Teams
Forum List
Toggle sidebar

Building a House

Tre4ISU

Tre4ISU

Well-Known Member
Dec 30, 2008
27,809
8,490
113
Estherville
I've been looking at buying houses and I'm not finding something I really want to buy in a price range that seems preferable to just building exactly what I want instead so I'm looking at building one in two summers. To preface, I'm incredibly picky about quality and I know a fair amount about how things should be done. I plan on going through with quotes from a couple modular builders who seem to have good reputations and I have seen their work and I intend on getting a stick build quote as well as a quote from a local energy panel building company. It's likely going to be a ranch style 3 BR 2+ bath type of house with a basement and large garage. Nothing incredibly fancy.

So, I'm mainly wondering about peoples experiences with modular or pre-fab homes. I'm of the opinion that stick built is always going to come down to who does the work so that's kind of up to my own judgement. It just seems to me like pre fab homes have come a long way and it would make the building and planning process much simpler. I'll also note that I'm single so that will simplify things as only one opinion matters at the moment but of course that could change by then. Any input here is appreciated.
 
Hi there, why don't search online for better prices or ask your friends and co-workers to recommend you the best deals. There are also real estate agent who can also help you from this situation.
 
  • Funny
Reactions: Tailg8er
The modular home industry has indeed come a long way. I worked for Design Homes in the late 70s - they were 2 piece ranch boxes, and the only good thing I could say about them is that they were insulated well. I guess I just have a problem with a partially assembled home being driven down the highway at speeds exceeding 50 MPH.

I would always go with stick built, for two reasons: First, you can visually inspect the work as it progresses. Of course you want to find a reputable builder, this can be done by attending Parades of Homes and finding out the builder's name, and then talking to some of his past customers. Second, if changes need to be made (if you're married, you get this, and I'm not being sexist here - sometimes men are the worst) during the process, it's much easier to affect if the building isn't complete.

Depending on where you live, it's paramount that you research whoever who decide to use, for your own peace of mind. Building a new home can be very stressful!
 
My first house was modular and I hated it, everything was wonky, nothing was standard compared to a normal house. I don't have a frame of reference to know if it was just that house or modular homes in general, but it sucked enough that I personally would never own one again.
 
Your biggest issue will be finding a good contractor and sticking to your original plan. Scope "creep" kills a lot of home building projects. Also, stay away from watching HGTV....they make everything look easy and inexpensive. :(
 
I think a common misperception is with modular and manufactured homes. Those of you who think they are of low quality are probably refering to manufactured homes. These are the low pitch houses with often times paneled walls. Manufactured homes have HUD tags on the outside of both the front and back moduals.

Modular homes are a different beast. They are probably superior quality to stick built homes on average these days. They are certainly going to be more consistent in quality than stick built homes as they very so much on the contractors. The future will be with modular houses.

You will always pay a premium for a new home as compared to an existing house. Since you seem to be looking for a standard home style and probably aren't as picky with decor I would steer you towards pre-owned houses.
 
CyBri said:
What does this statement mean? I agree about not getting lumber from either of these two.
Click to expand...

Menards lumber the same as anywhere else. You have to return the crap and use the good. If you are buying enough for a house, make sure you have there charge card and buy it all during the 11% rebate sale. Same goes for shingles, fixtures, siding, etc.
 
If you're going to make your selection on lowest price, but you also demand top notch work and quality you are setting yourself up for disappointment and a bad experience.

Don't get quotes, rather interview builders/GCs. Find the guy or company you connect with and feel you can trust through what is a fairly stressful process for many and agree upon a plan and finishes that fit your budget. Expect to go over your budget up to 5%.

Construction is absolutely one of those things where typically you get what you pay for. Also be prepared to wait when you find someone you like. Anybody worth it is going to be out a ways on schedule.

Stick build it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 2020cy
clonebb said:
Menards lumber the same as anywhere else. You have to return the crap and use the good. If you are buying enough for a house, make sure you have there charge card and buy it all during the 11% rebate sale. Same goes for shingles, fixtures, siding, etc.
Click to expand...
You are correct in that it's the same lumber but it seems to get picked through and you get a lot more crap. Most builders I know won't use Menards. Its just inconvenient picking through all the bad stuff. I'm sure some have had good experiences also.
 
CyBri said:
You are correct in that it's the same lumber but it seems to get picked through and you get a lot more crap. Most builders I know won't use Menards. Its just inconvenient picking through all the bad stuff. I'm sure some have had good experiences also.
Click to expand...

Builders don't walk into menards and pick out lumber like a homeowner who requires three 2x4s for some minor project. If you're buying lumber from menards or any box store for a whole house (like a builder would) you're getting bulk bundles and it's being delivered to the job site directly. The stuff in the store in the open pallets for individual piece sale is more than likely the worst bundle the store received at that time because they know John smith who is building a futon for his basement is going to buy it and not really know the difference.

All wood products that aren't sourced locally are going to have waste and bad pieces. Humidity, climate, and other factors greatly effect wood. So that pallet of pine that has been cut and milled in Canada is going to have some wierd and twisted boards whether it ends up going to the West Des Moines Home Depot or the local lumber yard. It's just a part of how wood acclimates. Any wood bulk purchase is bought in a qty to include waste, so you just discard bad pieces.

Some builders will buy from menards or wherever fir the rebate. Bill their customer the full cost, rebate is a little bonus for them.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Tailg8er
Tre4ISU said:
I've been looking at buying houses and I'm not finding something I really want to buy in a price range that seems preferable to just building exactly what I want instead so I'm looking at building one in two summers. To preface, I'm incredibly picky about quality and I know a fair amount about how things should be done. I plan on going through with quotes from a couple modular builders who seem to have good reputations and I have seen their work and I intend on getting a stick build quote as well as a quote from a local energy panel building company. It's likely going to be a ranch style 3 BR 2+ bath type of house with a basement and large garage. Nothing incredibly fancy.

So, I'm mainly wondering about peoples experiences with modular or pre-fab homes. I'm of the opinion that stick built is always going to come down to who does the work so that's kind of up to my own judgement. It just seems to me like pre fab homes have come a long way and it would make the building and planning process much simpler. I'll also note that I'm single so that will simplify things as only one opinion matters at the moment but of course that could change by then. Any input here is appreciated.
Click to expand...

Oakstone in Ankeny... look up on facebook.
 
You can get very good stick built and very good modular homes. The contractor/manufacturer is the most important thing. Strong point for modular homes is they get enclosed quicker so the chance of water damage to the framing/sub-floors is less. I have seen stick built homes that have to replace sub-floor sections during construction due to rain damage. I purchased a new stick built townhome two years ago and have been very happy with it. The contractors crew was very fast so they got the house in the dry very quickly. Question are you going to have the GC hire/pick all his subs (plumbing, electrical, HVAC) or are you going to act as the person doing this? I spent 32 years designing and over seeing construction of retail facilities and it will take up many hours of your time.
 
SCNCY said:
See the Home Deopot and Menards getting sued thread.
Click to expand...
All lumber is smaller than stated dimensions. For example 2× 4's are actually 1-1/2 × 3-1/2. It has been this way for several years, even decades now.
 
isu83 said:
All lumber is smaller than stated dimensions. For example 2× 4's are actually 1-1/2 × 3-1/2. It has been this way for several years, even decades now.
Click to expand...
Ya I thought this was common knowledge. Admittedly idk what Menards was doing.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Help Support Us

Become a patron
Top Bottom