Why do Manufactured Homes Cost Less?

The answer lies in how they are constructed. Many people are choosing manufactured homes over conventionally stick built houses for the simple fact that they are finding that they can get comparable square footage and amenities for a lower price. Looking at how they are constructed gives us a good idea as to why this is generally true.

The construction techniques used to build a manufactured home are much the same as a home built on-site with one major exception; they are built in a factory in controlled conditions.

Homes built in the controlled environment of a factory have many advantages. First the weather has no impact on the scheduled completion time because all building processes take place inside, ensuring that the manufacturer can stick to their building schedule without interruption. The manufacturer also does not have to worry about building supplies being damaged, either from the weather or vandalism, because all the needed supplies are stored out of the elements in fenced in areas that are secured each night.

Another area where factory home builders save money is on building supplies. Each home is ordered in advance and put on the schedule to build. This gives the manufacturer the ability to order the necessary materials in bulk for the homes he has on order. Ordering in bulk allows the home manufacturer to get them at a good discount and pass the savings on to the home buyer.

In the controlled factory environment the manufacturer can also keep material waste at a minimum. Knowing exactly how much material is needed for each module allows for accurate material estimates. Many factories also employ computer controlled cutting machines that provide accurately cut materials for a precise fit.

Once the materials are cut they are assembled in assembly line fashion. This not only allows for quicker building times but also helps control labor costs. All electrical, plumbing and HVAC are installed in predetermined locations in the modules as they move down the assembly line. There is no need to plan and coordinate subcontractors on a job site; all necessary work is done before the modules leave the factory further saving time and money.

Factory built homes also conform to all applicable building codes for the city, county, or state they are being delivered to. They will need to pass inspection once set on the foundation but this shouldn’t be a problem for well built homes from reputable dealers.

Once on site the modules can be put together in short order. The foundation needs to be completed and all inspections passed along with all the necessary attachments for the modules, including any outside plumbing and electrical work, before hand.

Once the modules are delivered the home is lowered into place and fastened to the foundation. Upper floor modules will be lifted with a crane and set in place atop the lower floor modules. Once the modules are in place and connected the final electric and plumbing connections are made, hooking the home to the grid. The whole process, from delivery to final inspection and certificate of occupancy can be done in as little as 2 weeks, but in most cases it will take a little longer.

Manufactured homes cost less for the simple reason that they are cheaper to build then an on-site stick built home. Even with the cost of delivery modular homes are designed to save the homebuyer money while giving them everything they would find in a conventionally built home.