Both types of homes have terrific benefits and features but one beats the other hands down when you look at them in direct comparison. Below are some things to consider when evaluating both types of construction.
Curb Appeal
Modular:
People mistakenly assume a modular home’s exterior is identifiable due to less curb appeal than site built homes. You can achieve the curb appeal and roof lines that you desire due to Computer Assisted Design, adding architectural style to your home. After your home is completed, it is almost impossible to discern the difference between a Rochester modular and a on-site built home.
Site Built:
A traditional site built home appearance can be customized to the homeowner’s preference but can be somewhat painstaking. Exterior additions can frequently involve architects that can consume valuable time and money.
Design
Modular:
Homes built via the modular method can be vastly customized to the last detail. Quality modular builders such as Rochester Homes offer floor plan collections with numerous different homes and styles as well as they can use plans that you provide as a starting place.
No need for costly architects – most companies can provide in-house engineering services to help you achieve the style and design that you desire. In addition, literally hundreds of options are available from which to choose. Planning is important, so do your homework and you can have the amenities on your “must have” list.
Site Built:
Most site builders work from sample plans of homes that they offer or have built in the past. They may offer internal drafting services and may also work with an architect. In most cases customization is standard but can come with a premium cost.
Timeline
Modular:
Depending on the complexity of your home, time savings is probably one of the biggest advantages to building a modular home. Most all producers of modular homes work on a schedule. You will be given an approximate time in which your home will go into production as well as when it is expected for the production process will be completed. Also, your builder will give you a scheduled for time of delivery and the setting for your home. These times can vary according to builder.
The good news is that your builder is able to complete vital site preparations such as excavation and foundation work on your jobsite while your home is being built. The timeframe of building completing your home after it arrives at the jobsite and is set on the foundation typically ranges between 30 and 120 days. Also weather conditions factors in minimally due to the fact that the majority of your home is being completed in a climate controlled facility.
Site Built:
The normal timeframe for site building ranges from 6 months to a year or more. This is partly due to a site builder’s use and scheduling of sub-contractors or inclement weather conditions.
The Building Process
Modular:
Building via Building Systems is organized, efficient and detailed. Because homes are constructed inside by highly trained professionals, you save time while eliminating waste and costly errors. Homes are built to all applicable local, state and national codes and are consistently inspected for quality.
Site Built:
Site built homes are constructed from the ground up from building materials delivered to the job site by subcontracted trades of all varieties and skill levels that do not work directly for the builder. Materials are piled on site exposed to the elements.
Price Comparison
Modular:
You will determine your budget and your builder determines the final cost. That cost of the home structure itself will be a fixed cost which you will receive upfront. Generally modular homes are very competitive and often less expensive than site built homes due to labor costs and efficiencies in building and volume purchasing. Since construction time is drastically reduced, your interest payments on your construction loan will be over a shorter time period – thus saving you money.
Site Built:
Site Builders tend to work on a cost plus basis where your home price can rapidly escalate resulting in you paying much more per square foot.
Appraisal and Resale Value
Modular:
There is absolutely no difference in appraisals and the final resale value of a quality built modular home versus a site built home. Modular homes retain their value well and at the same rate as all homes built on site.
Site Built:
Site built homes are seen as the baseline when doing comparisons by realtors.
