Cape Cod Modular?
Modular Home Questions August 23rd, 2009I am trying to decide on a home to build in the country to serve as a farmhouse (but new obviously). I love cape cods with dormers and front porches but some still look so "modular". I know roof overhangs and upgraded windows and mouldings can help. If anyone has had good luck with a certain manufacturer or negative experiences as well would be appreciated. I would love to see other homeowners cape cod modulars as well if you could share them with me. I know I can google images but I was asking for experiences as well.
August 23rd, 2009 at 4:05 am
While I don’t live in a modular, I’m familiar with them, the concept, and the ups and downs.
Sadly many people view them as CHEAP or poorly constructed, and not worth the money. I happen to think that in todays Real Estate Market, ANYTHING being bought or sold is outrageously over priced. KIT housing in many forms is a trend that hopefully will grow, and evolve, improving, stabilizing in cost and durability factors, etc.
The process isn’t much different than onsite construction, it’s just that the segments are crafted in a factory and delivered.
I don’t have any links, and as you suggest, you can manage that, but certainly in your research, beyond just style, you should consider a few things, and I may forget to add all my thoughts.
The company and it’s reputation
Any allowance to check with any previous/current customers
Licensing, Contractors used, Guarantees
Materials used, species and/or substance
Roofing materials, and assumed or real warantees
Construction methods, and tolerances in comparisons to On site, ground up structures.
(believe that not every site built/ground up house is vastly better)
Zoning and Code issues local to you.
Time frame from signing on a dotted line to turnkey.
Inclusions such as Electric, Plumbing, finishing touches, shell built?
Any/All subs used and their credentials
Financing available/allowable
Terms of payment offered by the company
Prep and cleanup, Lot and structure
Lead times if there is an OOOPS
****************************
Design features:
Actual use and size of an upper level (given the usual pitch of a Cape Roof)
If or not you have some say in modifications or materials used that you might prefer
Etc. Etc.
Steven Wolf
Just my two "sense"
August 23rd, 2009 at 4:05 am
Doc is 100% correct. The only way you are going to make a decision is to start shopping. If you find a reputable dealer he’ll be able to help you find exctly what you’re looking for. This cannot be done in front of a computer.