Expert: Stephen Major (Owner--Major Design Group) - 4/17/2007

Question
My husband and I are looking at purchasing a modular home to put on property.  The cost of the home does not include foundation and then "hooking everything up".  Can you give any average or idea on what a poured slab would cost vs. a full basement foundation for a 1500sf modular home?  We also need to have stuff(plumbing, heating/cooling) "hooked up".  Any ideas on cost involved with this?  We would also need to purchase and install the heating/cooling system  How much would this run?
Thanks,
Karen  

Answer
Karen,

A good modular home dealer should do two things for you: provide you with locally-accurate cost estimates of these items, and/or coordinate the contracting of these items for you.

If that's not the case, you are best served by calling local contractors for up-to-date pricing on these items.  

It's difficult for me to give you cost estimates without knowing your geographic location.  But here in the Northeast,  a smaller basement foundation plus excavation and backfill will run about $ 15,000 to $25,000.  A heating/cooling system, hooked up, will run $8000 to $12,000.  If you also need a well and septic, they may run over $15,000, depending on local soil/bedrock conditions.  Plus a driveway, etc.

If you're at all serious, call around to get local pricing.

Good luck!

Steve Major