How to Buy a Modular Home: Guide to Buying a Modular Home

How to Buy a Modular Home: The Complete Guide to Buying a Modular Home

You know that buying a modular home is your key to unlocking financial freedom, embracing minimalism, and bringing your dream house to life fast. That much is clear. 

But maybe you find yourself unsure of how to buy a modular home - you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to guide you through the process below.

We've mastered the art of modular home creation, enabling you to become a homeowner in just a few clicks. Not only that, but you’ll enjoy a rapid 60-day turnaround and savings that go up to $10k less than our competitors.

That being said, let’s start with the appeal of modular living before we get into our guide to buying a modular home online.

Why Buy a Modular Home?

First things first - what is a modular home and why should you consider buying a modular home? 

These are houses that are built off-site in sections and then installed on a property after the fact. And, there are 4 compelling reasons the housing market is shifting in favor of modular living…

Financial Flexibility

Modular homes offer a golden intersection of value and affordability. Many overhead costs related to traditional home building are eradicated through modular construction. 

No longer are you bound by escalating on-site labor costs or unpredictable material price surges. Instead, you can enjoy a home that is both cost-effective and of impeccable quality. 

Plus, with the reduced construction timeframe, you'll be saving on rental or alternative accommodation costs.

Swift Turnaround Times

Traditional homes can take years to complete. This duration shrinks dramatically with modular homes, though. 

The controlled factory environment ensures that your home's modules are built rapidly without compromising on standards once the design is finalized. No rain delays, no unexpected site issues, just a streamlined process that gets you into your new home faster.

Effortless Customization

Gone are the days when modular meant “cookie-cutter”. Today, modular homes provide a canvas as blank as any traditionally built home. 

Want an open-concept kitchen? Need an extra room for your home office? Prefer a particular style or finish? 

Customization is effortless with modular homes. The structured building process allows for modifications without the hefty price tag that traditional customizations often carry.

Eco-Friendly Choices

The world is moving towards sustainability, and modular homes are right at the forefront of this revolution. Waste is minimized as these are built in controlled environments and resources are used judiciously. 

Plus, many modular homes come with energy-efficient windows, insulation, and other green features. The result is a home that's eco-friendly, reduces your carbon footprint, and often leads to significant savings on energy bills!

Should You Build or Buy a Modular Home?

It’s not a question of whether you’re going to make the shift towards modular living - it’s a question of how you’re going to make it happen

This guide is specifically on how to buy a modular home, and there’s a reason for that. Here are some of the challenges of building a modular home DIY:

  • Time Commitment and Speed: Going the DIY route is a commitment. Every design decision, permit approval, and even minor adjustments can accumulate and stretch your timeline unpredictably. It can take years on your own. In contrast, a modular home at Boxd Living shows up on your property in 60 days.
  • Cost Variability: While the appeal of DIY is cost savings, there’s more to this decision than meets the eye. You know how much a modular home is going to cost when you buy it. But with fluctuating material prices and unexpected costs, your budget might see numerous revisions. This can be a huge source of stress. In some cases, you may end up spending more to build your home than buy a modular home.
  • Learning Curve and Potential Mistakes: The modular approach has its nuances even if you're well-versed in construction. Mistakes, however small, can lead to costly corrections down the line. When you invest in a pre-designed modular home, you're also investing in the expertise of professionals who have honed their craft, ensuring every corner of your home meets top-notch standards. In essence, you’re investing in peace of mind.
  • Future Scalability: Opting for a pre-designed home doesn't box you in. These homes can still cater to future expansions through proper planning, marrying initial design efficiency with long-term flexibility.

It’s clear that buying a modular home is a better route than building. So, how do you get started? We’ll walk you through the simple process below!

How to Buy a Modular Home: Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Modular Home

Deciding to buy a modular home is exhilarating. However, as with any significant investment, the process requires informed decision-making.

You’re in good hands, though. We’ve used our expertise at Boxd Living to distill the essence of buying a modular home into actionable steps. Here’s your ultimate guide on how to buy a modular home:

Determine Your Budget

Modular homes can offer significant cost savings compared to traditional housing. But how much does a modular home cost? You can pay as little as $70,000 when you partner with Boxd Living - all without compromising on quality.

That being said, customizations to your home can quickly add up. So, we suggest starting with a budget for the project. Take a holistic look at your financial situation and be honest - how much can you afford without straining your finances? What’s the maximum ceiling for your budget?

Remember that while modular homes come with a clear price tag, there are auxiliary costs to consider. These include transportation, land preparation, and utility connections. It’s prudent to factor in these costs to avoid any financial surprises.

The good news? All of the financial stress can be alleviated here at Box Living. We have a thorough guide on how to finance a modular home. We also offer in-house financing to help you get the purchase approved and make your dream home a reality.

But let’s talk about defining what your dream home actually looks like next…

Choose Your Desired Modular Home Design

The beauty of modular homes is in their versatility and diversity. You can truly make this type of home your own. 

Do you envisage a quaint one-bedroom space or a sprawling family haven? Want a backyard office on the property as well? Consider your present needs and future plans when determining size and layout.

Beyond design, you’ll want to consider size. Just how big can a modular home be? Dimensions range from 20’ x 20’ to 40’ x 10’. It’s up to you, though - as with most aspects of your modular home.

The key takeaway should be this: Modular doesn’t mean monotonous. Explore design variations and customization options. 

Perhaps a sunlit patio, a loft-style bedroom, or eco-friendly installations resonate with your vision. Dive deep into your preferences to craft a home that mirrors your identity. And if you aren’t sure where to start, check out some of our past projects for inspiration!

Finding a Suitable Location

You may be wondering - where can I put a modular home? This is a decision that’s perhaps more profound than anything related to the house itself. 

Consider the existing plot you own if you have a piece of land already. If not, the hunt begins. Our advice is to buy land rather than rent it so you are in complete control of the process.

Whatever you do, though, ensure the land is zoned for modular homes. Look into land costs, property taxes, and community bylaws. 

Think about convenience vs privacy - do you want to be in a beautiful, serene location or within walking distance of your favorite places? You may not have to choose between one or the other, but this is often the case.

Evaluate the preparatory work required before buying land so you know what you’re up against. This might involve clearing vegetation, leveling the site, or even obtaining necessary permits. Proper groundwork ensures a smooth installation process and longevity of your modular home.

Partner with a Reputable Modular Home Builder

This is where things start to get really complex - where are you going to buy a modular home? The last thing you want is to partner with an unreliable or inexperienced provider with something as pivotal as your living arrangement. 

Look into local builders with a robust portfolio and positive reviews. A builder’s reputation speaks volumes about their work ethic and quality. Or, save yourself the time, hassle, and stress of looking far and wide for a builder you can trust - your search ends here at Boxd Living.

We’re leading a housing revolution as home prices and rent continue to skyrocket. Through our modular manufacturing process, we’re proud to say that we offer homes at up to $10k cheaper than the competition!

And yet, we maintain high standards for quality to ensure you end up with a home you’re proud to call your own. Through top-quality materials, a strict manufacturing quality control process, and stunning finishes, your dream home is just a few clicks away.

Perhaps the most enticing reason to buy a modular home at Boxd Living, though, is the turnaround time. How long does it take to get a modular home, though? Less than 60 days! It typically takes us 30 days to build your home and 30 to get it delivered and installed.

The sooner you fill out our property inquiry form, the quicker we can get you moved into your dream home. 

That being said, go ahead and fill out the form now while we have your attention. Then, come back and continue reading through the remaining steps of how to buy a modular home.

Factor in Financing

Buying a modular home opens up distinctive financing routes. From traditional mortgages to construction-to-permanent loans, there's a spectrum to choose from. 

Starting the process with a pre-approved loan provides clarity on your budget constraints - you’ll have a much better sense of whether your budget makes sense or needs to be revisited.

Engage with a financial advisor to understand which loan structure aligns with your economic situation. Or, as we said earlier, simply use our in-house financing process to keep things as simple and stress-free as possible. You’ll also get competitive rates tailored for modular home buyers.

Review and Finalize Your Contract

A good contract delineates every minute detail - from the home specifications to warranty coverage. Ensure all verbal agreements are documented, leaving no room for ambiguity.

Scrutinize the contract for hidden costs. Delivery fees, installation charges, and any additional customizations should be clearly specified. 

This is, of course, not something you have to stress about with Boxd Living. But, it’s a good habit for contracts regarding any major life decision - and we’ve got nothing to hide!

Prepare the Site and Await Delivery

From the time you put down your deposit on your home, the clock is ticking. Remember that it takes just 30 days to build your modular home at Boxd Living. It’s time to get to work preparing the site!

If your site requires substantial prep work, such as laying down a foundation or installing utilities, coordinate with contractors. Time it well, so it coincides with the delivery of your modular unit.

Installation and Final Touches

The modular units are assembled upon delivery. This process is fast, especially with the experts at Boxd Living. You can start looking for furniture around this time and thinking about scheduling your move in date.

From here it’s just a matter of applying the personal final touches. Landscaping, interior décor, and any additional installations transform your modular unit from a house to a home. 

Boxd Living offers post-purchase support, guiding you through this phase and ensuring you settle in seamlessly. So, why not get started today?

Buying a Modular Home in Just a Few Clicks is Quicker and More Affordable Than Ever at Boxd Living!

That concludes our guide on how to buy a modular home. Whether you choose to partner with us or not, these insights will help you feel confident taking those next steps to put this plan into motion. 

But, just as a reminder, here’s what you get when you partner with Boxd Living: Quality, Speed, and Affordability. With a swift 60-day turnaround, savings of $10k less than our competitors, and a seamless online purchase experience, your dream home is literally a few clicks away!

Bringing Our Conversation on How to Buy a Modular Home to a Close

There’s no denying the thrill of deciding to buy a modular home. However, it’s far too common that thrill turns into doubt, skepticism, uncertainty, and ultimately, inaction. That’s why we put together this guide on how to buy a modular home to help you feel more comfortable and secure with how the process works.

From understanding the compelling advantages of modular homes to the intricate steps of purchasing one, we've walked you through it all. Boxd Living stands at the intersection of innovation and trust, ensuring that your path to modular living is smooth and rewarding.

Our blog has more resources on the difference between a modular home and a manufactured home, the cost to build a tiny home, where to put a tiny home, differences between a tiny home vs trailer, tiny home sizes, and more.

If there's one takeaway from our conversation on buying a modular home, it's this - don't just dream, act. Your ideal home awaits at Boxd Living, and it's closer than you think. Take the first step today!

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