Mobile or Modulare which is better for this plan?

[Angela]

Ok I am back with a very specific detailed question. I have asked bits and pieces of it before but now it is more precise since I know that this is the plan my HTB and I want to do. Looking to make it all happen within the next year to year and half from now.

I live in NY and I found two doublewide ranch style mobile home plan layouts that I like (both champion homes). They are around 2,035 and 2,235 square feet. The problem is the bedrooms are way too small and I need a few more rooms added. So what I would like to do is put the two together to make one large L shaped home. The layout of each house lends itself to this perfectly and with minimal wall removal. Just two walls each since the smaller of the two is already an L shape so I decided to but the other one right into the nitch). This would require that the kitchen and the master bath be removed from one of the homes. Thats all. I figure that could save some money anyway. The old kitchen would now be the new dining room and the old masterbath the hallway leading to the new section which would open to the great room and kitchen in the second house.

The other thing I would like to do is add a second floor. Not a full two story type second floor but something like a Cape Cod style with dormer windows. I just wanted to add two bedrooms, two baths, a laundry room, storage room and gym to that floor along with an open space area that looks over the family room. The very small bedroom next to the living room could be converted into a stairwell leading to the second floor. I would also like to add on an attached two car garage and have a stone face skirt with vinyl siding for the upper portion.

1. So which would be easier/less expensive?

Buy those two mobile homes and have them put together and have the second floor added on or just give the floor plans of both homes (with my own layout of the second floor addition)to a modular company and have them build it?

2. Or is there a mobile home company that could make this style home if given the plans? I am guessing if yes this would be the cheapest option. Of course cheaper isn't always the best way to go.

3. In my area which would be the best company to handle this project?

4. Would it be possible if going mobile to have just the garage set on a full basement for the water heater etc. to allow for easy access for repairs and such?

5. Or could those items be placed in the garage/or utility closet?

6. Could all the wiring, plumbing and vents(for central airconditioning and heating) be run through the ceiling instead? (if mobile)

The home would be set on private property and I know the cost of building the home does not include things such as excavation, foundation, permits etc. I would want it to be very sturdy and strong. If I were to go with a mobile home I would definetly do the upgrades such as larger studs 2x6? The higher pitched roof etc. I want the house to be set on a full foundation and not set high (if mobile) like I have seen most mobile homes. I have heard of pit settings with back fill to help lower the mobile home to allow it to look like a regular stick built. The stick built look is important to me.


Sorry so long just trying to give a clear picture of what I want to do and to consider as many options as possible to acheive what I see in my head.

Each of those mobile homes cost $82,000. The smaller one is the same price because it comes with all stainless steel kitchen appliances(doubledoor refrigerator,wall oven with microwave,dishwasher and a countertop range).

Thanks!

[dan]

What your looking to do is pretty extensive, manufactured home builder most likely would not entertain such a project.
What your looking to do would require a custom modular builder.
I would guess you have not discussed this project in this detail with any salepeople. They could maybe give you a better idea of what exactly is possible within the scope of the products they sell.
good luck.

[rmurray]

4200 ++++sq foot homes are rare in the housing business...

Most likely you cannot add a second story on a manufactured home that is not pre-engineered for this....A HUD manufacturer cannot build a home without a kitchen...Local building code probably would not allow you to put two homes on the same lot...

You have lots of homework to do...good thing you have lots of time....There might be a custom modular company that might take on this project...but since modular home specs are approved on the state level for specific homes...this will take a long time...approximate pricing and payment terms will have to be discussed before any one will do the expensive engineering for this type of modular project...I do not mean to discourage you but this will not be cheap...My guess is that if the upstairs is about 1200 sq feet..this home will cost about $400 to about $500 thousand...A huge bargain when compared with custom stick built homes over 5000 square feet..

There is no way to finance a manufactured home customized to these terms..so this project would be out..even if you are a cash buyer..you would not be able to sell this home in the future..

You need to get with a salesperson at a quality builder of modulars in your area..Good Luck

[Angela]

Thanks I will continue my research and speak with a few modular home builders to get their input as well.

Thanks again.

[Nick]

Go Modular. Most modular builders can and will alter floor plans to fit your style. HUD Code manufacturers can but don't.

Good Luck