A lot of research and innovation has made modular homes much advanced in technology and design than they were earlier on. Today, these cannot be easily side-lined as a low-cost, low-quality option. However, still many people do not perceive them to be as good as the traditional “stick-built” home. So before you go gaga over modular homes or completely write them off as an option please ponder over these pros as well as cons of modular homes.
Pros:
Here’s what makes modular homes so very irresistible to buyers.
Superb in quality
Thanks to innovation, modular homes have improved a lot in quality. These are as good or sometimes even better than the stick built homes. Modular homes are built in a factory setting under stringent quality control. In the case of stick built homes, a lot depends on the skill of builder and laborers and hence precision cannot be taken for granted.
Faster delivery
As a major chunk of construction for modular homes takes place in a factory setting, there are no delays owing to vagaries of nature or delays in shipment of supplies. While in the case of modular homes, construction process is more organized and supervision is ensured at each and every stage.
More affordable
It is estimated that modular homes can help you save up to 15% if you compare it with the cost of constructing a stick built home. There is less downtime in the construction of a modular homes as the construction takes place in a factory setting besides as construction takes place in bulk economies of scale further helps to reduce cost.
More energy efficient
Modular homes can as well help to lower your living expenses by helping you make considerable savings on utility bills. Modular homes are designed to be more energy efficient making use of high-quality windows and better insulation. Owners of modular homes can therefore expect to spend less of utility bills.
Being more energy efficient, modular homes help you do you bit for the environment. What’s more, you can also expect better re-sale value of your home should you decide to sell it.
More financing options
Apart from regular financing options, you can also look forward to getting finance from manufacturer. It is quite possible to get attractive deals from manufacturer which will further help to lower the cost of construction.
Cons:
Let’s consider the cons of building a modular home.
Less popular
Idea of modular homes have still not found public acceptance. There is still lot of stigma attached to modular homes so these are often downplayed by people. Selling them off is also more challenging as compared to selling a traditional stick built home.
Limited customization opportunity
The way they are built in an assembly line, modular homes offer you limited customization flexibility. You can, on the other hand, be more creative when it comes to stick built home.
You still need land
Even if you are going for a modular home you would still need to buy land where you will erect your home. Most sellers only discuss the cost of modular home. So be aware that you would still need to buy a piece of land. Also, make sure to check if your neighborhood allows construction of modular home.
Complicated loan process
While most people are aware of the loan process for regular homes, there are few more steps involved in the payment of modular homes. You would need to pay in full before the construction of your modular homes get completed. The manufacturer would demand to be paid in installments as the building process advances. So you would be required to avail a construction loan first to pay the manufacturer. This loan will then be converted to regular mortgage once the construction of home gets completed. Take time to understand the loan process and look forward to best interest rates.
WRAP UP
Go for a modular home only if you fully understand the quality benefits of modular homes and are ready to bear its cons. A modular home is not for you if you seek customization and want to impress others. And, just like buying regular stick built homes, you would need to shop around and carefully choose your manufacturer.
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