I am looking into Modular homes and have looked through your plans. When you quote the price and mention "land preparation" what does that mean exactly? Does that mean excavation and foundation? Could you recommend a couple good manufactures for the CT area? Do your prices include the HVAC system and do manufactures typically install that or leave that to the home buyer to put in? Thanks for any info you can provide and this site has been very helpful.
Hi, and welcome to the site! As you've hit upon here, there's a difference between the "base price" and the "estimated price" of a modular home. The base price is generally just what it costs to prefabricate the home in a factory off-site. It doesn't include delivery, set-up, or -as you've noted- land prep. For more on modular home pricing, check out our video here. Land preparation generally means anything that's done to the land the house is built on before the modular home arrives. This includes exploratory digging and soil testing to make sure there aren't any nasty surprises lurking just underneath the surface; leveling the land (if necessary); clearing trees, boulders, etc; digging and pouring the foundation; and more. Again, if it can be done before the house arrives, it probably counts as site prep. HVAC systems are absolutely included by modular home manufacturers unless you don't want them to be. Though I'd highly recommend letting the manufacturers handle as much of the work as possible before your home is set. As far as recommendations go, I'm of the mindset that picking the right builder is more important than the right manufacturer. I'd get some guff for that from some in the industry, but I stand by it. A good trustworthy modular home builder will help you vet manufacturers since they have relationships with them already. A good builder is a manufacturer's most prized relationship, so they won't risk cutting corners or doing sub-par work for a builder who brings them lots of business! So to find a modular home builder near you, just fill out an information request on any home available in your area, and we'll put you in touch with a local builder. I hope this helps! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask them here!
