If you are using a design firm to build a "Concept" Green Modular Home, or niche specialty modular designed home, then brand / building company is so very important. It is important from the design firm, to the builder, and the warranty after the home is completed. |
| What Brands are best?? |
BUT, if you're buying a manufactured home that is energy efficient, GREEN, and one of many standard plans or models produced by manufacturers or builders sold at Home Center, then brand is important but not always critical. Many of the builder brands today all build to above codes and standards, have excellent warranties, and are built to where you know you're in a nice quality home. Yes, there are lower or upper levels of options available on manufactured homes providing customers levels of comfort and style. Some examples of options or levels of construction provided by a manufacturer are; less or more insulation and durability in exterior walls "like 2x6 studs with R-19 insulation or 2x4 R-11 insulation", wrapping the house, R 22-19-30 insulation, thermal windows and doors, tape and textured 1/2 Sheetrock or covered 3/8 Sheetrock with seam batting, plywood or OSB flooring board, 6/12 hinged roofing, 9 FT. walls, 2x10 floor joists, and of course the so many fixture and trim out options including wood burning fireplaces, cabinetry grades, high end appliances, tile or laminated, floor coverings, lighting packages, the list can go on and on.
Buying one brand over another does have its advantages. There are definitely quality of craftsmanship differences in by manufacturers / builders, but the above example is based on building standards and basics provided. Now when it comes to quality craftsmanship, and floor plans offered, there are several brands that do set themselves apart. That is why it is important to see several brands when shopping. An example is buying a car. You can buy a Ford VS GMC, or a Lincoln VS Cadillac. All of these brands are good, safe, efficient, and provide options, but yet they are different. Customers will prefer one over another, and customers can even be emotional about how they prefer one over the other. Home buying is an emotional choice too. A home is usually the biggest investment a person will make. So, that coupled with everyone's wants and needs different from another, make home buying a very emotional decision. Hmm, variety of brands is good thing. The #Sushine Brand is an example of great quality and lots of options VS KABCO Brand all coming with many of the same options too. They are just different in style and are a matter of personal preference. The +sunshine Homes has taped and textured walls standard, and #KABCO Builders doesn't but it can be ordered. Don't stop there, +Palm Harbor Homes, +Champion Homes, SeHomes , +Clayton Homes are good to compare. Many can all be found on one Home Center lot to view.
Be sure to look at several brands, but always be sure you are comparing the same options when pricing and comparing homes. Be sure those options include the extra energy savings features, and foundation work.
+Brett Swearingen
