How to Choose Land For a Modular Home

When considering purchasing a modular home, one of the first things you'll need to evaluate is the type of land you'll be putting the home on. Modular home construction offers a wide variety of building options, so it's best to know more about the land that's available to you before you finalize any customization you will want on your modular home.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet connection
• Access to local real estate agents or companies
• An idea of how much land you need
• An idea of what you're looking for

1. Contact a real estate agent in the area where you are interested in putting your modular home. Explain to the agency what you intend to do and give them an idea of the kind of land for which you're looking.

2. Discuss the local building codes and other laws that may affect the home and land you are about to buy. Some areas have certain codes regarding roof pitch; others will not let you put a home under a certain square footage on certain size parcels of land.

3. Visit the various properties that your real estate agent has found. It's vital that you visit each property in person to get a true idea about the property. There are several things to keep in mind while viewing properties, such as access to power, sewer and water. If you are not happy with any of the available choices, check with another real estate office.

4. Talk to your real estate agent about the various properties. Go over the pros and cons of each parcel or lot. If you have any questions about a particular piece of property, ask. Double check with your agent about mineral and water rights; in some states these rights do not necessarily go with the purchase of the land.

5. Decide on the land you want to purchase. The piece of property you decide on should have as many of the things you wanted as possible for the local area. If you are not satisfied with any of the choices, don't buy.

6. Order your modular home. Now that you have the land for it, you will know much more about what options you want on your modular home. Choose options that best suit the land you have purchased and avoid options that will not add anything to the home.

Tips & Warnings

• Things to look for in the land you buy are: access to utilities, availability of sewage versus a septic system and the amount of grading that will need to be done to put your home on the land. Another consideration is the amount of tree cover on the land; do you want a lot of trees or wide open space?
• Building codes vary greatly by local area, so make sure you know what you're in for. If you order your modular home with a certain roof pitch and your area doesn't allow it, you're in for some added expenses.
• When choosing the options for your modular home, make sure they are suited to the landscape. If you will not be able to put your house facing east, then a large sun window in a front facing breakfast nook won't do you much good.

Resources

• Reviews of mobile and modular homes as well as land.
• A guide to buying land and modular homes.