How To Purchase A Modular Home II
OK, once
decided your needs, it’s time to find a right builder.
Shop
around. There are lots of different companies that build Modular Home, so it
may seem overwhelming to try to choose one. Each company is different, so do
some research to find one that offers quality construction and the style you
are looking for at a price that fits your budget. Researching multiple builders
will help ensure that you select the best one for you.
If you
contact a company outside of your state, be sure to ask them if they are able
to build in your area. Not all companies are permitted to construct modular
houses in all areas. Usually, some companies specialize in specific styles of
homes, while others focus on homes that fall within certain price ranges. If
the first company you look at doesn’t offer a design that meets your needs or budget,
keep looking because chances are another company will. If possible, read
reviews about the different companies online or even talk to people who have
purchased homes from them. This should give you a good idea of the quality of
the houses they build.
Also, ask
about what is not included. Depending on the manufacturer, the list price of
the house may not include everything you actually need to construct your home.
It is important to ask the builder lots of questions so that you understand how
much the home will really cost you.
In most
cases, you may need to pay a separate company to pour the foundation for your
home. You may need to pay extra to have utilities like electricity, natural
gas, and sewer lines hooked up to your house. If the area does not have sewers,
you may have to pay to have a septic system installed. Besides, basic mechanics
like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC may also not be included in the price of
the house, so be sure to ask. And there may also be a charge for delivering the
modular house to your site.
Then, ask
about customization. If you must choose a specific model when you buy a modular
home, the floor plans can often be customized to your specific needs. For
example, you may be able to add a garage or a second floor to your house, or
you may be able to move walls around inside so you have a larger kitchen. Be
sure to ask the builder if you are able to customize your house and how
expensive customizations typically are. Importantly, remember to ask the
builder what kinds of customizations would require engineer approval, as these
alterations may be significantly more expensive.
Additionally,
ask about upgrades. Customizations are changes to the layout of the house,
while upgrades are typically changes to the materials that are used to finish
the construction. Upgrades are typically aesthetic, but they can be functional
as well. Be sure to ask the builder questions about what upgrades are available
and what the cost is.
It will be
wise to find out if you are limited to specific materials or if you are able to
shop for your own from anywhere. When deciding which upgrades that you can
afford, be sure to consider how expensive it would be to upgrade later. For
example, it will probably not be any more expensive to change out your
countertops in a few years than it would be to upgrade them during the building
process. However, it would be more expensive to add additional insulation later
on. What’s more, ask if you can upgrade anything you want. For example, it is
common for home builders to offer buyers the option of upgrading their kitchen
cabinets and flooring, but less common to offer the option to upgrade windows,
roofing, or mechanical systems. If you are interested in upgrading any of the
features of your home, be sure to find out if it is an option before you
commit.