With soaring real-estate prices and housing shortages, owning a home may seem like a distant dream. In such situations, modular homes can offer a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to conventional homes that are built on-site. Also known as prefab homes, these are built to be energy-efficient, with highly functional and stylish features. Additionally, these types of houses are constructed to last long, for just a fraction of the price of a traditional house.
What are prefab or modular homes?
These homes are much more than just trailer homes or mobile homes. While mobile homes are technically a type of prefabricated structure, the modern modular home goes beyond this. To begin with, most modular homes that one can see nearby are completely or partially manufactured off-site. The parts of the house are then transported to the site of the property and assembled there. In some cases, the entire modular house is constituted as one whole piece at the factory itself. In other cases, certain parts like bathroom pods and wall panels are constituted at the factory and then assembled at the site. Usually, one can find three types of prefabricated houses.
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Manufactured homes
Also known as mobile homes, these are assembled in the factory in their entirety and then the whole thing is transported to the site.
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Modular homes
These have larger sections and components that are constructed at the factory. In some cases, the entire house consists of only two parts. These are transported to the site of the home and assembled together.
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Kit homes
These prefabricated homes are available in different options. One of the most common types is the ones available in modular sections that are ready-to move in. Meanwhile, others are available as kits with prefabricated roof panels and walls, which needs a professional contractor to be assembled. Most of these kit homes have more customization options compared to other types of prefab homes since most parts of the home are built on the site.
Buying a modular home
Purchasing a modular home is quite similar to buying a conventional house. Only a few steps are different. To start with, look for the right modular home provider. This is an important decision since the quality and durability of the house will depend on the reliability and reputation of the manufacturer.
After picking the provider, look for a house model that meets all the requirements and fits within the budget. Most providers of modular homes offer a variety of pre-designed models. Each has different features and floor plans. Once a model has been selected, the details have to be finalized with the manufacturer. This includes all minor customizations. The personalizations will involve additional costs. Generally, the base price of a modular home model is fixed. What changes is the additional expenses involved in preparation of the site, doing the foundation work, and connecting all the utilities.So when looking for the cheapest modular homes nearby, make sure to account for these additional costs. The base price may seem affordable, but the additional expense may quickly rack up the total bill. So, it is important to obtain a detailed quote from the provider to avoid surprises. Once the payment is done, the various modules of the house will be constructed at the factory, which may take about a few weeks. After the different parts have been built, they will be transported to the site of the home and assembled there. This entire process of buying, constructing, and building a modular home can be done within a fraction of time taken to construct a conventional home. This is why modular homes are perfect for those who want to have an affordable place of residence where they can move in quickly.
Factors to consider while choosing modular home
While choosing a modular home, there are several factors that need to be taken in the account.
Quality of the construction
Always go for reputable manufacturers who are known for using materials that are durable and of high quality. Also, it is important that they use industry-standard proven methods of construction. This ensures that the manufacturer puts a high priority on using material of higher grade, such as galvanized steel framing. Such materials are known for being strong and weather-resistant. These manufacturers prioritize high-grade materials, like galvanized steel framing for strength and weather resistance. Besides this, look for manufacturers that make use of computer-aided design or CAD as well as stringent quality control so that each modular home is compliant with HUD code standards.
Inspections and warranties
Check whether the manufacturer offers any warranties. Most of the time, well-known providers of modular homes give comprehensive warranties for a specific period. Along with this, inspections by third-party providers are also offered to make sure that the modular home is compliant with high quality standards.
Amenities and features
Most modern modular homes are generally packed with features. With a plethora of options available, it is crucial to consider which features are essential and which can be done without. For instance, one may want a home that is highly energy-efficient to have low utility bills. Meanwhile, another member of the family might want lots of storage space. Or the home must be equipped with all the basic modern appliances. Most providers offer several amenities and features, with some providing a few customizations as well.
Long-term value
Usually, the rate of appreciation of modular homes changes based on market conditions and location. So, homes that have desirable locations may gain more value over the years. Along with the potential increase in value, it is important to look at the long-term benefits like energy efficiency and quality construction. Such factors can make the modular home a fairly good investment in the long-term.