Getting into homeownership is always tricky. There are lots of nuances for buyers of modular homes to look into, from pricing to land, to permits. Before buying a home, it is important to look into what it means to go modular. Safety checks for potential buyers of modular homes help you decide if buying a mod home is right for you. Don’t just jump into buying a home before you read these important steps.
Safety Checks for Potential Buyers of Modular Homes
Permits
Modular home permits and safety inspections are different than brick and mortar homes. You will have to submit blueprints of the small prefab homes for approval before construction. Be sure the place you buy from has proper permits and do your own inspections to make sure mechanical, plumbing, and electrical all work wells before signing on the dotted line.
Inspection Time
Most modular homes are not built on site. They are brought in and put on the site after being constructed in the factory. Often they look like regular homes but they are pre-made. Inspections typically happen before they are brought to the final destination. Inspections happen every step of the way to make sure they will withstand all conditions outside. Insulation, plumbing, roofing, and framing are subject to inspection in the factory before ever leaving the premises. Make sure you look into the provider you chose to ask how they do inspections and talk to them about permits. Look over their track record and make sure they have everything done before you finalize the move.
Foundation Approval
You might have to do soil engineering tests and submit them for inspection. You can dream your modular home into existence but you still have to pass inspection. The local building inspector and authorities may inspect the foundation of the home to make sure it meets certain codes. Talk to the homebuilder about grading and get a clear idea of how much money you have to spend.
On-Site Inspection
Today is the day you move your home on-site. Make sure you check all hookups to sewer, power, and water. This inspection makes sure your mod home is structurally sound and meets all the codes. There may be a few more inspections but this is the final space where you get to check things out and make sure all is well. The local authorities are the final arbiter when it comes to making sure everything passes inspection.
Check with the builder prior to going through the motions and make sure you have extra money set aside in case additional changes have to be made. If the home does not pass inspection, you don’t want to be caught in the rain, so to speak. Have some extra money set aside for any ‘extras’ and make sure you talk to the builder all the way through the process. Open communication can avoid many headaches down the line.
