Modular vs. Stick Built.difference marketability wise?

[Kathleen Hayes]

Modular (pre-fab) homes constructed with 2X6 construction, versus a typical on-site constructed home; how does the market see this and is there a difference as far as what I should be reporting. Have seen some modulars built better at the factory than on site.

Thanks,

Kathleen

 

[Mr Rex]

Depends on the overall quality. 2 X 6 exterior walls means virtually nothing other than increased insulation R value in the walls, which they offset with less insulation in the floors or ceilings as most insulation codes allow for a composite/total R value etc. Most modular builders that use the 2 x 6 "gimmick" as a selling point reduce the grade and species of the wood and/or increase the spacing so its a non factor. A modular with 2 X 6 exterior walls and HUD code cabinets, interior doors and trim, inferior floor coverings etc is inferior to an "average quality" stick built house

 

[Josh Shapiro]

A mod can be driven down the road at 70mph. I would love to see a stick built do that!!!

 

[Mr Rex]

That's with the roof folded up and wrapped, no siding on the ends etc. Do that with a stick built and you can drive it at 70 too.

 

[CANative]

Mr. Rex is thinking about upgrading his house to radial tires.

On topic. If the houses look about the same I've found no difference in pricing between a good quality, off-frame modular and a site built house.

 

[Charles Knutson]

It depends on the overall quality of construction, finish, design, and market appeal -- in my experience, if they are equal there is no value difference. I've seen modulars that had superior design than neighboring stick built homes, and had appropriately higher market values.

On the other hand, stick built homes often have superior design and finishes -- which translate into better market appeal, and higher values. But there is no intrinsic superiority with stickbuilt.

I've even done a report on a high quality two story modular in the mountains -- if the homeowner hadn't told me it was factory built, I wouldn't have known.

 

[Mr Rex]

Mr. Rex is thinking about upgrading his house to radial tires.

On topic. If the houses look about the same I've found no difference in pricing between a good quality, off-frame modular and a site built house.

One of my houses is a wobbly box, I'm thinking of white letter Michelins with some Chrome spinners.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

Unless you are told there are at least a couple of houses in my community that are modular which are basically the same quality as the average home that is site erected.

There are also a batch of "economy" homes with sandwich walls which are cheap...nearly manf. home 'cheap'....they languished on the market, and the builder went under. Sold off for about 20% less than similar stick built homes.

 

[Elliott]

Supply and Demand. I recall a time, believe it or not,
when modulars were commanding a higher price per
SF than stick. Quality of modulars was better than the
guy who owns a pick-up truck, who is called a builder.

 

[Hamlet]

Mr. Rex is thinking about upgrading his house to radial tires.

I would think off-road would be more his style!!