Modular Home Pricing Myths
There is little debate about the quality of modular home construction and many wonder about pricing. Prices of modular homes vary depending on the size, style and options included, but generally they will be cheaper when compared to a site built home. Add in the energy efficiencies of most of them, and savings begin to add up in a hurry.
While specific prices of modular homes are hard to specify due to the number of variables involved, history has shown a saving of anywhere from five to 20 percent off the price of a conventional house. Prices of modular homes will be affected by two main areas. First, the size and style of the home, options added such as quality of appliances and other fixtures in the house, delivery distance and possibly other basics being upgraded.
Next is the cost of the general contractor who will assemble the home at your site, perform all the site work, handle local constructor permits and inspections and transform your home from truck loads of components into a livable home. With the lower initial prices of modular homes, many homebuyers will add options such as upgraded plumbing fixtures, superior door and window hardware, countertops and others, which may bring the price up to that of a conventional home, but without all the upgraded extras.
The technology involved in the home’s construction will add to the long-term savings by the house being fully insulated against cold and hot weather. A typical site built home is constructed of two inch by four inch studs, with four inches of insulation. Ceilings are either another four inch of padded insulation or the blown-in type.
Most modular homes are built with two inch by six inch studs in the exterior walls and have six inches of insulation, as well as the ceiling insulation enabling the house to better keep the cold out in the winter as well as keeping it in during the summer months. This added energy savings add to the cost effectiveness of buying a modular home.
Owning your own home is just about everyone’s dream and being able to buy your dream home for less money, and get it built brand new quicker, can make that dream even better. A typical site built home, depending on size, can take from six to nine months to build. A modular home is typically ready to move in about four months after placing the order.
Usually, site work will begin once the house’s components are delivered, however if you work with the contractor they may be able to start the site work while your home is being built in the factory. With the foundation or basement in place when the home arrives, construction work can begin when the components arrive.
Weather, while not a factor when the house is being built in the factory, may play a role during the final phase, but once the house is in place on the pad, weather has no role in the interior work. When planning your move, however there should be some allowances made for any unexpected delays such as problems digging the foundation or an extended period of bad weather during the initial set-up of your new home.