“Big” and “Little” Decisions When Ordering Your New Custom Built Manufactured Home
Purchasing a home may well be the biggest decision any of us will make in our lifetime. If you have finally made that momentous decision to become a manufactured homeowner, then you are on your way to realizing the uniquely American dream of homeownership.
Your commitment to purchase a manufactured home to be built to your specifications is the “big” decision, however, there is a multitude of “little” decisions to be made that are also important and will contribute to your enjoyment and satisfaction for years to come.
The Specification Process – The specification process, aka the “speck-out” with your retailer is the fun part of the manufactured home purchasing process, where-in you will determine how your home will look on the inside and outside. This will also determine what options, upgrades, and customizations that you will require.
Decorating Home To Fit Personal Tastes and Requirements – Decorating your new manufactured home is a personal thing that allows the home buyer to choose colors and qualities that fit personal tastes and requirements. Your retailer will ask you to choose from manufacturer samples of floor coverings (carpet vinyl plank, etc.), paint, countertops, window coverings, kitchen appliances finishes, exterior colors, and more.
Make sure the retailer advises you which samples you are viewing are standard and which are upgrades and what your additional cost will be.
Suggestion: It is a good idea to have a preconceived color scheme in your mind before you arrive for the “speck-out.” Purchasers often bring with them to the session something to help coordinate their own furniture and accessory colors with those colors selected for the new manufactured home, such as a sofa cushion, a throw pillow, etc.
Seemingly Unlimited Customization, Upgrades, And Options – Most manufactured home builders offer a plethora of optional features and upgrades. Following are some of the more popular options chosen by previous manufactured home buyers. Some of these are optional with some manufacturers and standard with others.
From a homebuyer’s perspective, the appearance and utility of the kitchen and master bedroom will be the most important rooms in the home. These are the areas where personalization choices and options are most available.
Kitchen – The refrigerator and other appliances are standard in most all manufactured homes. Sizes and upgrades are available in white, black, and stainless steel.
Your choice of countertops will vary depending on the brand of home you are purchasing. Most will have Formica-type laminates. Some will offer upgrades such as granite and other material surfaces.
If the standard kitchen sink is plastic (rare) we recommend upgrading to china, porcelain, or stainless steel. Currently, a popular option is the deep stainless steel “farmers sink.”
A dishwasher is usually standard equipment, but not always. If standard there may be upgrades that include additional features.
Kitchen islands are very popular with homemakers. A center island adds additional countertop workstation space and/or snack and serving bar, ideal for casual dining and entertaining. An island is often a standard feature in most open concept floor plans.
Master Bedroom Suite – Many manufactured home multi-section and larger single section models will include a standard master bath that includes a soaking tub and a separate stall shower.
Upgrading the master bath (ensuite) is very popular with many manufactured home purchasers. Several manufacturers will offer a “glamour” or a “luxury bath” option that will include a large oval or rectangular platform soaking tub, an extra-large tile shower, “his” and “hers” dual sink vanities, and an abundance of handcrafted cabinets and linen closets.
Some larger manufactured floor plans will feature a master bedroom retreat area with an available optional fireplace.
Here at ManufacturedHomes.com, you will find 3D virtual tours of 100’s of new homes with various decor and amenity combinations that may be helpful in your “speck-out” sessions. Chances are good that you will find a 3D tour of the home you are purchasing, as all of the manufacturers nationwide are listed on this site, and most will have 3D virtual tours and/or interior photographs.
