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Many people think that modular homes are little more than cookie-cutter manufactured mobile homes. But this assumption, according to Grant Smereczynsky, CEO of Building Systems Network, could not be further from the truth. As Smereczynsky explains, modular homes are very poorly understood by the general public.

Industrialized, or systems-built, homes are constructed under high quality building conditions within a controlled environment and at fractions of the time and cost required to construct traditional site-built homes.

Custom built modular homes speak legions for the systems built modular home industry, because they demonstrate how architects and builders are thinking outside the box to meet the public need for quality built, affordable homes.

Highly skilled laborers construct sections of the homes, which are transported to the site where they are put together to build a home. The number one benefit of modular homes is the speed of construction. It takes eight days for custom home to go from start at the factory to delivery at the site. This method makes it possible for popular shows such as Extreme Home Makeover to construct brand new homes in under a week.

Even though these homes save on time and labor costs, they use ten to fifteen percent more construction materials because the walls, joints, framework and all other components of the house are strengthened beyond the levels of a traditional site home. This provides the biggest benefit to modular homebuyers – cost savings.

Since modular home builders provide 80 to 85 percent of the home, the buyer avoids the risk of giving money to a builder and not having the home built to their specifications, or of having their price inflated by numerous change orders. By cutting out most of the middlemen, modular homebuilders can provide quality, luxury, custom products at a fraction of the cost available through traditional builders.

“Don’t let these innovative designs and new home building technologies pass you by,” Smereczynsky says. “Take advantage of benefits and opportunities available to home buyers of affordable luxury and custom dream homes that modular homes and modular home builders provide.”

If you own an older motor home you may have problems finding parts because those models are no longer need built or the manufacturer has gone out of business. Even if you own a new recreational vehicle you may want to find stronger and sturdier parts that are no longer offered on the newer motor homes, but they used to be used on other older motor home series. This is when a good motor home junkyard comes in handy.

Believe it or not there are a lot of motor home junkyards in the United States and they make great places to get parts. Some recreational vehicle junkyards have motor homes that are over 30 years old and that means you can find nearly any part you need. The junkyards are well known to those RV repair shops, which will use them to get parts when they cannot find a part in the catalog they need to repair someone’s motor home or recreational vehicle.

There are very large recreational vehicle and motor home junkyards in 13 states and many junkyards do have motor homes in them although they are not specializing in only recreational vehicles. If you need an obscure part for your motor home it makes sense to cruise the junkyards.

I have only been to two RV junkyards. But in each case I had found things that were very valuable and cost very little. Parts, which were stronger than anything you see in the market today. Things I could not get anywhere else and they were not listed in any catalog. Perhaps you might consider this in 2006 and help the world recycle all those old RVs.

1. “Necessary Repairs” Increase Home Value– Generally you can expect to see a rise in the value of your home when you do things like replace the air conditioning unit, furnace, or roof. You will get a higher offer on your house with these things than without. So while the idea of buying a home with an old hot water heater that you’ll need to replace seems like a buzz kill, you’ll pay less than if they had upgraded it for you (always use this as negotiating power! either request they do it, or factor it in to what the house is worth). This combined can be a great way to buy a nice house for a great deal.

2. “No Regret” Design Changes- That parquet floor has been there long enough to push aside any regret for ripping it out and replacing it. Those 80’s tile, feel free to rip them out. Trends expire and it’s better to rip out tile that’s past it’s prime than brand new tile that’s hardly seen use. And you’re free to replace it with whatever you want, whereas builders normally have a selection you have to choose from.

3. “Old House” Charm- It’s more expensive to buy “charming” details new. Much like the old tile and parquet flooring, the crown molding and carved wood details you’ll oftentimes find in older homes has “paid it’s dues” and is cheaper to buy in that older home. You’ll find decorating with these details to be a treat as they’re visually interesting and beautiful.

4. Cheaper To Buy Upfront- Older homes can be cheaper to buy up front for the same square footage in the same area. This has a lot to do with the labor costs that go into a new construction. You’re paying people’s wages when you buy those homes whereas you’re just buying the value of the property from a seller of an older home.

5. Established Neighbourhoods- Older homes are in older neighbourhoods and this can mean beautiful shade providing mature trees, grass covered yards, parks and more. Drive through an older neighbourhood and you’ll see the benefits with mature landscaping and variety of people living there.

6. Remodelling Potential- Because the homes are often cheaper, the lots normally bigger, and the homes not as close together, there’s normally a lot of room to remodel an older home. Go ahead and pair that with #2 and you’re in it to win it, right?

7. Energy Efficiency- Yes! Shockingly, I’m going to tell you that buying an older home can benefit your bank account. Smaller homes are less expensive to heat and cool. As long as you have or upgrade existing insulating features, the smaller rooms and lower ceilings are going to be noticeably cheaper to keep comfortable. And on the other end of things, older homes were not equipped with modern cooling and heating so they were built with features that kept it cooler (without electricity, yay lower electricity bills!)

8. Problems already Discovered & Addressed- Provided previous owners weren’t total D-bags, any problems that have risen from the homes construction will have already been addressed. Things like settling have likely already occurred (true story- my parent’s bought new construction and they have huge patches around the doorways of one side of their house from where they had cracks fixed from the new house settling).

9. Variety in Choices/Styles/Designs/Layouts- When you buy from a builder, you get options. These options are uniform in choice with all the other homes the builder is selling. When you buy in an older neighbourhood, you get variety in styles, choices, and finishes to choose from.

10. Location- Older homes are normally located closer to desirable parts of the city. My older home is located near the beach, other older homes in our city are located in beautiful neighbourhoods right next to downtown. The newer construction homes are normally built on old acreage full of trees and are pretty out of the way (and if you want to be out of the way, charming old farmhouses are normally out there!)

11. Quicker Move In- It makes sense that a house already built would be quicker to move into than one that doesn’t exist yet, right?

For More Information – Mantri Developers

Do you know that Funeral Homes have a 1000% markup on their products and services that they offer you? Well it’s true!

Here is an example. They buy their urns that they sell to consumers from Turkey or India for approximately $30, they then sell them to consumers at prices of $200 to $1200 +.

The average crematory charges $250 per cremation. Do you know what the funeral home is charging you for that cremation? Yes, take a guess!

It is a real shame that they are charging 1000% markups on their products and services. In my opinion they are taking advantage of people when they are in a desperate time of need. Besides the fact, the people are grieving over just losing a family member. The people are sometimes not thinking straight.

The problem with this is that people do not have much choice. The only person legally authorized to transport the deceased from the place of death to a crematory or funeral home is a Licensed Funeral Director.

BUT hold on…. this is slowly changing! Some cities and towns now have licensed funeral directors opening their own business outside of a funeral home and offering low cost services such as direct cremations. They will transport the deceased straight to the crematory for you, and the cremation will be processed and the ashes (remains) will be returned to you. You may then hold your own private memorial service in your home if you prefer. You may scatter the ashes or keep them stored in an urn. The choice is yours. This method will save you a lot of money!

Whether you are pre-planning your own arrangements, or you just lost a loved one. Do some research! If you are looking to save some money, or you cannot afford the 1000% markup of costs… look around, do some research, you do have other choices. You can choose a direct cremation service not associated with the 1000% markup of a funeral home. Or if you or your family member do not want to be cremated you can go through a funeral home, BUT that does not mean you have to pay for one of their urns or caskets, you can opt to buy your own from a discount casket outlet, or online. AND you do not have to opt for a memorial service to be held at the funeral home, you may decide to have it at your church or in your home.

It is not a law that you HAVE to buy the products and services offered by funeral homes. You may buy a cremation urn or casket from anywhere you choose. AND it is not a law that you must have a memorial service at a funeral home. You may choose not to have one at all if you prefer not too.

Cremation urns can be purchased online for $100 to $250 rather than $200 to $1200 at a funeral home.

Caskets can be purchased for a $1,000 to $2,000 savings from a discount outlet and they will even have the casket shipped to wherever you need it to go.

By not having a memorial service at a funeral home will save you another $1,000 – $5,000.

It’s your choice… pay 1000% markup or do it your way and SAVE BIG!

Personal care homes provide individualized medical services, shelter, assistance, and supervision to their residents. Several governmental and non-governmental organizations ensure that these facilities adhere to the set rules and regulations so that the elderly get nothing but the best services.

When looking for these kinds of institutions, it is imperative to understand the different types in order to make an informed decision. Here is a breakdown of the various types of senior homes.

Assisted Living Facilities

Assisted living facilities, also referred to as congregate housing, are an ideal choice for people who need little to no help. Each resident lives in his or her own fully furnished apartment. However, the rooms are fitted with modern emergency signaling devices that one can use to request emergency medical attention at any hour. The residents also share some spaces, such as the laundry, fitness, dining, and living rooms. Other privileges offered include security, housekeeping, and transportation. It is important to note that the set of services may vary from one facility to another.

Residential Facilities

Residential facilities, also commonly referred to as domiciliary facilities, offer assistance to elderly people who need specialized medical attention. Most of them operate around the clock and are managed by professionals. These personal care homes require their residents to be mentally fit and capable of doing simple tasks such as feeding and dressing themselves without assistance. The best facilities allocate each resident a one-bedroom apartment with a private bathroom and storage units. Extra services may include housekeeping, social activities, meals, and laundry.

Nursing Facilities

Nursing facilities are an ideal choice for elderly people who have a serious health condition and need to be monitored 24/7. They offer professional nursing, emergency medical services, rehabilitation programs, and social activities. The level of attention provided can be skilled, intermediate, or custodial. Intermediate means that one is assisted with activities necessary for daily living, such as the provision of nursing attention. Skilled assistance means one is given 24-hour medical supervision, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing services. Custodial means that the resident needs daily-living assistance but does not necessarily require the expertise of a skilled nurse.

These are the most common types of personal care homes. During the decision-making process, it is important to read policy documents to know a facility’s services and regulations. For example, some do not admit people who have health conditions like cancer or who use wheelchairs. Having all of this information at hand will help you choose the best facility for your loved one.