OUR TOWN ARTICLE February 14, 2007


Modular homes on many newlyweds' radar

By: Chad Mearns


So you've booked the chapel, contracted the caterer and even sent out all the wedding invitations. The wedding dress has been bought, the honeymoon is in place for everything to be absolutely perfect on your wedding day.


But what about after your wedding?


Too often, couples have trouble properly planning little details such as where to live, and home sweet home becomes a second-rate apartment or worse yet, a finished basement at Mom and Dad's house.


According to Dick Burke, owner of DB Homes, better options are available for couples--even those without capital to jump into their dream home immediately after their wedding.


"We seem to do a lot with newlyweds and younger couples looking to avoid paying rent by moving into a new home," Burke said.


According to Burke, DB Homes, a custom modular home builder based in Richland Township since 2000, can often help them do just that.


Contrary to public perception, there is a stark contrast between modular homes and mobile homes, Burke said. Modular homes are all-wood structures assembled in sections off-site and can vary from 1,000 square feet range to a veritable mansion.


While the cost can vary, the savings in materials and labor costs are substantially lower than those of traditional "stick built" homes, making modular homes an attractive option for couples hoping to start out with a home of their own.


Owner-builder programs offered by DB Homes allows the buyers to provide some of the labor themselves, thus cutting costs even further. Burke said buyers can find new homes as prices as low as $55,000.


And with stricter quality control requirements for modular homes, Burke said quality is not an issue--another reason young buyers often opt for modular homes.


"We offer a lot of affordable, efficient homes that fit well with younger couples," Burke said.


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