5 Things to Know Before Buying PreFab Homes

Let’s dive a little deeper into several factors you should keep in mind when looking at prefab homes for you or your clients.

1. Time Frame

So how long does it take to go from purchase to moving in? There are a lot of factors to consider.

If you…

1、Already have a property

2、That property doesn’t require a lot of excavation and site work

3、You’re opting for a simple foundation without a basement

4、And are purchasing a manufactured or modular home with limited customization

5、…then you can expect it to take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

If you’re content with a standard floor plan package, some manufacturers may even have mobile or modular homes built and waiting to be transported to a property.

But in most cases, you’ll have to wait 3-4 months for it to be built. If you plan well, while the home is being built at the factory, you can be doing the site works at the property.

Then, it will take anywhere from several days to a month or two to assemble the home on the property.

2. Expect to Pay More than Just the Base Price

It’s easy to get enamored with the low prices some prefab home companies offer. It’s common to see simple 1 and 2-bedroom prefab homes as low as $5-30,000. So make sure you read the fine print and know exactly what you’re getting.

First, understand exactly what the prefab home manufacturer is offering.

1、Is the price for a move-in-ready home?

2、Does it include finishes like flooring and paint?

3、What about lighting and bathroom fixtures?

4、How much does it cost to upgrade to better-quality finishes?

Next, get some quotes for foundations and utility hookups. Even a simple concrete foundation without a basement will likely cost $10-15,000 or more.

And if your home isn’t connected to the city sewer lines, don’t forget to calculate the price of your home’s septic system. That could easily cost $5-10,000 or more depending on which type is required in your area.

3. Prefab Homes Come in all Shapes and Sizes

Try not to have any preconceived ideas about prefab homes. As you start looking at different options, you’ll see that the possibilities are endless and you’ll likely be able to find an option that suits you or your clients.

If speed is your preference, then go with a manufactured or modular home. They’ll be faster to build and faster to assemble on-site.

If sustainability is at the top of your priority list, then go with something like a prefabricated shipping container home.

If you or your clients are looking for a budget-friendly, energy-efficient home, then go with a prefab tiny home.

And if you’ve got the skills and means to build a home yourself, a kit home gives you the exact pieces you need. You just provide the labor.

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4. Customize Your Prefab Homes

If you or your clients want to customize a prefab home, don’t wait until after it’s built to start remodeling it. Check with the manufacturer to see what customization options are available during the building process.

More and more people want to express their personalities through their homes and prefab home manufacturers are stepping up to the challenge by offering more customization options than ever.

While the customizations do add an extra expense to the initial cost of the home, it’s cheaper than remodeling it later to fit your needs.

5. Modular Homes Can Have a Bad Rap

Although modern modular homes can be just as well-built and durable as regular homes, keep in mind that some people still think of “modular” homes as “mobile” homes.

So if you plan on selling your modular home in the future, be prepared to explain to some buyers how your house was built and why it’s just as good as a regular home.

Conclusion

With their budget-friendly price and customization options, modern prefab homes are only going to grow in popularity. So if you’re a home builder, it pays to offer prefab house options to your clients.

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