2006-12-13 06:39:38 · 10 answers · asked by Heather 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Decorating & Remodeling
It is 1/2 way between a "real" house and a mobile home. It is built in a factory, which can allow for better quality control. It is assembled in sections then transported to the build site and set on a regular foundation. Since it must be loaded on a truck and transported, it is often built with stronger materials then a "stick" or site built home. The floor plans are a bit more limited due to transportaion and structure issues. Banks and lending institutions shy away from loaning on them and buyers shy away from buying them. Although there are some advantages, unless you plan on staying in a home a long time and not selling, I would stick to a stick built home unless you can save a truck load...
Haha, get it, a truck load.... a real knee slapper.
2006-12-13 06:52:13 · answer #1 · answered by CP 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A modular home is built at a particular site (like inside a factory), then trucked to the building site and assembled.
Like anything else--they are better than some homes, and worse than others. Whether or not they are better than a stick built home would depend entirely upon the quality of the builder.
What I have personally seen includes:
1. They meet the exact bare minimum of the building code--not an iota more.
2. The materials are exceptionally cheap. They often look good to start with--cherry cabinets, for instance, but the overall quality is poor.
3. Houses are NOT made to be trucking down the road. Every bump and pothole jars the structure--cracking drywall, possibly plumbing, too.
4. They don't hire builders to build them--they hire factory rats to build your home. They are built by amateurs--siding will be installed incorrectly, windows and doors flashed improperly, inadequate insulation (remember the roof is on hinges), and the list goes on.
Yes, they will cost less than a "quality" stick built home. But then again, a junky stick built home will cost less, too. You get what you pay for, and it will appreciate and retain value accordingly.
2006-12-13 12:13:37 · answer #2 · answered by knowitall 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A mobile home is considerably cheaper per sq foot than a stick built. Call a few modular home suppliers in your area. They will be very helpful. Tip: View examples of comparable modular unit before committing. Also a smart idea is to get your modest sized modular set atop a quality poured daylight basement, outfitted with windows and at least two doors. You can then piddle around & finish basement & increase the value of your property. Maybe even keep the added value a secret form taxman...for awhile at least.
2006-12-13 09:17:34 · answer #3 · answered by ibeboatin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Manufactured housing has come a long way. Pricing can range from what you would expect for a fully furnished double-wide mobile home (trailer) to a fully manufactured home built to your specifications that would be hauled to your building site and installed on your poured concrete basement or slab. A modular home is factory constructed, tolerances,quality control and energy efficiency are generally very good and....they go up wickedly fast. It is entirely possible to be living in your home in a few days rather than weeks or months for a stick built home.
2006-12-13 06:56:31 · answer #4 · answered by Jim N 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's really just a trailer house with the axles removed. But if you say that to a modular home owner they will get mad at you. I say if it came in on wheels, it's a trailer house. As for cost, Ive seen them start at $40,000 for bottom dollar houses and go up from there.
2006-12-13 09:48:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Modulars are built to strict standards and yes they can often be beter than "stick built" As for lending it is usualy just as easy to get funding on a modular as it is on a "stick built" when it is on your own land instead of leased property and it is to be set on a frost footing or basement. Modulars can come in any size and floor configuration including multi levels and split levels the limit is your own imagination and the ability of the manufacturer.
2006-12-13 06:59:42 · answer #6 · answered by oreos40 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A modular home is not much different than a manufactured home meaning that it is manufactured in a factory (built to your specifications) then brought on site and put together. Kinda like a kit.
2006-12-13 06:44:22 · answer #7 · answered by lauren_brooke19 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The same as a manufactured home. Price depends on size - single wide, double wide or triple... they can range from 19,000 on up to 100,000.00 Do a yahoo search on Fleetwood for example - you can see some of the floor models.
2006-12-13 06:49:41 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes... it is the politically correct term for a trailer... normally they cost less than your average SUV.
~xerocs
2006-12-13 06:46:46 · answer #9 · answered by xerocs 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
almost like a mobile home but fancier
2006-12-13 07:40:25 · answer #10 · answered by justme 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋