Should You Rent a Modular Home?

Should You Rent a Modular Home?

What do you think a modular home is?

You’re a bit confused if you imagine a double-wide parked in a local mobile home park.

While both modular and mobile homes are manufactured, there are significant differences between them. Yes, modular homes are manufactured in a factory, but they don’t have a chassis like a mobile home. They are also permanently set on a foundation on a deeded lot, whereas mobile homes are set on a slab and only have a title (like a car).

Knowing the differences helps you decide if modular homes are suitable for you to rent. But we’ll also review its pros over traditional homes to inform your decision further. So let’s get to it.

Are Modular Homes Any Good?

A modular home is a prefabricated home, built in a factory to around 80-90% completion before finishing it off on-site. Unlike mobile homes, modular homes aren’t shipped fully assembled or built on a chassis. Once completed, modular homes look like any traditionally-built home.

Modular homes used to be stigmatized. People said that the process is a cheap way to make homes faster. But that’s not the case anymore—modular homes are a lot more luxurious and durable today.

Here are several facts about modular homes:

• They are built to the exact local, state, and regional building codes.
• They are inspected and approved by inspectors during production and on-site.
• They are typically stronger than traditional homes, as they had to withstand transportation.
• They can help you save on utility bills than site-built homes due to energy-efficient construction.

And if those details aren’t enough, a FEMA study also found that modular homes were able to withstand Hurricane Andrew better than traditional, site-built homes in the same area. If safety is on your checklist, modular homes should be a consideration.

Should You Rent a Modular Home?

Renting a modular home isn’t any different than renting a traditional, site-built home. In fact, it’s said to be more durable and cost-efficient than the latter, which are both huge bonuses. Still, here is a quick checklist to see if the factory-prepped, crane-assembled modular home you’re eyeing is good.

Check the condition of the following items in the living room, kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms:

• Floor and coverings
• Hardware (e.g., door locks)
• Windows, screens, shades, and blinds
• Lighting fixtures (e.g., bulbs)
• Walls and ceilings
• Appliances (both electrical and gas)
• Outlets and switches
• Fire equipment (smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers)
• HVAC systems
• Entryways and stairwells
• Plumbing (e.g., shower, bathtub, toilet bowls, and sinks)
• Any signs of leaks, flooding, mildew, or mold
• Any signs of pests and infestations

For each element of the inspection checklist, note the condition of the item and note any damages—you’ll find the list handy if you must prove the house’s condition during move out. The last thing you want is to lose your security deposit over existing damages!

Your landlord may have an inspection report or move-in checklist they use for all tenants. Get a copy of that for yourself, but also keep the above checklist in mind to ensure that you cover all grounds.

Rent It, You Won’t Regret It

In a nutshell, renting a modular home is renting a home that’ll save you on utility bills and keep you safe during a hurricane. As long as it’s in excellent condition, you won’t experience any more problems than you would with renting a traditional, site-built home.

Do you need more help with renting a home? Get in touch with our property management team today.