Manufactured vs. Custom Build

Posted: June, 28, 2024 | Categories: Blog | Tips & Trends

A balance scale comparing a manufactured home and a custom-built home, with the manufactured home on the lower side and the custom-built home on the higher side

Building with Smart Dwellings vs. Manufactured Homes: Why Building with Us is the Better Choice

When it comes to homeownership, you have several options. Two popular choices are building a custom home with Smart Dwellings or placing a manufactured home on your land. While manufactured homes can appear more affordable initially, a closer look reveals hidden costs and complexities that often make building with Smart Dwellings a smarter, more rewarding choice.

The True Costs of Manufactured Homes

Manufactured homes might seem like a budget-friendly option, but there are several hidden expenses to consider:

  • Foundation Work

    • Basements, Crawlspaces, and Footings: Most modular home companies in Wyoming, like Clayton Homes and Champion Homes, do not include the cost of foundations. Basements, crawlspaces, or footings can add $10,000 to $50,000 or more to your overall cost.

      • Site Preparation: Preparing your land for a manufactured home involves grading, excavation, and installing utilities, which can range from $5,000 to $30,000 depending on your land’s condition.

  • Transportation and Setup

    • Delivery and Setup: Transporting your manufactured home and setting it up on your property can cost between $5,000 and $15,000?

  • Financing

    •  Interest rates on loans for mobile homes are often higher, so your monthly payments are higher. And depending on what kind of foundation you choose to put in, your loan may be more difficult to secure.  

The Smart Dwellings Advantage

Choosing to build with Smart Dwellings offers numerous benefits that often outweigh the perceived savings of a manufactured home:

  1. No Surprises

    • With our free site assessment, you'll know upfront what site improvements might be needed to build your home. We are here to help every step of the way, enabling you with education and simplifying the process. There are no hidden costs or surprise expenses. You get a transparent investment that you can count on.

  2. Quality and Customization

    • With Smart Dwellings, you have the freedom to customize your home to fit your lifestyle and preferences. Our portfolio of over 20 plans ensures you find the perfect fit, and our team works with you to tailor every detail. Looking for ADA compliance? You've got it, and so much more. 

  3. Energy Efficiency

    • Our homes are built to the latest energy efficiency standards, saving you money on utilities in the long run. Manufactured homes often lack these efficiencies, leading to higher energy bills.

  4. Experienced Team

    • Our team of experts guides you through the entire process, from design to move-in day. We handle permits, inspections, and every detail in between, ensuring a smooth and streamlined experience. You are the hero of your story, and we seek to empower you with regular updates throughout construction.

  5. Long-Term Value

    • A Smart Dwellings home is a long-term investment that appreciates over time. Manufactured homes, on the other hand, tend to depreciate, making them a less sound investment. And don't forget, with us you'll enjoy peace of mind knowing your home has a 10-year warranty. 

  6. We Build Where You Live

Conclusion

While manufactured homes may seem like a cheaper and quicker solution, the hidden costs and complexities can quickly add up. Building with Smart Dwellings offers a transparent, all-inclusive pricing model, superior quality, and long-term value that manufactured homes simply can’t match.

Choose Smart Dwellings for a home that’s built to last, with the quality and customization you deserve. Contact us today to learn more about our building process and how we can help you create your dream home in beautiful Wyoming.


Does building a home seem slightly out of reach? Talk to us. At Smart Dwellings, we believe in making your dream home a reality without hidden costs and hassles. Let's build something beautiful together.


For more information, visit https://www.smartdwellings.com/build-on-your-land.


Tags: Accessibility | comparison | Design | manufactured homes | New Construction Homes | New Home Builders | New Homes | Professional | Professional Builder | Reasons | Resale | Retirement in Wyoming | Short List
Author: Beth Lemon