Menards House Kits Reviews: The Unspoken Truth Before You Buy
The dream of building a new home often collides with the harsh reality of its cost. Menards house kits present a tantalizingly affordable entry point, but many prospective buyers are left wondering if it’s a sound investment or a financial trap. The core problem lies in understanding what you are actually buying and the vast difference between the kit’s price and the final cost to build.
This review dissects the entire process, uncovering the hidden costs and logistical hurdles that are rarely discussed. We will provide a clear, honest look at the pros and cons to help you make a truly informed decision.
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What’s Really Inside a Menards House “Kit”?
The first and most critical point to understand is that Menards does not sell a “kit” in the way most people imagine. They sell comprehensive home materials packages. This is not a prefabricated or modular home that arrives in large sections; it’s a meticulously organized list of materials required to frame and shell a house according to a specific blueprint.
Typically, this package includes the essential structural components needed to get your home weather-tight. Think of it as the skeleton and skin of the house, but nothing more.
Commonly Included Materials:
The materials package from Menards is designed to provide the core structure of the house. You can generally expect to receive lumber for framing, sheathing for the walls and roof, shingles, siding, and basic windows and exterior doors. This collection gets you a structure that is protected from the elements, which is a significant first step in the building process.
However, the exact contents can vary based on the specific home plan you choose. Always get a detailed, itemized list of materials before you commit to a purchase.
What Is Almost Never Included:
The list of what’s missing is far longer and more expensive than the list of what’s included. This is where the budget can quickly spiral out of control if you are not prepared. The Menards package is only the beginning of your expenses.
Crucial elements like the foundation, plumbing systems, electrical wiring, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) are entirely separate costs. Furthermore, all interior finishing materials—from drywall and insulation to flooring, cabinets, and paint—must be sourced and paid for separately.
The Real Cost: Exposing the Hidden Expenses
The advertised price of a Menards home package is merely a down payment on the total cost of your new home. A common mistake is to underestimate the finishing costs, which can easily be two to three times the price of the initial materials package. A licensed general contractor is essential for accurately estimating these additional expenses.
To truly understand the financial commitment, you must look beyond the sticker price. Factors like land acquisition, permit fees, utility hookups, and labor will constitute the bulk of your budget.
The table below illustrates a more realistic budget for a home package with an initial advertised price of $50,000. This is a simplified example, and costs can vary dramatically based on location, material choices, and labor rates.
Sample Cost Breakdown: Kit Price vs. Total Build Cost
| Item or Service | Estimated Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Menards Materials Package | $50,000 | This is the advertised starting point. |
| Foundation (Slab or Basement) | $15,000 – $40,000+ | Highly dependent on soil conditions and type. |
| Labor (General Contractor & Subs) | $75,000 – $150,000+ | Often 50% or more of the total project cost. |
| Plumbing, Electrical & HVAC | $30,000 – $60,000 | Includes rough-in and fixtures. |
| Interior Finishing & Fixtures | $40,000 – $80,000 | Drywall, paint, flooring, cabinets, countertops, etc. |
| Permits, Fees & Surveys | $5,000 – $15,000 | Varies significantly by municipality. |
| Estimated Total Cost | $215,000 – $395,000+ | Demonstrates the significant cost beyond the kit. |
Menards House Kits Reviews: A Deep Dive into Material Quality
The quality of materials included in a Menards package is a frequent topic of debate. The components are generally considered builder-grade, meaning they meet basic code requirements but are not high-end. This is a key part of how the initial price is kept so low.
For some builders, this is perfectly acceptable, as they can upgrade specific items as the budget allows. For others, the long-term performance of critical elements like windows and doors is a major concern. It is vital to inspect the quality of these components before committing.
The Good: Key Advantages of a Menards Package
Despite the challenges, there are clear benefits to starting with a Menards package. The primary advantage is cost control over the initial material procurement. You get a large portion of your required building materials at a competitive price point from a single, convenient vendor.
This streamlines logistics and can save a significant amount of money compared to sourcing each piece of lumber and sheathing individually. The variety of available plans also provides a great starting point for designing your home.
The Bad: Common Problems and Complaints
Common issues reported by builders often revolve around logistics and completeness. Some have experienced delays in receiving their complete package or have found materials missing from the delivery. This makes a thorough inventory check upon arrival absolutely essential to avoid costly construction delays.
Another significant hurdle is the limited ability to customize the plans. While some modifications are possible, extensive changes can be difficult or impossible, which may not suit buyers with very specific design needs.
The Contractor Conundrum: Why Your Builder is Everything
Attempting to build a Menards home package without a qualified and experienced general contractor is a recipe for disaster. Your contractor is the single most important factor in the success of your project. They will be responsible for hiring subcontractors, managing schedules, and ensuring the build complies with all local codes.
Not all contractors are experienced with this type of material package build. It’s crucial to find one who understands the process and can provide a detailed, fixed-price bid for the labor and management required to take the project from foundation to final inspection.
How Menards Compares to the Competition
When considering a materials package, it is wise to evaluate all available options. The market includes various suppliers, and it’s helpful to see how different companies approach their offerings. For instance, comparing it to similar offerings like those from 84 Lumber can reveal differences in material quality, package completeness, and price.
Each company has its own strengths, and a thorough comparison will ensure you are getting the best value for your specific project. Look at the details of what each package includes and excludes to make an apples-to-apples comparison.
Insider Tips for a Successful Menards Home Build
Success with a Menards home package hinges on meticulous planning and management. The first step upon delivery should be a complete inventory of every item against the provided list. Any discrepancies must be reported immediately to avoid holding up your framing crew.
Second, secure a significant contingency fund—at least 20% of the total estimated project cost—to cover unexpected expenses. Finally, focus on the details of interior finishing. For example, knowing how to seal inside of cabinets and other wooden elements properly will protect your investment and ensure longevity long after the builders have left.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Menards house “kit” actually include?
A Menards house package is not a traditional “kit” but rather a comprehensive materials list for a specific home design. This list includes most of the necessary building materials available from Menards, such as lumber, siding, roofing, windows, and doors for the basic structure. However, it’s important to understand this is a list of materials and not a prefabricated or modular home.
Are the materials in Menards house kits of good quality?
Many reviews and discussions suggest that the materials included in Menards house packages are often of a basic or entry-level quality. Some builders and homeowners recommend upgrading certain components, like windows and doors, for better long-term durability. It’s advisable to carefully review the specific materials included and consider potential upgrades for key elements of the home.
Does the advertised price cover the total cost of building the house?
No, the price shown for a Menards home package is only for the materials on the list. This price does not include significant expenses such as land, labor, foundation, plumbing, electrical work, HVAC systems, or permits. The final cost to build the home will be substantially higher than the material package price.
What major expenses are not included in the Menards house package price?
Several crucial and costly items are not part of the package price. These typically include the foundation, labor for construction, plumbing, electrical wiring, heating and cooling systems, drywall, paint, and flooring. Additionally, the cost of building permits and any necessary excavation or site work is also excluded.
Can I customize the floor plans for a Menards house?
Yes, the provided home plans can serve as a starting point for your own design. You can work with a designer to modify a Menards plan to fit your specific needs, lot requirements, and local building codes. The materials list can then be adjusted accordingly based on your customized blueprints.
The Final Verdict: Is a Menards House Kit Right for You?
A Menards house materials package can be an excellent choice for the right person. It is best suited for individuals with significant construction experience or those who have a strong relationship with a trusted general contractor. It offers a cost-effective way to procure the basic materials for a new home.
However, it is decidedly not a “home in a box” and is not suitable for beginners or anyone looking for a turnkey building solution. The potential for budget overruns and logistical headaches is high for the unprepared. If you cannot afford the total finished cost, which is multiples of the kit price, you should reconsider this path to homeownership.
