Kit homes, also known as prefabricated or mail-order homes, offer an alternative to traditional house hunting by providing DIY home-building experiences. While they promise affordability and quicker construction, the process and associated costs vary significantly. 

From pricing considerations to pros, cons, and financing, here's an exploration of kit homes, shedding light on what to expect and crucial factors to consider before starting this home-buying venture. Discovering the intricacies of these homes can equip you with the necessary knowledge to decide if a kit home aligns with your lifestyle, financial capabilities, and housing preferences.

 

What Is a Kit Home?

A kit home is a prefabricated house that comes in a package. It includes all the parts needed for building the home, such as pre-cut materials, fixtures, and fittings. Sometimes known as mail-order or catalog homes, these DIY (do-it-yourself) houses are unlike traditional home-buying experiences.

Unlike visiting homes or taking tours, choosing a kit home involves browsing available options, picking one you prefer, purchasing it, and then assembling it yourself, possibly with the assistance of friends or family. It's a different way to acquire a home with a hands-on approach to creating your living space.

 

How Much Does a House Kit Cost?

Kit homes come in various price ranges, influenced by size, design, and location. They often turn out to be more cost-effective than traditional houses. Kit home manufacturers typically follow business models akin to modular and manufactured homes. Some suppliers offer both kit and modular options.

Constructing or assembling kits in controlled environments reduces build time and labor costs. Bulk purchasing of construction materials, delivered to a factory, often means lower material expenses than sourcing materials for a stick-built home.

The simplest house kits cost $30 per square foot and lack drywall or interior elements. Meanwhile, an average panelized home kit, including wall panels and a roof, might range from $40 to $80 per square foot. Consulting a general contractor before selecting a house kit is advisable to gauge costs accurately and compare kit inclusions.

 

How Much Does It Cost To Build A Kit Home?

Usually, building a home involves more than the excitement of online kit purchases boasting lower price tags. While kit homes might seem cheaper upfront, diving into their costs reveals hidden expenses.

For instance, a home kit might comprise just a quarter of the total expense once labor costs ($130 per square foot) are factored in. Imagine a $15,000 kit, yet to furnish it with appliances, drywall, and flooring could easily double the material cost.

Additionally, consider the expense of land purchase and any necessary site preparation. Ensuring utilities like running water and electricity may require hiring professionals for gas lines, sewer mains, and utility services.

Before committing to a kit home, consulting a general contractor is vital. Their expertise can validate whether this option aligns with your needs, ensuring you make an informed decision before investing in the structure pieces of a house.

 

Pros and Cons of Kit Home Builds

Kit homes offer an appealing path to realizing your dream home, yet it's crucial to consider their pros and cons before diving in.

 

Pros

• Cost Savings: Prefabricated homes are often more affordable compared to traditional homes. Constructing a home yourself or opting for kit homes generally incur lower expenses than buying an already built or newly constructed home.

 

• Fresh Home Feel: These homes offer a new home experience despite being prefabricated. You can enjoy the benefits of modern construction without concerns about outdated infrastructure like electrical wiring or roofing, as everything is new and meets current building codes.

 

• Customization Options: While some prefabricated homes have pre-designed layouts, many offer customization opportunities. It allows you to tailor the home to your preferences and needs, making it an excellent way to achieve your dream home.

 

• Speedy Delivery and Assembly: Prefabricated homes have quicker turnaround times. From delivery to assembly, these homes can be ready in weeks, significantly faster than the traditional construction timeline, which typically takes at least seven months and sometimes even longer.

 

Cons

• Location Limitations: Some kit home manufacturers might have delivery restrictions, limiting their reach to certain areas. If your preferred manufacturer doesn't operate near your location, you might not have the option to build with them. Even if they deliver to your area, extra travel charges could apply for longer distances.

 

• Varied Cost: While kit homes may be more affordable in urban settings, their costs might be similar to traditionally built homes or other prefabricated alternatives in rural areas. Location is pivotal in determining the overall price, potentially eliminating the cost advantage.

 

• Time and Effort: Constructing kit homes requires either self-assembly or hiring a team for assembly. Ensure you've thoroughly assessed the pricing of kit homes for your desired location and have a reliable team in place for construction. Buyers should be prepared for substantial involvement compared to purchasing an already-built home.

 

• Lower Standards: As kit homes are relatively new, federal regulations for these structures are limited. Unlike traditional homes, all kit homes have no standardized minimum requirements. This absence of uniform standards could result in substantial differences in quality and performance among various kit manufacturers. Buyers should anticipate varied outcomes when considering different kit options.

 

How To Finance A Kit Home

Financing a kit home is similar to financing any other house. Most kit home manufacturers don't provide financing options. If you can't pay in cash, your option is usually a short-term home construction loan. After building your home, you can apply for a standard mortgage.

 

The Bottom Line

While a kit home is viable for achieving your dream home, other choices exist. Before committing to a kit home, thoroughly research by checking reviews and ratings and carefully reading product descriptions. Otherwise, you may encounter challenges if a significant return is necessary.

Additionally, it's wise to assess the overall costs of a kit home against other prefabricated or modular home options and traditional homes already on the market. Evaluating these alternatives, considering your preferences, needs, budget, and the effort required, can reveal whether a kit home aligns with your goals. By comparing and contrasting these choices, you can determine the most suitable path forward for your housing needs.