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Whether it’s more affordable to gut a house than build a new one depends on the markets where you'd be buying and selling. However, it’s usually less expensive to renovate a home than to build new construction. 

Most homeowners pay between $100,000 and $200,000 for demolition and remodeling costs, whereas the average cost to build a new home is between $139,000 and $531,300.

Modular homes can go up or down in value depending on a few factors. In areas where real estate is appreciating, the value of modular homes is likely to increase, and vice versa. Additionally, the value of modular homes depends partially on the area. In cities where every other home is stick-built, modular homes might be considered a functional obsolescence, in which case they could be less desirable and go down in value. In either case, though, modular homes can still be a good investment, especially since they provide housing at a lower upfront cost.

Craftsman-style homes are predominantly found in the Western United States, specifically in Southern California, where the style originated. Since the climate was mild and there was access to plenty of natural resources, Southern California became a hub for this style at its inception. That being said, if you consult with an architect near you, you can have a Craftsman-style home anywhere.

An A-frame home can be cheaper to build than a traditional house, but that is not always a given. Prices can be fairly similar in some cases, depending on the location, design, and necessary site preparation. Costs for an A-frame typically run between $100 to $200 per square foot, which is comparable to the cost of a traditional home. The cost of an A-frame can come in under those numbers if you opt for a prefabricated kit.