If you have experienced sticker shock while shopping for a home, you are not alone. These days even an average home in a not so good neighborhood is likely to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, and simply finding the money for a down payment can be a hassle.
With prices so high and rising every year, it is easy to see why so many would-be homeowners get discouraged. Many of those potential homeowners end up being trapped in rental units, at the mercy of their landlords, and getting nothing for their money than a box full of rent receipts.
The good news is that there is a better way, one that allows renters to become homeowners quickly and for a more affordable price. Modular homes have a great deal to offer, yet many people are held back by their own misconceptions. Here are some of the most common myths about modular houses, and the truth behind them.
Myth: They Are Nothing But Trailer Homes
If you spent time in your uncle’s double-wide or grew up in a trailer park, you might think you know all there is to know about modular housing, but you would be wrong. Modular homes are much more than mere trailers, and there is a world of difference in how they are constructed, engineered, and designed.
Truth:
Trailer homes are built to much lower standards, leading to low resale values, high maintenance costs, and a host of other negatives. Modular homes, on the other hand, are designed and built to exacting standards, with quality control comparable to or even higher than traditional stick-built properties.
Myth: They Cannot Be Customized
There is a misconception that all modular homes are the same. After all, they are built in factories and delivered to building lots on the back of large trucks. What many people do not realize is that modular homes can be customized to the exact specifications of each homeowner, with large master bedrooms, chef’s kitchens, formal dining rooms, and even hot tubs in the bathroom.
Truth:
If you love the idea of a custom-built home but hate the high price tag and crippling mortgage payments, you need to take a look at what your local modular home seller has to offer. You will be surprised at the high level of customization, exceptional quality and attention to detail these homes bring to the table – and to your building lot.
Myth: They Require Additional Maintenance
Many would-be buyers worry that a modular home will be harder to maintain, or that they will end up spending more on repairs down the line. This misconception is both common and persistent, but it is also simply not true.
Truth:
If you choose a good builder and prepare your lot according to their recommendations, your new modular home should not require any more maintenance than any other property. You should also not incur any added repair costs, so you can keep the money you save in your pocket.
Myth: They Arrive in Move-In Condition
If you have thoughts of following your modular home to the lot with your moving truck in tow, you may want to reconsider. While the bulk of your new modular home will indeed be manufactured at the factory, there is still some work to do once it arrives safely at your building lot.
Truth:
Once the modular home has been delivered and assembled on-site, the expert crew accompanying the structure will spring into action. And once they are done, there are still utilities to connect and finishing touches to be applied. Rest assured, however, that moving into a modular home is a much less time-intensive process than moving into a traditionally built home. Once you have picked out your floor plan, decided on your customizations, and made your initial payment, you can expect to be sitting in your brand new living room and dining at your new kitchen table in a scant couple of months.
There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about modular homes, from how they are built and customized to how they are maintained and what the interiors look like. Put those untruths to rest and reach out to Chesapeake Homes today to start your journey to finally finding your high quality and affordable dream home.