A common misconception with modular homes is that the term has been misconstrued as being a manufactured home. Manufactured homes, often called mobile homes or trailers, are dwellings built based on the HUD code. The HUD code is a Federal building code based on the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards established by the US government. Regardless of where the manufactured home is placed, federal codes must be met. These mobile homes or manufactured homes as they’re now called usually have simple ranch style floor plans and come single, double or triple wide depending on the size home you want. These homes are often confused with modular homes when in truth mobile homes are just the cheapest type of modular house.

Manufactured homes are cheaper than modular homes but have limited designs and configurations. Manufactured homes cost on average $55 per square foot. The average for modular home sales is roughly $65 per square foot.  Site built homes range from $85 to $130 per square foot. Building prices vary from state to state; your local building department should be able to give you a rough idea of costs in your area.
Building a traditional home on site is a very labor intensive and costly process. All the resources have to be trucked to the worksite unloaded by one crew, before being put together by another crew. A process that has to be repeated for each step of the home building process, foundation, framing, roofing, plumbing, electrical, tiling, flooring, and finishing. This extra work requires more workers and a longer total building time, both of which cost more.

Modular homes are factory built and can be designed to the homeowners’ specifications. Modular homes can be designed with basements, porches, garages and various other amenities. Whereas manufactured homes adhere to a strict federal code for construction, modular homes are constructed to meet local building codes at their designated home site.

Modular homes can be constructed, transported and installed on a foundation in less time than a site built home can be completed. In fact, a constructor can lay the foundation and have it ready by the time the home is transported from the factory. Depending on the complexity of the design, a homeowner could move into a new modular home within 90 days of initial construction. In addition to being cost effective, modular homes are also well built. Since these homes are transported from a factory nearly 90 percent complete, they are built to be durable enough to handle being transported.

Along with being durable and cost effective, modular homes also offer a variety of floor plans. Modular homes can be designed for a modest dwelling of 1000 square feet to larger homes that could rival any site built house. Often modular homes are so well designed that few can tell the difference between a modular home and site built house once the building is completed. Within the past few years, modular home sales have risen to become nearly 8 percent of all new homes sold. For those looking for a affordable, quality housing modular homes are worth looking into.

There is no need to hurry with a roof due to an impending storm. The construction is done perfectly without rush. And it takes less time to build a home in this manner because everything is available on site. There is no need to wait for shipments of materials and contractors to arrive.

The look of log cabin modular homes has become more popular because they look expensive to build. They appear to be strong and do not compete with nature. This appeals to many who would like for their homes to become a part of the natural backdrop, rather than compete against it. This can make a home appear as if it belongs there and has been there for many years. Most would never guess that the log cabin was a prefabricated modular home.

Of course if you place a modular log home in a trailer park, it can lose a little of the natural feel. However, it can add a beautiful element to the lot. This type of home is more popular in the country, surrounded by nature. The look becomes very natural there. These prefab factory built homes can be equipped with all the latest features and conveniences. They are priced according to the features that the buyer would like to purchase. Although the homes are typically very inexpensive, up grades can lead to a higher price. The cost is still much lower than building the home in the traditional manner.

These modular homes are built in the factory and shipped to the place of residency. It is often nice to have a basement dug for additional space. This is not a necessity though, because many of the modular homes come with ample space. The popular open floor plans are also available. Purchasing this type of home is a great way to have your dream home without breaking the bank.

When shopping for this type of home, you will have many different models to choose from. If you go to a dealership, the salesman will immediately try to steer your towards a new home. Don’t allow him to do this as you can save a fortune by purchasing used. If you cannot find something at a dealership, be sure to check what is offered by private sellers. Thanks to the internet finding sellers with mobile homes for sale has never been easier. You may be able to move this type of home also, depending on where the house is located.

When you go to browse used manufactured homes, look for any upgrades that have been made. This would include such items as decks, porches and garages. Don’t let this influence your decision though without bringing in an appraiser and inspector. The inspector will give you the current condition of the home while the appraiser will tell you the value of the house. Use your own professionals although the dealer or seller may try to recommend theirs. This should be done only when you have narrowed it down to one or two choices so you don’t waste money on homes you won’t buy.

Be advised that there are a few problems when purchasing used manufactured homes. First, these homes do not gain in value as quickly as a traditional home. This means you won’t see a large return on your investment. Also, some find that it is harder to get financing for this type of residence. It is best to ask around to see if you can get the money you need to purchase your home before investing too much time and energy.

1. Clayton Homes is your one stop custom modular home dealer. They have over 1000 manufactured home centers in a number of different states. They have over 77 years’ experience in mobile and modular home construction and have built over 1.5 million homes. They offer financing as well as lease and insurance for your home. They have thousands of house floor plans to choose from and you are sure to find one to fit the needs of you and your family. In 2003 they were acquired by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire-Hathaway. They are LEED certified by the U.S. Green Building Council.

2. Fleetwood Homes is another modular homes dealer who has a great selection for you to choose from. They have been in business since 1950 and are committed to sustainable green manufacturing practices. Fleetwood’s parent company, Cavco Industries was just awarded the prestigious title of 2010 Manufacturer of the Year by the Manufactured Housing Institute. They stand behind their manufactured homes by offering a limited warranty on structural components of your home for any defects in material and workmanship for one year after purchase.

When it comes to purchasing your new modular home it is important for you to shop around and do your research to find a model that you will fall in love with. Also it is important to shop around to ensure that you are getting the best price possible on your new modular home purchase. Learnaboutmodularhomes.com does not endorse any modular home companies. Before you choose a builder check them out at your states Better Business Bureau.

When purchasing this type of home from reputable modular home builders the buyer can tailor the home to fit the needs of their family. The buyer can literally have the modular home crafted and designed just as they would if it is their dream home. The layout of the home is chosen by the buyer, along with the type of cabinetry, bathroom fixture, carpet, hardwood floors, windows, roofing and even at times, the appliances.

After ordering the home the buyer, depending on how extensive the order is, may be able to have their home delivered to them anywhere from five days up to a couple of months. Timing is dependent on how in depth the construction of the modular home maybe. These homes are crafted indoors, not outdoors. This protects the framework of the home from the elements as it is being constructed.

Pricing of a manufactured home ranges from 25,000 dollars on up to 100,000 dollars or more. This is dependent on the fact if the buyer chooses a single wide home versus a double wide home. Also the type of style, design, as well as materials used also factors into the final cost of the home. Most modular home builders include the delivery and setup fee and a warranty for the first year.

If in the market for a home and find the price range is not within the means, consider a manufactured home. There are many choices the buyer has in tailoring the home to fit their needs, budget, as well as their personality.

The components of the home are built with the same quality of materials as if the home was built on the building site. They are then shipped to the site in pieces for easy transportation. Once the home has reached the site, the workers quickly and efficiently assemble the pieces.

The modular home manufacturers make sure that all of the components are tested for quality and that they will fit together perfectly before it reaches the building site. Building in this manner keeps the materials free from exposure to the elements. The modules are protected during transportation as well. This ensures that the materials will not be exposed to water damage before they are placed in the home. The customers can rest assure that the materials will arrive in one piece in the condition in which they purchased it.

Many people like to purchase their homes for modular home manufacturers because they can purchase all elements in one place. These manufacturers sell complete homes. Therefore, it is not necessary for the buyer to hire different contractors and companies to do different parts of the job. Buying in this manner also keeps the cost of construction down. Looking for one stop shopping?  Most of these companies also offer in house financing, insurance and warranties.

The modular home manufacturers offer home in many different price ranges. There are log homes, ranch homes, two story homes and even homes that range in the 3500 sq. ft area. Buying a large home in this manner greatly reduces the price. Some of the smallest homes can start in the 30′s and the larger ones can be priced in the 200′s, the pricing greatly depends on the options that the buyer chooses and the amount of desired square footage. Buying your home from one of these companies can allow you to live in your dream home at a fraction of the new home building cost.

Panelized homes offer prospective customers a new approach to construction of those “dream homes” while avoiding many of the pitfalls that can occur in on-site building.  The concept is to cut down on construction time with pre-fabricated walls that arrive ready to put in place.  Another plus is that none of these materials have been subjected to the weather as all work is completed within a controlled environment prior to shipment to the site.

In years past, there were only a few floor plans from which to select your prospective home.  However, today many companies offer the consumer the option to go beyond the “package/kit” deal by presenting individualized plans.  By working with their contractors and architects, you can have that home you have always wished for in a timely manner.  From the mountain chalet to the Southwestern designed adobe, it is all possible with the panelized home.  All plans must meet local building codes even in areas where hurricanes can present problems.

As many have seen the TV shows where buildings go up in record time, less than a week, this exact “pre-framed” concept is utilized to accomplish their deadline.  This unique process is not only a time-saver but cost-saver on labor as well.  Most manufactured sheets can easily be managed by a work crew of no more than three.  You would need multiple crew members for the on-site construction project.  It is possible to save up to 40% in both time and expenditures.

Many of these panelized homes will be sold as the shell only which will leave the finishing of the interior to the discretion of the homeowner.  This “open wall system” leaves all the electrical, plumbing and inside incomplete.  The alternative is the “closed wall system” which arrives completed even down to the insulation and interior wall.  In either case, this all comes down to an earlier move-in date for your family.

For new couples who are purchasing their first home, this will be one of the biggest challenges as well as events in their marriage. Not only from choosing the design and style there is also the challenge of what materials the home will be crafted from. From hardwoods, tile, carpet, to cabinetry, plumbing fixtures and colors of paint or the roof. There is a lot of choices to be made and these choices will also be what determines the final cost of the home. The home builder of custom built homes are there to make sure the dream home chosen by the buyer will be exactly what the buyer expects.

As you are considering the choice of custom built homes there are a few important points to consider. Make sure the home is energy efficient as well as ecologically green in construction. Consider the financing options available as well as home owner tax incentives. Take into consideration all home builder rebates as well as manufacturer rebates. Lastly take steps to ensure the appliances as well as the heating and cooling system throughout the home are energy efficient. Choosing the option of custom built homes over homes already built is not an easy decision to make. The time and effort it takes to design and build the home is not quick easy, for it is a time consuming.

Choosing unique styles within the home to display the buyer’s personality is a choice you do not have when purchasing a home already built. Cost of renovating a home to make it your home can be just as expensive as building your own home. The choice of purchasing a custom built home is a journey any buyer can and will enjoy being a part of.

These modular home floor plans cost considerably less than a traditional home, making them an attractive choice for consumers. It can take only three short days to complete a home after the foundation is set and the pieces arrive. Typically, the home can be put together by a team of three in about a day. However, to connect all of the plumbing and electricity, it can take up to three days. All other aspects of the home piece together quickly.

One of the best parts about modular home floor plans is that while inexpensive and easy to purchase, they are customizable with various upgrades available. One of the most popular upgrades offers energy savings in the form of structured integrated panels. When the home is assembled, the panels attach, forming the structure of the home in walls, the ceiling and even the roof. This creates insulation that keeps warm and cool air in, cutting down on the cost to regulate the home’s temperature.

When choosing one, look for something functional as well as something that fits with your current style and taste. There are several manufacturers to choose from, so shop around until you find the right model for your family. Walk through each modular home floor plan. If you run into some changes that need to be made, contact someone to see if your customizations are possible and what the cost would be. Some structural changes may not be changeable, so be sure to talk to someone to see what your options are.