Mistakes to Avoid When Looking for a Tiny Modular Home
Perhaps you’ve already decided to buy a tiny modular home in California. We bet you won’t regret your decision. After all, you’re saving a lot of your time and money. Plus, if you’re getting it from us, you can be sure the design and construction is top notch.
But, many first time buyers of tiny modular homes in the SF Bay Area make some common mistakes. We don’t want it to happen with you. We’re here to discuss mistakes to avoid when looking for a tiny modular home.
Not Buying from a Reliable Manufacturer/Seller
When it comes to modular homes, the manufacturer makes all the difference. Many first-time buyers get tempted by unrealistically low prices, only to face quality issues later. A reliable manufacturer ensures your home is built to code, uses quality materials, and stands behind their work.
Look for companies with solid reviews, proper certifications, and a portfolio of completed projects. Ask about their warranty policy and after-sales service. Remember, a tiny home is still a significant investment – cutting corners on who builds it can lead to major headaches down the road.
Not Going Through the Floor Plan
It’s surprising how many buyers commit to a tiny modular home in California without properly studying the floor plan. In a compact space, every square foot matters! What looks spacious in photos might feel cramped when you actually move in.
Take time to visualize your daily activities in the space. Will you have enough room for cooking? Where will you store your belongings? Is there enough clearance around furniture? Remember that tiny living requires thoughtful planning – scrutinize those floor plans before signing anything.
Not Visiting a Model Home
Pictures and floor plans can only tell you so much. There’s no substitute for experiencing a tiny modular home in person. Walking through a similar model gives you a real sense of the space, finish quality, and overall feel.
Can’t visit in person? The good news is that modern builders now offer virtual tours for the best experience possible from anywhere. These immersive 3D tours let you explore every corner of potential models, helping you make an informed decision without leaving your current home.
Not Understanding the Costs
The sticker price of a tiny modular home is just the beginning. Many buyers get surprised by additional costs they hadn’t budgeted for.
A comprehensive pricing package typically includes construction plans, submittal, the model itself, transport, crane-in or roll-in services, utilities trench/connect, set-in-place, assembly, and California sales tax. However, it usually doesn’t cover permit fees, other jurisdiction fees, third-party reports, or site engineering. These extras can add significant costs to your project.
Always ask for an itemized quote that breaks down exactly what’s included and what’s not.
Not Checking if the Property is Eligible for ADU
Even if local regulations permit ADUs in your area, your specific property might not qualify. Factors like lot size, setback requirements, utility access, and existing structures can all affect eligibility.
Before getting your heart set on a tiny modular home, have a professional assess your property for ADU suitability. Some municipalities offer pre-screening services to determine if your lot meets the basic requirements.
Planning to add a tiny modular home to your California property soon? Explore the options we offer and avoid these common mistakes. Get your free ADU analysis from us today to ensure your tiny home journey starts on the right foot.
We hope this information makes your first purchase seamless. And we also expect you to get a tiny modular home in California that matches your budget, preferences, and lifestyle. At Epic Modulars, we offer California’s most affordable ADUs. Explore the right options today or connect with us for any queries: (408) 963-5140.
