Are modular homes good quality (like site built)? Do they appreciate in value the same as site-built? Are they more cost-efficient than site built homes? Any pro's/con's?
2006-12-16 07:29:52 · 6 answers · asked by Darrell 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
From talking with a builder about this -- who built both stick and modular, I offer the following:
1. Modular homes are often better built than site built. Both have to comply with local building codes, but moduler is subject to more inspections at the factory and sloppy work is not accepted.
2. They appreicate the same because you can't tell them apart.
3. Hard to say. I suspect -- judging by the fact that the builder switched to stick built after a while -- that stick is cheaper.
2006-12-16 07:42:27 · answer #1 · answered by jackbutler5555 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Newer modular homes are constructed using 2 x 6's instead of 2 x 4's, resulting in more insulation in the side walls. If they are installed on a foundation (basement or crawl space) they can appreciate in value. Installing them on piers (like house trailers) they will not apreciate that much.
They can be very cost efficient when compared to a new stick built house. Yes there are some cons........the HVAC systems used for heat and cooling is not the same quality as used in homes. They use a flex duct system instead of hard metal. In addition quite often they only use 1 main return air and that is not satisfactory to run central air efficiently.
2006-12-19 23:44:20 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The modular homes of today are a lot better than 20 years ago. You can put them on basements/foundations and upgrade pretty much everything. I'm not sure about appreciation or depreciation, but I do know that if they are on an actual foundation, the resale value is more. I would say they are more cost effective. There is no hold up on construction because of bad weather and it only takes a few hours to "set" them. All of the modular homes I have been in have actual drywall and wood trim, real wood cabinets, tile, and 2x4/2x6 framing.
2006-12-16 15:44:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The main advantage to a modular home is that it is done quickly, so you have an undeveloped property, you can move in right away instead of waiting for a house to be built.
They are getting better at building them than in the old days, some even are able to be attached to a full basement. But, you may have problems securing financing with some lenders. Check around with mortgage companies first and ask if they do modular homes.
2006-12-16 15:35:39 · answer #4 · answered by Jerry J 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on where you live. They are just pre fab houses. They do gain value depending if they are in a community or on your own land. Stay away from communities cause the rent is sketchy sometimes.Value is always in the land with them. I know in Louisiana they are using them for a quick rebuild. Now if you live somewhere were Hurricanes hit I would go block construction. New modular homes do come with hurricane straps but the wind tolerance is not as good as a block home. Anywhere you have wind issues i would consider something else but if I lived in the mountains or somewhere low key to weather they are quick,cheap and very nice
2006-12-16 15:51:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I live in an area where prefab.modular homes are very popular. I have heard more bad than good when it comes to quality and customer support. they force you to choose packages they offer for lighting plumbing and appliances at inflated prices and once they are finished your customer support is nearly non existant.
2006-12-16 19:05:35 · answer #6 · answered by AuntieKJ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋