Thinking of investing in Modular Homes

[Benjamin K.]

What do you guys know about modular homes? Is it a great alternative to stick-built? I feel like if I bought a small amount of land somewhere where it's cheap and have a modular home assembled there, it could save tons of money and be a great investment. Especially if I didn't try to customize it in any way, and got one of the sort of standard, mass-produced one-size-fits-all ones...

Do you guys know, is the financing any different? With the cost of a septic system, electrical, etc., is it still way cheaper than a stick-built ones? I feel like these modular homes could sort of be the future...especially in some developing area, or perhaps overseas. Please, give me your thoughts. 

[Sid Leibowitz]

From a quality contractors point of view, modular homes an interesting concept. They are manufactured in a factory like a motorhome or trailer which lasts for under 10 years. some claim to be in business for decades. However on deeper investigation we find that they have changed their names over time and warrantees do not cover from corporation to corporation. More often than not they are built to a borderline or sub standard building code. Many manufacturers have altered their names to avoid the legalities of fire and flood issues that they do not want to warantee. Building in a factory seems like a great concept. Like purchasing a car off the assembly line. Is your house a BMW or Chevy? Investigate the companies for legal issues on the Net. You will be glad you did. You get what you pay for or less. Hope this helps.