Help with small home on property

[Sigarms]

Right now, multiple issues with my father and in laws.

Currently my dad (90) living in basment in our home for the last 2-3 years, which is why we bought the house 15 years ago to begin with (furnished basement) LOL.

Wife's parents are in their 70's, long story short, my FIL is not well and we'd like both of them closer, more along the lines of on our property so we can help when need be and we don't need to worry about them.

We could always put a mobile home on our property, however between my wife and I, honestly, a rectangular mobile home is neither of us care for (we've been blessed enough that we could make something more pleasing to the eye for lack of better words).

We could place the mobile home on our property, and work with some contractors who have done work for me on a front deck I guess.

That said, I know after having some recent work done, building materials are stupidly high and my guys are telling me to wait at least to next year for any lumber work.

Any ideas for land in NC to put a small home on (easily sub 750 sq ft structure) and where to look to?

I called Clayton homes (guess nationall builder of mobile homes) locally, and honestly, they didn't impress me with what they had to offer (pretty much mobile home and after that, I spend to custom any decks or porches with the guys I use).

Down the road, worst case, if our parents aren't around when we retire, we could sell the structure on the property as a "guest suite" if something else is built.

There is a sub 600 ft mobile home that is done very nice with a porch along with a sheet metal roof down the road from us into town. I actually talked to the owners some time ago when driving buy (I knew this day would be coming sooner or later) and they told me everything with the sheet metal roof ran about 60k. Thing is, I can't seem to find "custom mobile home builders" in NC as I can't even find the place where they told me to look in Burlington NC to begin with,

I'm not bad with math or gauges, but if you put a hammer or saw in my hand, the reality is I will have no clue how it will look until after I decide it looks like crap and I'd tear it down. Point being, building it on my own is out.

Bottom line, looking for something nicer than a plane jane rectangular mobile home, but don't want to spend a penny more than 6 digits (at that point, we're at a "tiny" home IMO). Heck, even a "small custom home" would work like you see on TV as long as it's one floor and there are no stairs to climb.

Heck, this morning when my wife thought out loud of a decent sized camper, I knew I had to ask.

Open to any and all suggestions.

 

[kf4uda]

Look into a "modular home" instead of a "mobile home". Also, you might want to take a look at a "barndominium". We are looking at building a small house for just the Wife and I on our farm and have been looking at options.

 

[EddieWalker]

Problem with a mobile or modular home is going to be ADA issues. Since you are dealing with elderly people that have, or will have, mobility issues, ADA is where you need to be focused on.

In my opinion, it will be faster, cheaper and function better if you build it yourself. There isn't a more cost effective way to build a home then stick framing on a concrete slab. Keep it simple just like a mobile home and you will save a ton of money. One level home without any steps or stairs. Simple exterior siding like Hardie. Pre made cabinets. Put the money into the bathroom with lots of space, grab bars, zero lip entry with a seat and you will make their life a lot easier, and safer.

 

[Chewwy]

Problem with a mobile or modular home is going to be ADA issues. Since you are dealing with elderly people that have, or will have, mobility issues, ADA is where you need to be focused on.

In my opinion, it will be faster, cheaper and function better if you build it yourself. There isn't a more cost effective way to build a home then stick framing on a concrete slab. Keep it simple just like a mobile home and you will save a ton of money. One level home without any steps or stairs. Simple exterior siding like Hardie. Pre made cabinets. Put the money into the bathroom with lots of space, grab bars, zero lip entry with a seat and you will make their life a lot easier, and safer.

IANAL, but the ADS is not applicable to this situation.

The ADA covers employers with 15 or more employees, including state and local governments. It also applies to employment agencies and to labor organizations. The ADA's nondiscrimination standards also apply to federal sector employees under section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended.

You other recommendations are spot on, although the OP admits that “build it yourself,” is not being in the realm of possibility.

 

[2LaneCruzer]

You might consider an insulated metal building; you could always convert it to a shop or apartment later.

 

[JPRambo]

What about something like: amish made cabins out of shepardsville, ky. They deliver 200 miles free and $3.5 a mile after that. You need a pad and to hook up water, sewer and electric.

 

[Steppenwolfe]

Right now, multiple issues with my father and in laws.

Currently my dad (90) living in basment in our home for the last 2-3 years, which is why we bought the house 15 years ago to begin with (furnished basement) LOL.

Wife's parents are in their 70's, long story short, my FIL is not well and we'd like both of them closer, more along the lines of on our property so we can help when need be and we don't need to worry about them.

We could always put a mobile home on our property, however between my wife and I, honestly, a rectangular mobile home is neither of us care for (we've been blessed enough that we could make something more pleasing to the eye for lack of better words).

We could place the mobile home on our property, and work with some contractors who have done work for me on a front deck I guess.

That said, I know after having some recent work done, building materials are stupidly high and my guys are telling me to wait at least to next year for any lumber work.

Any ideas for land in NC to put a small home on (easily sub 750 sq ft structure) and where to look to?

I called Clayton homes (guess nationall builder of mobile homes) locally, and honestly, they didn't impress me with what they had to offer (pretty much mobile home and after that, I spend to custom any decks or porches with the guys I use).

Down the road, worst case, if our parents aren't around when we retire, we could sell the structure on the property as a "guest suite" if something else is built.

There is a sub 600 ft mobile home that is done very nice with a porch along with a sheet metal roof down the road from us into town. I actually talked to the owners some time ago when driving buy (I knew this day would be coming sooner or later) and they told me everything with the sheet metal roof ran about 60k. Thing is, I can't seem to find "custom mobile home builders" in NC as I can't even find the place where they told me to look in Burlington NC to begin with,

I'm not bad with math or gauges, but if you put a hammer or saw in my hand, the reality is I will have no clue how it will look until after I decide it looks like crap and I'd tear it down. Point being, building it on my own is out.

Bottom line, looking for something nicer than a plane jane rectangular mobile home, but don't want to spend a penny more than 6 digits (at that point, we're at a "tiny" home IMO). Heck, even a "small custom home" would work like you see on TV as long as it's one floor and there are no stairs to climb.

Heck, this morning when my wife thought out loud of a decent sized camper, I knew I had to ask.

Open to any and all suggestions.

Small log cabin kit? Let me know if you need some advice, I'd be more than happy to help you out. BTW, have you checked with zoning? Make sure you can do what you want... Above posts are some good advice.

 

[MossRoad]

I think why Eddie referred to ADA for elderly people is wider doorways, showers, entrances, grab bars, etc... for ease of mobility and stability.

I have a friend who's mother was elderly and in poor health. It sounds morbid, but they wanted something temporary that could be removed once she passed away. How long that would be? 1-15 years.

They got a permit to place a mobil home behind their house and tie it into their electrical and plumbing, with the stipulation that within a year of the mother's passing, it would be removed.

They found a very nice mobile home and went that route. She passed after about 7-8 years, and they sold the mobile home and capped off the utilities.

They lost money, but nothing compared to if she'd have had to gone to assisted living. She was 20' from their door if needed. They were very satisfied with the way things went.

Good luck with your decisions. You appear to be a good son and son-in-law. I've been told you get points at the end of the game for that kind of stuff.

 

[buck12]

I am almost finished with a cabin on our rural property. This is not a structure when will ever live in permanently. I looked at mobile homes but I found I could build a real house for about the same money and have what we wanted. I am a little over a year in and it is complete other than the loft. I have done a lot myself and paid for other work. I will be in it for a little under $80,000. It is 720 sq ft with a 600 sq ft loft, a single car garage, and a 8 ft porch across the front. This includes well, septic, and getting electricity to the structure.

 

[MossRoad]

Look into a "modular home" instead of a "mobile home". Also, you might want to take a look at a "barndominium". We are looking at building a small house for just the Wife and I on our farm and have been looking at options.

We've seen quite a few barndominiums going up around here. In fact, last year, a man's brakes failed and he hit my mother-in-law's van with his truck in a parking lot. Mom called us. We went there, got to talking to the guy, and gave him a ride home since his brakes were out. He had a very nice house out in the flats. About 40 acres. Pole barns. Long paved driveway that doubles as a landing strip for his ultra-light. I mentioned the barndominium across the road from him, and he mentioned that he was going to be doing the same thing on his place in the spring, and probably sell the house to their kid.

Very popular choice these days.