Differences between manufactured and modular.

[Kevin C]

Recently my son and his wife had to switch from a manufactured home to a modular home because of the appraisal. I understand why this had to be done. The modular they are getting has the same floor plan as the manufactured home. My questions are:

1. Is there any major price difference between the manufactured and a modular with the same floor plan and specifications? If there is, why?
2. I know a manufactured home has a chassis under it and is normally set up on piers. Is the modular home taken off the chassis used to deliver it and set up on a concrete foundation similar to a stick built?
Thanks in advance for the reply.

[rmurray]

Modular homes do usually cost about $25,000 more than the same home as a manufactured home of similar quality and size...The "WHY" is they are built to different codes...In my area..modular home have higher roof pitches when optioned on the manufactured they cost about $ 4000.00...Modular prices include sales tax ( $ 100,000 manufactured will incur $7,000 in tax)..Plus if they changed for appraisal purpose..it is most likely the modular is an off frame home...no frame with a functional perimeter foundation Which is much more costly than the pier construction of a manufactured home..

To your families benefit their interest rate will be at least 1/2% lower on the mod (saving $18,000 over 30 year term on a $100,000 loan)and insurance should cost less..

[Kevin C]

Thanks Murray. Yes, the did change from MH to modular for apprasial reasons. Now that the kids have decided to stay in Louisiana, my wife and I are going to retire there instead of Alabama and we are also considering a Palm Harbor modular.

The kids got theirs, about 2,280 sq. ft. for about $179,000.00 including land and set up. The wife and I would be looking at 1,500 to 1,8000 and hope to be able to do it for $130,000 to $140,000. Guess we will have to take a trip down there and talk with their sales rep.

[rmurray]

Sounds like they will have a nice home..They will be impressed with PH's final trim out process....They will be happy to have a trusted baby sitter near-by..
I wish you and them good luck..