How to Design a Modular Home

Modular housing is gaining popularity because of its quality and affordability.

Modular homes are gaining popularity because of their quality designs and affordable prices. Modular homes are built at a home manufacturing company and then assembled on-site. This allows manufacturers to work in an environment where everything is readily available, as opposed to stick-built homes where everything must be transported to the site, resulting in increased costs. Another advantage of modular homes is that prior to on-site assembly, they are built in a controlled environment without the potential outdoor hazards.

Things You'll Need

• Modular home dealer
• Floor plans
• Architect or consultant

Instructions

1. Find a modular home manufacturer or dealer. Most modular home manufacturing companies have model homes that you can tour and inspect. They have different styles and sizes depending on you and your family's needs. Consult with the dealer to determine which design will best suit your needs. Ask the company to provide you with all the design plans, company brochures and legal information.

2. Choose a floor plan and design that suites you best. Most companies have several different options to choose from. Manufacturers also like to present their customers with standard design models as it saves them time and money. While this might be economically sound for some customers who are looking for cheaper plans, it's not the best option for a home buyer who has a custom design in mind.

3. Consider hiring an architect if you want to expand on an existing floor plan, or if you want to design your own plan from scratch.

4. Ask yourself some basic questions, such as if you would like a single or double story home? How many bedrooms do you want? Do you want a study room in your house? Where should the laundry room be located and how large would you like your living room to be? All of these questions will further help you to narrow down which floor plan and design is best.

5. Find a location. Finding a property to place your modular home on entails many factors, such as cost, taxes, size, and its distance from stores, work and schools. Additional restrictions and regulations may exist according to the state you reside in. Your modular home manufacturing company may be willing to walk you through the different steps of finding a location for your home.

Tips & Warnings

• Pay attention to details when touring modular homes on display. You want the best fittings for your home, such as appliances, cabinets, closets and floor fittings.

• Fully examine all of the design costs involved and carefully study the contract you will be making with your manufacturing company. Make sure there are no hidden costs involved and that everything is clearly laid out.

References

• The Modular Home

Resources

• FTC: How to Buy a Manufactured Home