I was wondering if anyone had experience with something I’m considering.
I have a modular home, fairly recent – 1400 sf in a rectangle shape on a lot in a neighborhood that’s hard to keep it rented (low income). It was built in the last 5 years. It is on a block foundation. The area has trouble because there is a major redevelopment effort just south of it that has pushed vacant lots from $200 to $60,000 in about 6-7 years, and homes from $20,000 to $250,000 (renovated) in the same period. There are a lot of vacant homes around the modular because of expectation that this redevelopment will push north into this area.
Also, the modular doesn’t fit into the character of the neighborhood at all. Which is to say, it’s not a broke-down 2 story queens-style bungalow that someone’s holding hoping for appreciation. What I’m mulling is pulling the home to a part of town with more similar housing in the hopes of a better rental market / selling it. It seems like breaking it in two would be fairly easy, although I don’t understand exactly how the two halfs are joined for the typical modular. The seam is covered with wood trim through the axis of the hosue, then the roof peak shingling and removing the gable-end siding to expose what I assume would be a ply connecting panel for the two sections. The plumbing (PVC) and electrical (joined at the split in a junction box in the crawl) would be fairly easy to separate, as well as the HVAC. If the lot ever appreciated it would be a good bet at that time to rebuild an in-character house on the block foundation.
So is this a possibility? a few things I wonder: distance would likely be 5-10 miles. How do permits for a modular run, since it’s just the connection of the two halfs? I have a mortgage on it, I chuckled at the thought of my mortgage guy (close friend) inspecting, but it’s something I would have to look at. The contract doesn’t seem to say I can’t move the house. What kind of cost is involved (obviously variable for parts of the country, I’m Indianapolis and just curious a ballpark to keep looking or throw the idea out)? What prep do you have to do to move a modular – secure the furnace, etc., board the sides exposed? or visqueen? Any other thoughts?
thanks in advance,
remodeler
Replies
If this is on a permanate foundation and you have a MORTGAGe then the mortgage encumbers the land and all improvments.
Also I am sure that the load document requires that you maintain the improvements and don't do any thing to reduce it's value.
This would definitely require some working with the bank.
I know I can work out the bank side as I do a lot of business with them and moving into more of a commercial loan arrangement rather than individual property mortgages. It gave me chuckle though to think about.
remodeler
I know ya gotta tape all the glass, anchor any pendants, secure all doors in one position (closed generally, cabs too)..strip lath ove leading edge of shingles for hiway wind uplift, not absolute but visqueen is a good Idea for the open sides..tyvek is better..more tear resistant. A hiway move permit, probly. Which means lead and chase escort..plan on fixin drywall cracks.
Seen it done in both Pa, and NC. Mostly due to sell the Double wide and new folks want a stickframe, so they sell the just bought DW for the new house const. $$.
Anything can be done..it's just do ya wanna? I would given the outline you have.
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Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.
I don't know how yours is put together. I haven't seen one here with trim covering the joints in the 'marry wall' for a long time. Lags up both gable ends and bolts in the beam under the marry wall. peak of roof usually nailed together.Greg
Werner Building & Remodeling
Huntingdon PA
My first thought is to call a rep from the factory ...
second thought ...if that don't work ... I can put you in touch with a guy that sets new modulars in Pgh.
Jeff
Buck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry