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 homes offer a low cost alternative that has become attractive to home buyers.
Modular home sales have rose 8% among new home sales nationwide. North Carolina, Michigan and New York have been on the forefront of the growth of new modular home construction. With quick construction time tables and reduced costs, more buyers will see these homes as an affordable way to purchase a new home they might not otherwise be able to afford.
Modular homes have many similarities with manufactured homes, one of which is they are both constructed in a factory. One big difference is in the foundation. Generally, manufactured homes do not have a permanent foundation where modular homes have poured concrete and masonry footers, piers, and foundation walls. Most county courthouses deem manufactured homes as personal property because they are not permanently attached to the down and can be moved. Modular homes are considered 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.
Commonly, modular houses are purchased through a modular home dealer or builder. After the floor plans and choices have gotten approved by the manufacturer, a state-approved third party reviews the designs to ensure they conform to the building code for the state where it will be constructed. Furthermore, a third party inspection agency licensed by the state conducts inspections at the industrial plant as the house is being manufactured and assembled. Meanwhile, a local contractor constructs the home’s foundation.
After the foundation is complete, the constructed walls and trusses are brought to the construction site on a flatbed truck and set in place with a crane. Framing crews then secure the walls to the foundation. Typically, the installation takes 1 to 2 days to complete. Once all the framing is finished, the electrical, plumbing, sheetrock, and cabinetry are installed. The home is generally ready to move into within 120 days or less. Traditional site built homes take 12 months to complete. So which would you rather do?
In Closing
In a tough economy, every home buyer is looking for ways to save money. Modular homes help buyers by providing them with affordable housing alternatives.