Are they built well? I have heard they are built really well nowadays. What about re-sell value? Would the home increase in value as much as another home? I have to admit when looking to buy a home and I see the word "modular home" I think lower quality. I would think other people would too.
What do you think?
2007-09-03 08:07:31 · 8 answers · asked by Emily 5 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
A_kansan is closer than Pengy, but still a tiny bit off. There IS a difference between MODULAR and Manufactured:
A Manufactured home is, ALSO, built in sections, in a factory, has sustained no rain/wind/weather (as do ALL STICK built homes). A manufactured home has to pass the federal standards of housing manufacture (HUD), whereas the MODULAR MUST PASS BOTH Federal AND state, local, regional standards (which makes it 'Better built'). Used to be that one could tell the difference between and mod and man by looking beneath to see if the metal I-beams were in place; however, more mod's are being built WITH the metal I-beams for better stability. (the manufactured have a title, another difference).
Both mod's and man's are BETTER built; they are built w/2x6 exterior walls, higher grade insulation, under cover so mother nature never touches the bare interior wood. Would you rather spend $100 sf (average) to build a home that could be rained on a dozen times or more before you move in, takes 3+months to build, with 2x4 exterior walls (how many stick builts have you found with thicker walls???), or a better quality 'system built' home that can be put on your property and ready for move in 3 weeks and costs an average of $75 sf?
A lot of system built home builder's will allow you to make changes to their home plans. Making your home basically 'custom'. (Liberty Homes, built in Kansas, will allow you to).
The resell value is really due to the fact that most buyers don't request drywall interior upgrade. When you go to resell the home and a buyer looks at the cheap 'trailer' wall paneling, they're mind set is "70's trailer". If the buyer saw painted drywall, they wouldn't even know they were in a system built home, except on paper. So, yes, the resell value is less than that of a stick built home because of mindset of buyer's who don't know how well these homes ARE BUILT. But, we're winning over more and more people and we're going to give contractors a run for their money, some day. :)
Manufactured homes can be single wide, double wide, triple wide, two story, cape cod, any number of configurations-so can modulars. They are all 'system built' homes.
The website, below, can answer more questions.
2007-09-03 11:18:47 · answer #1 · answered by mysticgraystar 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People will know the difference, because you have to disclose whether it is a stick built, or modular home. Even the best modular homes aren't going to re-sell as well as a stick home in the same shape......but if maintained, the good ones will still do ok.
Placing them on a permanent foundation is a must. In a lot of areas a modular home won't qualify for a regular mortgage if it isn't on a permanent foundation.
I'd also suggest upgrading to a very good siding....vinyl or concrete mesh. The T-1-11 " standard " siding, that many modulars come with, is easily marred, or pitted, and susceptible to water damage from rain.
2007-09-03 08:23:45 · answer #2 · answered by BroncoFan_17 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
People keep confusing Modular with Mobile and there is a difference, modulars are built without the wheels and axles, and are built in sections to be placed together on a foundation. Most have 2 x 6 walls and are insulated, and can be two story, log home style, ranch, etc. There is a difference, but most associate the word modular with trailer, not true
2007-09-03 08:32:14 · answer #3 · answered by Pengy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Pengy got it right mostly.
Modular homes are in no way of lesser quality, and in many ways superior to a stick built home.
Since the plans are repeatable, the wood is precisely cut and assmbled on jigs, accounting for tighter specifications.
Modular homes cost less because they are assembly line instead of cuts made as needed.
The low esteem of modular homes causes me to wonder sometimes. It is more a matter of the buyer's snootyness if you ask me.
If you are purchasing one to put on your own lot, you may order any type of siding you want, so the admonition that their siding is cheaper is nonsense.
Finally, even though I used the term "modular" the correct term is "manufactured", and applies to both modular houses and what we used to call trailer houses.
Both houses are manufactured to presiding building codes as designated in your area. In some areas, trailer houses are still required to sit on a permanent foundation.
2007-09-03 09:27:46 · answer #4 · answered by A_Kansan 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have lived in mine for 8 1/2 years now and it is built i think as good as a house. I have only spent 300 dollars for a water heater since living there and my power bill averages about 100 a month and is three bedroom two bath and two living rooms and kitchen. I paid 68,000 dollars for the land( 3/4 acre) and home and is appraised for 84000 now.
2007-09-03 08:20:02 · answer #5 · answered by rem552000 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
They are built to the same standards as any other home; it has the same building code. They don’t appreciate like houses though. They have more maintenance and use more energy. If you live in a place with lots of old A frame wood houses your just as good off.
2007-09-03 08:15:10 · answer #6 · answered by Dan S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you put the hose on a permanent foundation and replace the inside walls with dry wall it will sell the same and no one will know the difference.
2007-09-03 08:12:08 · answer #7 · answered by Travio! 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well built? yes
Re-sell value? Less than other homes
2007-09-03 08:33:17 · answer #8 · answered by jdkilp 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋