What is a "PACKAGED HOME" and why consider one?

By Ehrin Landis; Habitats Packaged Homes & Design

            Wouldn’t it be nice if a home could assemble like the erector set you played with as a child?  The truth is, building a home can be simpler than you think.  Consider panelized construction.  Buying a packaged (panelized home) is similar to buying something with “Assembly required” stamped on the box.

I’m sure you’ve all purchased that barbecue or bookshelf where there was assembly required.  Did you assemble it yourself, or did you pay someone to do it for you. Buying a packaged home is similar.  Although the labor involved in doing so far surpasses the assembly of your backyard barbecue.

Do I have to assemble a package home myself?  Typically the answer is no depending on the distributor.  Although typically one of the benefits of purchasing a package home is your ability to do as much or as little as your ability allows.  Some distributors promote your involvement in the building process while others would prefer to handle all aspects themselves.  When looking to purchase a packaged home this is something you should consider.

So exactly, what is a packaged home?  A packaged home is a “Real home”, unlike mobile or manufactured homes that are wheeled in and set in place.  Package homes come to your building site “Some assembly required”.   Very much like a kit home.  They come in different forms of construction from standard stick built to insulated foam panels to log cabins and more. You decide what is best for you. In most cases these packages are constructed using superior quality lumber and more stringent quality control procedures creating a superior structure as an end result.  Also, packaged homes are typically easier to obtain financing and tend to build equity better than some of the other forms of construction.  This makes them more desirable in today’s market.

So what’s included in a home package?  As with any purchase, materials included in home packages vary significantly.  Some may come as a complete turn key package, were the distributor supplies the contractor and all materials to make your home livable.  This makes the process easier for those with little construction experience, though it eliminates your ability to save as much money by doing some of the work yourself.  On the other end of the spectrum, some packages may include just bare walls, meaning that they will still require all assembly except the rough framing.  Some other differences are the inclusion of interior walls, trusses, siding, doors, or windows.  Make sure you ask exactly what is included when comparing different home packages.

Value!  Do your homework.  Home Packages can make the construction process much easier, saving you time and money.  Be sure to research your package purchase, and find a dealer who will spend time to work with you and your needs.  After all, a home is typically a long term purchase; make sure your comfortable with it.