Build Your Own Modular Home?
20.March, 2009
Because about 85 percent of a modular home is built in the factory before it arrives to your lot, many homeowners opt to be their own general contractor. This indeed has many advantages in additional cost savings and as well as control. By applying for a “sweat equity” finance loan there is a degree of savings, and overall being your own contractor can save you 10 to 30 percent in expenses. This makes this option attractive for some.
However, you will be earning your savings as you handle the tasks for which the builder is responsible. You will either complete or arrange subcontractors to complete several components of the site work and finishing work for your modular home. The following items are areas that will deserve your attention:
Land/Lot - Finding a lot for building is one of the earliest steps, but additional factors are required as well regarding the lot. This includes finding a surveyor to survey the lot, as well as an excavation crew to mold the lot according to where drainage patterns and clearing must occur. Also, a site plan drawn up by an engineer will be needed so that building permits can be obtained. This encompasses soil samples as well as drainage grades as well.
Foundation - Either a structural or foundation engineer will need to be contracted to assist with accurate foundation plans. Once designed, concrete services and framing will be needed to form the foundation accordingly. This is an important step particularly for modular homes.
Permitting - A laundry list of permits are needed including a building permit, electrical permit, foundation permit, etc. In addition, before completion, pest company evaluation of the soil and structure is needed, as well as a department of health inspection for many towns.
Crane and Set Crew - These may be provided by the manufacturer, but you are still responsible for overseeing their work and making sure they are available for the set-up process. You may decide to hire them outside of the manufacturer as this could save additional money; but be sure they are experienced in modular homes.
Connections and Finishing Work - Here you will need several subcontractors to assist with necessary items in completing your home after arrival. Subcontractors include electricians, plumbers, HVAC personnel, painters, flooring specialists, drywall repair experts, countertop installers, and possibly roofers. While the button up and tie in work is not vast, it is varied enough that an array of specialists are required.
Landscaping - This includes both “soft” landscaping such as plants, lawn and trees as well as “hard” landscaping such as driveways, walkways, decking and patios. Asphalt specialists may be needed for driveways as well as concrete or masonry specialists for other areas.
While this list is not entirely complete, it does cover the major areas. Compared to a site-built home, the task of being your own builder is far less challenging. Modular homes do facilitate your own involvement in being the builder which can save you a great deal of money in the end.
Mike Zenga
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/build-your-own-modular-home-406012.html
20.March, 2009 um 2:30 pm
In Ohio, is it cheaper to build a stick-built home or buy a modular home?
I have found the perfect modular home and had plans of putting it on permanent foundation, getting the option of full drywall, and have brick foundation as opposed to block. All of which fool you into thinking the home was built on-site. However, due to problems with finding land without deed restrictions, etc., I may be forced to look into other options. To get the exact flooplan I want, I would rather stick-build. But is this the most cost-effective option? Are there ways to save money in stick-building as opposed to modular. I'm on a rather limited budget!
20.March, 2009 um 7:32 pm
Hi there,
Not sure about Ohio, but typically it may be worthwhile looking at resale homes. Find a property that is undervalued because it needs some TLC.
I'm speaking about a coat of paint or other cosmetic upgrades. (not heavy construction, termites etc…)
They generally can be less costly than new. Plus - the landscaping has been done.
Hope this is of some help.
Good Luck to You.
On the subject of limited budget, we may be able to assist with a perspective or 2 - if interested in more info - please drop us an email.
Keep Smiling!
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20.March, 2009 um 7:34 pm
I'm sure you can find a nice looking modular that would be less expensive than the same sq. ft. stick-built. My main concern would be the resale value. I purchased a modular several years ago with full drywall and a brick foundation. When I went to sell it I found that even though it looked like a stick-built home, by law it had to be listed as a modular. You can check with a local Realtor to see if this is the case in your area. I actually lost money on that home because no one wanted to buy a modular. The manufactured home has come a long way over the years but there is still a mind set with the general public that it is an inferior home. Personally I will never buy another manufactured for that reason. As far as saving money on a stick-built, the only way I know of is to do some of the work yourself or find a friend(s) that can do some of the work for less than the contractor. Good luck.
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20.March, 2009 um 7:36 pm
3 years ago I was in your shoes except I had the property, and was trying to decide whether to build or buy a doublewide. the only benefit I could find to the trailer was time savings, they haul it in, push it together and you move in. However to get a QUALITY doublewide we were getting into the $72,000.00 range.
We built a 2000 sq ft ranch style for $58,500.00. to do that we only paid someone else to frame it up and hang the drywall and lay the carpet. the rest was done ourselves. Took 9 months but was well worth it.
It should be noted I'm a licensed electrician, and have friends in almost all construction trades who helped for free. Unless you are capable of doing alot of the work yourself you might want to go modular.
you can call lowes or home depot and they will give you a real close estimate of the cost to build what you want. good luck.
also I'm in southern Ohio
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