Modular homes offer a low cost alternative that has become attractive to home buyers. As construction costs for conventional site built homes continue to rise, many people are turning to modular home construction as a means to keep new home prices affordable.
Modular home sales have climbed eight percent among total new home sales nationally with North Carolina, Michigan and New York leading the charge in modular home sales. With fast construction periods and lower costs, numerous home buyers see an inexpensive method to buy a new home.
Modular homes are manufactured in several sections at a factory much the same way manufactured homes are. The major difference between manufactured homes and modular homes are in the setup of the home on the site. Manufactured homes usually do not have a permanent foundation installed and are titled as personal property for tax purposes. Modular homes are installed on a permanent foundation and deeded as real property at the courthouse.
Modular home construction plants provide an environment where homes are built without the restrictions and delays caused by wet weather, thieves, and vandalism. With advanced building techniques and no time delays, modular home builders can lower construction costs and pass savings on to buyers. Home buyers can customize floor plans and choose upgrades just as they would with traditional site built construction.
Most modular homes are purchased through a dealer that has a sales lot with show models. Buyers browse both finished and unfinished models to choose the layout that closely fits their individual needs. Once the floor plans and customizations have been approved by the builder, an unbiased, state licensed engineer verifies the revised house plans meet building codes. As the factory begins constructing the framework and roof trusses, a local contractor starts digging and pouring the foundation.
Once the factory-made sections are constructed, they are transported to the site, and lifted onto the foundation through the use of a crane. This process can take as little as a day to complete depending on the size of the home. Final completion may take another few weeks as electrical, plumbing, sheetrock, and cabinetry are installed on-site. The overall process, from the first order to move in, generally takes about ninety days. A big difference if compared to site-built houses, which could take from twelve to eighteen months to complete.
Final Thoughts About Modular Homes
Modular homes offer savings of both time and money that is very appealing to buyers in a rough economy.
Hubert Miles is the founder of Waterfront Houses USA, an online marketing service that provides Coastal Home and Coastal Home For Sale listings in the US and Canada.
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