Caveat Emptor: What You Should Know Before Buying a Prefab Home

A prefab or modular home is not an idea born in the 21st century.  As early as 1908, people already had a taste of the innovation. But with the latest technologies,  production of these structures is made quicker and less costly. And with sustainable development on the rise and short term financing options, prefab homes just got the nod of some buyers in the real estate market.

modular homes

via whitsonmodularhomebuilders.com

If you are looking to buy a house, a new one or a replacement, a prefab home is one in the basket of options you may choose.  Just like any purchase, you need a caveat and know in-depth the details of the product. Pricing and quality are equally important but, you require more than just the two before entering into a sales contract.  

Here’s a succinct list you can go over to speed up your knowledge about modular homes:

modular homes

via whitsonmodularhomebuilders.com

Timeframe

Speed is a trademark known for building modular homes. They defy delays caused primarily by weather because they are built in factories offsite, in a climate-controlled environment with a stable workforce.  They only need to be assembled onsite once modules are completed. Production cuts around half of the time it takes to build a traditional home. But still, project completion depends on the size of the house, the intricate design and the complexities involved including limitations, like slope areas, on site conditions.  

modular homes

via whitsonmodularhomebuilders.com

Budget

Costs usually vary from one project to another, be it a modular or a stick-built home.  As to budgeting though, expenses associated with a prefab home are more predictable. Service providers like Stillwater Dwellings undergo a streamlined process broken down into different phases allowing cost predictability.  This, in turn, gives you a better figure for personal financing. Although you can get a fixed bid, total project cost varies with your needs.

modular homes

via Stillwater Dwellings

Design

A common misconception about prefab homes is its design restrictions.  Just like any home, modulars can be custom-tailored based on your pre-defined layout, fixtures and unique needs, even the set of appliances! You have the control to choose whatever details you have in mind.  In case you need expert advice, companies have a pool of professionals, including architects and interior designers, who’ll craft solutions dedicated to your preferences. No need to problem a future renovation too.  A prefab company can tweak a flexible option to make it simple for you to do modifications.

modular home

via marcusdesigninc

Utilities

Site work for utilities greatly depend on particular conditions such as topography, soil type, slope geometry and geologic conditions. You need to address these to a professional during pre-consultation so that appropriate solutions will be undertaken from planning to completion.  It seems to be a much-dreaded concern especially if you have uneven land. But, a prefab company normally take cares of these details too.

modular homes

via Stillwater Dwellings

Financing

Pricing plans differ to all providers.  Talk to your prefab company about the financing options they offer, the upfront payment they ask and other charges that might be incurred in certain cases like design changes and land challenges.  You need to establish your financial capacity first to see if you can meet maturing obligations.

modular homes

via luxe

Sustainability

A modular home is a praiseworthy example of a sustainable product.  Production promotes waste reduction by half. Raw materials used are recycled or recyclables and non-toxic.  House design maximizes natural resources. Fixtures are energy efficient and water outlets are low-flow.

A prefab home is a package of your dream home.  The cost and quality of which are tailored to your needs and how much you are willing to write in a paycheck.  If you are ready, or unsure but keeping your options open, you may browse over a basket of service providers in the market. Know them well.  Ask for recommendations. Note red flags. Tour their facilities and their clients. Feed yourself with as much relevant information you can take.  Sooner than later, you’ll get that perfect package delivered right at your doorstep.

Thanks to Stillwater Dwellings for contributing to this post

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