What Is a Modular Home?
We live in tricky times. COVID-19 has added another layer of financial uncertainty for the average house hunter, and in many areas of the country, the skyrocketing costs of building a traditional home make homeownership impossible for the typical buyer.
Here at Rochester Homes, we believe everyone deserves to have the opportunity to own their dream home. Modular home building offers a great alternative to building a traditional home. They’re affordable, safe, and come in a variety of floor plans that resemble traditional home styles with multiple rooms and beautiful exteriors.
Modular homes are built section by section in expansive, climate-controlled factories and then transferred to any site you desire.
And in the last 20 years or so, they’ve stepped up the quality to be on par with a site-built home.
Why Is a Modular Home a Viable Alternative to Other Options?
Because the process of modular home building is streamlined and has a shorter lead time, costs are much lower than building a traditional home, and they can be finished in a matter of weeks, not months like standard home building.
Furthermore, homeowners avoid expensive delays due to inclement weather and supplier shortages as each home is built in climate-controlled facilities that are fully-stocked.
Plus, manufacturers can buy materials in bulk which reduces costs. These cost savings can then be passed along to the consumer.
What Are the Benefits of a Modular Home?
Modular homes are just as safe as traditional homes.
During and after the building process, modular homes are subject to several rigorous site inspections and are built in accordance with the International Residential Code--- which requires compliance with all state and local building codes -- to ensure you’re receiving the safest, most high-quality product.
Modular homes use the same building materials, and are built on permanent foundations just like site-built homes making them just as safe as traditional homes during a storm.
In hurricane zones, the standards for manufactured homes are even more robust than regional and national building codes for site-built homes. According to the Manufactured Housing Institute, “manufactured homes are designed to withstand wind speeds of 100 miles per hour in Wind Zone 2 and 110 miles per hour in Wind Zone 3.”
FEMA even conducted a case study that details how one modular home was the only structure to survive a devastating flood in Lyons, Colorado in September 2013.
Plus, modular homes are of extremely high quality.
The fact they are built inside means they’re not exposed to the elements — like rain, wind, and temperature shifts — and the walls are straight, and corners meet perfectly every time. In addition, they have to be extremely resilient to withstand transportation to the site of your choice, which means their structural integrity is outstanding.
And just like a conventional build, once assembled, modular homes offer all the bells and whistles of a site-built home, including things like granite countertops, rainfall showerheads, and farmhouse sinks.
How to Make an Informed Decision
Obviously, you’ll need to consider your overall budget, which should include things like building costs, the down payment, and monthly mortgage payments.
When creating your budget, you should also keep in mind that your home is an investment that, unlike paying rent — which in some areas is equivalent to paying a mortgage — builds equity as you make those monthly mortgage payments. Why support your landlord’s investment when you can have your very own home?
You’ll need to think about which floor plan will work best for you. The wonderful thing about modular home building is that you can create the home of your dreams with an existing floor plan, or you can start from scratch.
Consider things like whether you want a garage, need a gathering space, or require a home office.
Do you love to cook? Then it’s a good idea to think about choosing a plan with a kitchen style that meets your needs.
The fact is, most modular homeowners regret their decision not to go with the option and amenities of their dream home. So take this into consideration when you’re reviewing your finances.
You should also consider the location of your modular home. Not only do you want your dream home, but it should be located in an area that makes sense for you and your family.
Do you want to live in an area with an outstanding school district? Is being close to friends and family important to you? Do you want easy access to goods and services, or are you more interested in a rural setting?
These are all things to think about when purchasing a modular home.
Purchase Your Dream Home and Save Money in the Process
Maybe one of the best things about this type of home is that not only can you afford to build your dream house, but you can also save money in the process.
Modular home building can also mean big savings while being environmentally-friendly too.
The efficiency of the fabrication process itself reduces the amount of excess construction materials and site waste. Plus, they can easily be outfitted with solar energy panels and smart appliances.
And because they’re built to the highest standards, they are far more efficient than site-built homes, which means you save money on things like heating and cooling.
The Rochester Home Difference
At Rochester homes, we understand how difficult the decision to buy a home is. That’s why we are dedicated to simplifying the process and walking alongside you every step of the way.
We’ve been dedicated to a “people first” approach since we started Rochester Homes back in 1972. We embody the Midwestern virtues of valuing people, working hard, and treating others the way you would want to be treated.
On assembly day, you may even want to bring lawn chairs and cold drinks as you watch as your dream home come to life!