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| MANUFACTURED HOMES | MODULAR HOMES |
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Four Seasons Manufacturing, Inc. |
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NorthWest Cedar Structures, Inc. Performance Building System, Inc. |
There was a time up until the early 1970's when one mentioned manufactured housing, it meant those rectangular flat-roofed aluminum sided structures on wheels with a large hitch in the front and high unadorned steps. And granted, some are still around made by a small dwindling number of manufacturers. Today, the manufactured and modular home industry is rapidly growing with greatly improved products. Unlike yesterday, the buyer has more say in its layout as well what goes inside. They are better insulated with higher quality than ever before. And there's almost no end of choices. Costs can run anywhere from $18,000 for a basic unit to well over $100,000 for the pre-built home of your dreams. There are also kit homes that you and your friends can build from pre-fitted parts. Its a great alternative from "stick-built" homes offering more for the dollar. ...but check the links and discover! |
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There was a time when the exterior framing of a house was simply covered with lap siding. Inside walls were plaster over lathing...of course, that was when energy was cheap!
Now how you side a house is part of an integral package in energy conservation as well structural strength. While standard lapboard could hold up well over a hundred years or so, it required painting every decade. After a number of times, the paint would simply crack or blister over an older paint job. Then there was the problem of paint mixed with lead to give it a smooth consistency - at the cost of being a health hazard! Lead in paint is gone, but the other factors of painting over clapboard still exists.
Lucky for us, we now have better choices than past generations. So, lets see how they stack up?
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Vinyl |
Aluminum |
Cedar Clapboard |
Shakes |
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| Material Cost |
$1.50 - $2.30 |
$210 - $2.60 |
$1.70 - $3.10 |
$1.40 - $3.10 |
| Material/Installation $ Ratio |
45/55 |
45/55 |
55/45 |
45/55 |
| Life Span |
50 years |
20 - 50 years |
10 - 100 years |
10 - 100 years |
Costs are per square foot and do not reflect regional variations in price.
If building new, House & Cottage feels quality vinyl siding over proper insulation over house wrap over OSB panels makes the most sense - you'll save on painting, heating and cooling costs.
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