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Modular Homes are a Great Value in a New House
New Home Features of Modular Homes and Manufactured Homes
Modular homes today are far superior to the initial homes built in the '70s and '80s. They present an excellent option when searching for a quality, affordable home.
   
According to industry statistics, sales of modular homes have more than doubled in the last ten years (Modular Homes Consumers Guide, Modular Today, Consumer Reviews for the Modular World). Modular houses are built in modules, which are constructed off site, transported to a building lot, and assembled into a finished home. All of the materials – from framing, roofing, and plumbing to cabinetry, interior finish, and electrical systems are as one finds in a conventional home.

A New Home for Sale
Modular homes are not just one step-up from mobile homes. Today they are built to higher standards than even many regular homes.

There are three definite advantages to modular homes today, each one as important in the overall family goal of comfort, efficiency and aesthetic appeal. They are also more environmental friendly than traditional houses as well.

Cost Savings
Today, building modular homes allows for substantial cost savings over other models in many ways. Modular home companies purchase lumber and brand name materials in bulk quantities and pass the savings on to the consumer. Many are built in clean, indoor plants with greater labor efficiencies. There is less material waste, more precision equipment, more efficient handling and fewer mistakes. Furthermore, on site construction time is greatly reduced since the homes are delivered to the job site about 90% complete.

Quality Control
Another welcome feature is that modular homes are built to appropriate building codes required by each state, and are inspected. Most are subjected to rigid quality control inspections, from framing to final finishing. When investigating a purchase of a modular home, try to find one where the homes are verified for code conformity, and inspected by an independent third party. This further heightens the entire quality control process.

Design Flexibility
Today, modular homes come in many different styles such as ranch, cape cod, split level, and two-story. Overall, there are more than 8000 custom designed homes and commercial structures and many companies provide the flexibility to draft a unique design and are flexible in customizing a home for particular tastes.

Modular Home Building Costs
Overall, modular homes cost twenty-to-forty percent less than site-built homes. Of course, the cost of a modular home changes as per the size and style of house.

With a modular home one needs to pay the dealer for the modules and the general contractor for his services. In general it is possible to get a quality 2-bedroom, 1 bathroom ranch for $50,000, or a 3-bedroom, 2-bath modular for $64,000, again depending upon the region of the country.

There are many variables to the cost of a modular home, though. In the article “Cutting Costs with Modular Construction” (Elizabeth Smith, NuWire Investor, NuWire Inc., September 5, 2007), it was reported that the rule of thumb is that modular construction will be about 85 percent of stick built cost. The delivered price varies and can be as low as $45 to $50 per square foot, $50 to 65 a square foot on the East Coast, $70 to $80 per foot in rural Kansas, or double that or more in California.

Additional Home Building Costs
Most companies are willing to meet and review costs and plans. Additional costs also need to be anticipated. There are site engineering charges and building permits. There are foundation excavation and building costs, perhaps a septic system and well are needed, driveway, electrical and/or gas hookup, costs for decks or porches, costs for landscaping, installation of walks, and there may be fees and "points" in securing a loan.

Finally, new homes always produce unexpected costs, usually from additional labor, or optional features. Plan for additional expenses.

Thousands have found modular homes to be satisfying and provide an affordable home. Today they are an excellent option to home ownership.