Sep 22 2005
Bay windows, hardwood floors, custom kitchens with quality appliances, skylights, vaulted ceilings, bathrooms with whirlpools and walk-in closets are all found in many homes across the country. These extras can add unique aspects to any house, but to include these in pre-existing construction plans can skyrocket costs. What type of home could have these luxuries but cost 20 to 30 percent less?
The answer is factory-built homes.
Constructed with the same high quality materials as site-built homes, factory-built homes are the choice for saving money on a custom-built home. A big myth of factory-built homes is that the quality of product being built is less than desirable. The perception is that site-built homes offer higher quality materials, better amenities and more customization than factory-built homes.
Myth busted.
The benefits of buying a factory-built home far outweigh the benefits of a site-built home. Construction materials, including interior features and appliances, are purchased by factory homebuilders in large quantities to take advantage of volume pricing, savings are passed onto the homebuyer. Factory- built homes are constructed in a climate-controlled environment so delays are few, if any, due to weather conditions, damaged building materials, vandalism and theft, which can be costly to the buyer.
From start to finish, factory- built homes can be completed in as little as a few weeks, ready for the buyer to move in. Throughout the building process, construction is continually inspected to ensure the home meets the standards of the federal code, the HUD code, and the State of Michigan Residential Building Code, which is the same code for site- built homes. Each home is engineered and inspected to meet wind safety standards and energy efficiency requirements. Any feature found in a site-built home can be found in a factory-built home. Many floor plans range from basic to elaborate with split-level and two- story homes available. Homes can include living and family rooms, dining rooms, and spacious bedrooms. Exterior options include metal, vinyl or wood siding.
For more information about manufactured housing, visit http://www.michhome.org