This is known as pre-assembled modular homes. They may opt for panelized homes, in which the roofing, walls, and flooring are pre-assembled while the rest of the home is constructed on-site. Alternatively, builders may choose flat-pack homes, often described as a kit of components assembled completely on-site.

So, the exact logistics can vary depending on the type of construction and assembly. That said, the overall process still requires planning, site prep, and careful consideration. When choosing a builder, buyers must ensure they understand the whole construction process and the logistics of on-site assembly and transportation. They can discuss these details at length with the modular home company. The conversation will help them understand the delivery timeline. At this time, buyers must also inquire if the builder has secured the necessary permits.

4. Financing options

Modular homes are preferred due to their shorter build time and lower costs than traditional on-site constructed homes. That said, like any other home, this type of structure can also be a significant investment.

Generally, modular home buyers use one of the three ways to pay for the service—cash, traditional or non-traditional loans, or private financing. If planning to take loans or procure other kinds of financing, home buyers need to consider the overall costs of getting a modular home built. It is also important to thoroughly understand loan terms to avoid unwanted surprises.

5. Customization

Most modular home builders are open to all kinds of customizations. So, one may choose to personalize their home based on their specific needs and requirements. However, these modifications can add to the time needed to build the modular house.

Apart from these factors, other key considerations are community restrictions and the resale value of the home. Considering these details before investing in a modular home can help one avoid unnecessary penalties, conflicts, and disappointments in the future.

Companies to consider

The right home manufacturer is one that provides end-to-end services and meets buyer needs. Looking up companies that offer affordable modular homes is the best way to save money on the purchase. It is not just the cost; one must choose a manufacturer based on their popularity, expertise, and client support quality parameters. One can start by shortlisting a few well-known companies in the country and then seeking quotes from them.

  • Champion Homes
  • Martin Modular builders
  • Impresa Modular
  • Clayton Homes
  • Deer Valley Homebuilders
  • Commodore Homes
  • Georgia Contractor Group Home Builders
  • PACE Design & Construction
  • Monahan Design Build
  • Pittenger Builders
  • Highline Construction
  • Isle Communities LLC
  • Constructonik LLC
  • JDS Construction Services LLC
  • Kaplan Homes Unlimited LLC
  • VDC Builders Inc.

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