Modular homes - free information, builders, land for sale

How you can save big money and conserve resources when
making structural choices.

      While working in the modular home industry I was always very impressed with the
amount of research potential customers had done, not just on the particular company that I
was working for, but on the industry as a whole. The typical modular home buyer is very
educated about current construction methods and trends and has a good idea of what they
wanted and often has a prepared list of questions ready to ask when they visit a builder.
Today's tip may help you save a thousand dollars or more, as well as preserve the
environment.

      If you have already been through the process of poring over the all of the various
options given by many builders of custom modular homes you are aware that they are
numerous and the decision whether to choose options or upgrades can result in a very
large variance in cost depending on what you choose. Some of the choices involve
aesthetic items, such as cabinet style and color, paint color, etc. Most modular builders also
have structural and insulation options that affect the durability of the house, what repairs
may be needed years from now, and even the amount you pay for electricity each month.
Today's tip involves the framing technique used when building your home.

      One thing that I noticed a lot of the most discriminating buyers asked about was
whether the framing was built on 24 or 16 inch centers. Most people considered 16 inch
centers superior, because obviously if the structure was reinforced every 16 inches instead
of 24 the construction would be sturdier and hold up better against the elements.   Most
modular companies use 2 x 4s on 16 inch centers or 2 x 6s on 24 inch centers. An option of
2 x 6s on 16 inch centers is generally offered for several hundred dollars extra. This is
where you need to be careful. Recent studies have shown that homes constructed with
walls using 2 x 6s on 24 inch centers are still as structurally as sound as 2 x 4s on 16 inch
centers.

However, when builders use 2 x 6s and continue to build on 16 inch centers it not only
results in higher costs for more lumber, but the extra wood also breaks up the space used
for insulation and makes the house less energy efficient than it would be if the builder had
built on 24 inch centers.   All this may seem a little complicated to the average buyer, but if
you remember these two things you should be ok:
1. A home built with 2 x 6 exterior walls is superior to one using 2 x 4s because of the ability
to use thicker insulation, resulting in lower electric bills.
2. It is not necessary to upgrade to framing on 16 inch centers - it will cost more and in fact
may make your home less energy-efficient.

Some Things To Consider When Pricing Modular Homes

This series of tips will give you great information that will help you understand what is
involved in determining the pricing of modular homes. Jack Bowman gives you tips
from his experience as a sales professional in the modular home industry.