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Consumer Guides - Ratings & Reviews for Modular Homes - Prefab Homes - Manufactured Homes

Modular Homes Network is the largest network of Modular & Manufactured Home Builders in North America, since 1999. We also provide FREE CONSUMER RESOURCES for those considering a modular, manufactured or prefab home.

We are not a modular home builder, manufacturer or lender. We can assure you that all of the information contained on our website and in our guides is based on independent research, countless interviews and is from an objective point of view.

Find out why Modular Homes are the lowest cost of construction when building or remodeling. Modular home advantages:

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    FREE - Modular Home Buyers Guide


If you are seriously considering a modular or prefab home, the first question you must ask yourself is, “How do I know if the modular home I am looking at is well-built?” While conducting our research, we found that over 85% of homebuyers were concerned with structural integrity. This free E-book will reveal important construction techniques and methods every homebuyers needs to know.

The second question every home buyers needs to know is, “How do I know if I am getting a good deal?” This free E-book will show you how to determine your builders cost and how to negotiate the best deal possible. Get the facts about the industry and become an informed buyer.

This 20-page E-Book also contains valuable information on, “How to Choose a Reputable Builder” and “Important Questions to Ask Your Builder”.

Please click on your state where your building project will be located and fill out a simple form to receive your FREE report.


    FREE - Pros & Cons to Manufactured Housing

   

Today's manufactured homes come with many of the same features typically found in a stick-built home: living and dining rooms with vaulted ceilings, skylights, fireplaces, modern kitchens and premium appliances. Large bedrooms with walk-in closets, bathrooms with whirlpool tubs, ceramic tile, hardwood floors and more!

One of the biggest advantages of buying a manufactured home is affordability. But if you’re not careful you could spend more than you bargained for. Learn how to get the best deal possible and how to avoid costly mistakes when negotiating with your dealer.

If you’re seriously considering a HUD-code manufactured home this FREE 11-page resource will answer many questions you have about the industry.

Please click on your state where your building project will be located and fill out a simple form to receive your FREE report.


Why choose Modular construction over traditional building methods?

modular home videoModular homes or sometimes referred to as system-built homes are built in a controlled environment, utilizing cutting edge technology. Modular homes can be built from existing floor plans or from custom floorplans.

Modular homes or system-built homes have no design limitations - they can be any shape or size and will meet or exceed your local and state building codes. There are fewer restrictions on placing a modular home and interest rates for new construction loans are the same for modular housing as compared to building a conventional home.

Are Prefab or Panelized homes the same as Modular homes?

Panelized homes or sometimes referred to as a prefab homes can represent a number of construction methods. The most common method involves the building of individual walls, or wall sections in a factory. Panelized home builders are the biggest and most diverse segment of the factory-built housing industry.

Panelized homes are different compared to modular homes and manufactured homes. There are some similarities, but prefab homes utilize “Components” or “wall units” that are pre-built in a controlled environment, (factory).

Once the re-built walls are delivered to job site a general contract or the home owner acting as the owner builder will erect the walls. Remember, modular homes or manufactured homes are built in sections and those sections are delivered to site. With modular or manufactured 85% to 90% of the home is completed at the factory. With prefab housing only the walls are assembled at the factory and the majority of work still remains on-site. The main advantage of panelized homes over stick-built homes is - shorter build time because walls are pre-built and lower labor costs. Learn more about the benefits of panelized homes.

How much do Modular homes cost?

According to industry statistics, modular construction projects have more than doubled in the last ten years. This is because the modular building process provides time and cost savings. Since they are built inside a factory, the weather does not cause delays, which greatly reduces labor costs. All the fabrication being done at one location allows the factories to buy bulk quantities of supplies at greatly reduced rates, these savings are then passed on to the consumer.

The costs will vary depending on where you live, but a general guide is that true modular homes will cost $50 to $80 per sq. ft. (not including property). To build a stick-built home the average cost is around $80 to $150 per sq. ft. (not including property).

Over the years I have spoken to many modular home builders regarding cost and savings. Some say that by using modular construction you can save 30% or more. Others I have spoken to take a different approach and say there is no real cost savings, except quicker build times. And still others say one can typically save 10% to 20%. I tend to lean towards the later point of view and estimate the savings to be around 15% with quicker build times of three months or less compared to stick-built construction. With quicker build times and a possible savings of 10% to 15% it’s clear why more and more people are turning to modular housing. Learn more about the benefits of modular homes.

Modular Home Book Resources
Popular Buying Guides for Modular Homebuyers


modular homes ratings guide

Modular Home Ratings Guide – Over 80 Builders Rated

List Price:  39.95
Our Price29.95
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When trying to select a modular home the first place to start is at the factory level. Knowing which factories deliver to your area is the first step in understanding your options. The second and most important step is determining how the factories compare to each other in the areas of: Quality Construction, Design/Style, Appraised Value and Price.

Click Here to Learn More!


Manufactured Home Ratings GuideOver 65 Builders Rated

List Price:  39.80
Our Price29.95
buy now

The manufactured housing industry has made some serious improvements in recent years regarding quality construction and residential appeal. With modern day technology and assembly line techniques, the industry is overcoming the misconception that manufactured homes are poorly built and don’t measure up to stick-built homes.

Click Here to Learn More!


Modular Home Construction Loan

How To Secure The Best Modular Home Loan

List Price:  19.95
Our Price9.95
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Knowing your financing options is the first step to securing a good deal. We have spoken with hundreds of modular home lenders and Mr. Eaton the author has gone through the process himself. Learn from his insight and you can avoid some common mistakes people make when financing their home.

Click Here to Learn More!


Modular Home Builder

How To Negotiate with Your Modular Home Builder

List Price:  19.95
Our Price9.95
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On average 80% of homebuyers pay too much for their modular home. Not surprising with all the choices one must make from negotiating with your builder to purchasing property and site-improvements. This resource will reveal important negotiating secrets and dealer profit margins that will give you an edge when negotiating with your builder.

Click Here to Learn More!


how to spot a well-built modular house

How To Spot A Well Built Modular Home

List Price:  19.95
Our Price9.95
buy now

Most modular home builders have display models for potential home buyers to walk through. These models are professionally decorated to impress buyers with elaborate decorations, elegant furniture and dazzling floorplans. Aesthetics are important but would you purchase a modular home based on looks and compromise structural integrity? Don’t be fooled by appearances and miss what really matters; “Quality Construction.”

Click Here to Learn More!


What are the differences between a Modular & Manufactured home?

There seems to be some confusion about the differences between a modular home and a manufactured home. Modular homes are not manufactured homes or mobile homes. Manufactured homes are built according to the federal building Code, (HUD). This requires all manufactured homes to have a non-removable steel chassis, which severely limits their design options.


Manufactured homes generally come in single units or two-section units. In certain parts of the country you can also find three and four-section units. A manufactured home can be placed on a basement. In general, manufactured homes are single-story homes that are placed on a blocking system that supports the steel I-beams under each section.

Today’s manufactured homes come with many of the same features custom modular homes typically found in a standard stick-built home: living and dining rooms with vaulted ceilings, skylights, fireplaces, modern kitchens and premium appliances, large bedrooms with walk-in closets, bathrooms with whirlpool tubs, ceramic tile, hardwood floors and more! The options are almost limitless! The manufactured housing industry boasts they are the most affordable option when it comes to housing. Manufactured homes normally cost $35 to $65 per square foot, (home only). Additional costs include land purchase and site improvements.

Are Modular homes environmentally friendly?

The days are long gone when just calling yourself a modular home or prefab company is considered environmentally progressive. Modular homes are now being made from materials like reused shipping containers, recycled steel, recycled plastic and certified sustainably-harvested wood. The new challenge for the modular housing industry is balancing the economics of innovative sustainable design with the realities of construction costs.

The majority of modular home companies in the United States are ENERGY STAR® ready. That means when a home leaves a factory, it is an ENERGY STAR® certified home. These homes must meet the guidelines for energy efficiency set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; that is, they must be at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the International Residential Code (IRC), and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20–30% more efficient than standard homes.

Going green can increase your home’s value and give you an edge when you’re ready to sell. Another big advantage is energy savings, which can save a homeowner thousands in only a few short years in heating or cooling costs. Green modular homes can be more durable through the use of recycled construction materials. You’ll improve the quality of the air you breathe which, studies show, can make you more productive. Less formaldehyde is always good. A green home’s construction creates less material waste and a green home helps preserve its surroundings because it is built with the land, not against it.

About the Author

Randall Eaton, best-selling author and modular housing expert has been helping home buyers considering modular housing since 1999. Mr. Eaton and his research team have been providing unbiased reviews and comprehensive ratings on over 80 different modular home factories in North America.

“Modular Home Ratings Guide” was first published in 2000 and since then has been updated nine times. This comprehensive resource guide is for prospective modular home buyers. The book is packed with everything you need to know from selecting a manufacturer to negotiating with your builder, financing options and everything in between.

Mr. Eaton and his research team dispels the misconceptions about the limitations of modular construction and shows potential buyers that a factory-built home can be as good as, if not better than, houses built with traditional stick-frame construction. In our book you will learn how to choose the best builder for your project, how to select the right loan and how to negotiate with your builder.

Randall Eaton - Author
Modular Homes Network
Toll Free: 888-770-2830
Email: info @ modularhomesnetwork.com

 
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Prefab Homes Losing Ground Across the US
The modular housing industry is losing market share during these difficult economic times. One reason for the decline in modular home sales is prices in some cases have gone up because of the overhead at many modular home factories.

Hard times for Modular Housing
This recession or depression whichever term you prefer is really hitting the housing market hard. While interest rates are at an all time low, new home sales are down by 60% across the country. Expert Randall Eaton says, “I have spoken to a number of modular home plants and many are focusing on commercial building projects to keep the doors open”.

Manufactured Homes Have Come A Long Way!
Single-wide manufactured homes have come a long way in recent years. Not too long ago the mere mention of a mobile home would conjure up images of a small tin sided box made from 2x3 lumber and no insulation.

Modular Home Communities Making a Come-Back
Modular Homes look like any standard house except for the main difference being that all parts are packed together in correct quantities, so when they arrive on site, the building process is formed as quick and easy as feasible....

Prefab Homes Going Steel
Modular Homes look like any standard house except for the main difference being that all parts are packed together in correct quantities, so when they arrive on site, the building process is formed as quick and easy as feasible....

Modular Home Demand Up as Rates Fall
Mortgage applications increased by 11.3% in March compared to last year. New Construction loan demands rose 7.1%. One reason is interest rates are at an all time low as the 30-year fixed mortgage fell to 4.96%......

Manufactured Home Construction Techniques
The way a manufactured home is built is totally different compared to a standard stick-built home. It is these inherent construction differences that are mainly responsible for the savings....

Building a Luxury Modular Home can be Enjoyable
Who doesn't dream of owning and living in a large beautiful home? A nice roomy mansion with all the custom features one would expect to find in a luxury home.....

Contemporary Modular Homes in Today’s Housing Market
Prefab homes have been a solid fixture in the housing market for several decades now....

Four Main Factors to Consider When Buying a Modular Home
The assembly line methods used to build your home's modules mean that they can be completed, inspected, and ready for delivery to your building site in no more than one to three months...

The Number of Modular Home Builders in the United States
How many modular home builders are there in the United States? That is a good question and while it’s difficult to arrive at an exact number we at Modular Homes Network estimate the number to be over 170 strong...

Construction Loans for Modular Homes
A construction loan for a true modular home built to local and state building codes will offer the same interest rate compared to traditional construction loans. There is no difference in the rate or term of the loan, they are the same. So, you may be asking yourself, what is a true modular home...

Prefab Homes in California
California Modular homes continue to attract new home buyers as more and more people recognize their advantages compared to stick-built options. Modular housing construction combines both high-tech modern architecture and efficiency, which is why potential home buyers are enticed to look at a modular home.

Modular Homes - The truth about Modular Housing - In recent years, more and more homebuyers have become aware of the advantages of owning a Modular Home. With the advancements of modern technology, the industry is overcoming the misconception that factory made homes are all poorly built and don’t measure up to stick-built homes.

Overall costs are reduced when utilizing modular construction
Home Buyers are looking for ways to reduce cost and overhead,” states Randall Eaton, President and CEO of J R Consumer Resources, Inc. “Building with prefab homes is a win, win for both home buyers and developers.”

Factory Built Homes
In recent years, more and more homebuyers have become aware of the advantages of owning a factory-built home. With the advantages of modern technology, the industry is overcoming the misconception that factory made homes are all poorly built and don’t measure up to stick-built homes...

Manufactured Homes
One of the greatest advantages to manufactured homes is that they are constructed entirely within a controlled climate. Construction can continue year round and because the assembly line workers don’t need to be skilled carpenters they can work for much less than what on-site contractors are normally paid. The benefits of this time and cost reduction can be passed on to the home buyer in the form of very significant savings.

Financing a Modular Home
Many homebuyers considering a modular will probably be interested in a, “Construction Loan”. This type of loan allows you to build to suit. Once you are approved for a specific amount, you will be able to write checks against that account.

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