Building a manufactured home is a great way to achieve your dream home at a fraction of the cost per-square-foot of a traditional home. As you shop around for a manufactured home builder, however, you'll want to ask some important questions to ensure you're making the right decision.
What Kind of Warranty Is Included?
Building a manufactured home is a big investment, so of course you want to make sure it's done right. Any reputable builder will offer some kind of warranty or guarantee, but it will be up to you to research what's included in that warranty and how long it will last. For example, some companies may include a warranty on parts and appliances, but not on the labor to install/service them, so this is something to keep in mind as you shop.
Who Will Connect the Home to City Utilities?
When your home is delivered and put together, it will need to be connected to city utilities such as sewage, electricity, and gas lines (if applicable). Usually, your builder is the one responsible for this, and it should be included in your costs, but this is not always the case. For this reason, it's a good idea to ask up-front so you're not stuck with an unpleasant surprise down the road.
Is Re-Leveling Offered After the First Year?
Since manufactured homes don't sit on a foundation, they need to be carefully leveled when they are first built. Still, over the course of the first year of living in the home, the ground it sits on is likely to settle a little bit. Find a builder that will offer a free re-leveling of your home after the first year so you're not stuck paying out-of-pocket for this necessary expense.
What Kind of Financing Is Accepted?
Finally, be sure to explore which financing options are accepted by your preferred builder. Most are pretty flexible when it comes to the types of loans they accept, and some will even offer their own financing. Either way, knowing where you stand financially before diving into a manufactured home purchase is a must.
These are just a few important questions you'll want to ask when you consider buying a manufactured home. By taking the time to ask these key questions, you can ultimately decide on the manufactured home company that's right for you, and you can feel more confident in your decision moving forward.
