Non-Traditional Homes in New York: Modular Homes and Log Homes

In New York, non-traditional homes become more common and more plausible the farther you move away from the city. The economics and logistics of home building trend toward housing developments, where the cost of conventional home building can be controlled by mass production. Indeed, the density of New York, its five boroughs, and even much of the greater New York area lends itself to this construction paradigm. As you begin to move away from the city, however, the benefits of single dwelling construction projects and non-traditional homes become more and more apparent. Whether you're ready to move out of the city or want a weekend, vacation, or retirement home in one of New York's amazingly beautiful and secluded areas, at least consider the different options you have for your new home.

New York Log Homes and Modular Homes
The two most common types of non-traditional homes in New York are log homes and modular homes. Understanding what these types of home building methods have to offer your new home can help you make the best decision before you prematurely select a traditional New York home builder. Although log homes are geared more toward custom luxury and modular homes more toward economical construction, you'll find that the choices you make along the way can determine both the cost and the quality of your new home. To help you decide whether these alternatives are worth pursuing, here are some of the basic characteristics and advantages of each home building method.

New York Modular Home Builders
Misunderstood by more than a few people, the first thing you need to understand about modular homes is that they are NOT mobile homes. Yes, they are built in a factory and transported along the highway to the building site, but they are designed as permanent home structures. When done right, modular homes should outlast and outperform conventional construction methods and do it to the tune of 25 to 35 percent less the cost.

How is this possible? First, building materials aren't exposed to the weather during construction. Next, the home is designed to withstand the stress of a riding on a bumpy highway, a design which similarly protects it from severe winds, rain, and other common dangers. Modular homes are also subject to the same mandatory construction inspectors and building codes as conventional homes. Finally, between avoiding weather delays, reducing waste, streamlining labor, the cost and timeline of modular homes in New York consistently outdoes on-site construction methods.

Why doesn't everyone choose a New York modular home builder, especially if you're looking to build in more remote locations? The simple answer is more people probably should. The principle drawback, however, is that New York modular home builders may be somewhat limited in the design features and floor plans possible for your new home. While these builders seemingly offer greater flexibility each year, the more complicated the plan, the less cost and time savings you're likely to see in the long run.

New York Log Home Builders
New York log home builders present an entirely different option that attracts people who like the nostalgic, rustic feel of a log home. Custom, handcrafted log homes are absolutely stunning in design and effect. Anything you can dream for your home can be built without sacrificing a single modern amenity. People will ooh and aah from the roadside, in the driveway, and inside your home. Plus, handcrafted log homes will outlast you, your children, and your grandchildren, and they will do it with less maintenance and repair work. Of course, the price can be daunting and even forbidding for some homeowners. Milled log home construction uses manufactured logs to reduce the cost of your new home, although design features will be limited. If you're trying to build a new home on a strict budget, milled logs can allow for DIY log home building kits.

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