Illustrative example · fictional figuresA home on wheels.
A home on wheels.
A plan beyond the purchase price.
Worked example only.
USD · five-year horizon.
These figures are invented to demonstrate the method, not market estimates or a customer project.
Known upfront costs$89,500
Known recurring / year$10,000
Five-year known subtotal$140,450
The subtotal includes a $950 contingency allowance: 10% of the $9,500 entered for delivery and site work. Unknown costs remain outside the subtotal.
The cost picture
| Cost | Frequency / status | Example amount |
|---|---|---|
| Home purchase | One time · entered | $80,000 |
| Delivery and placement | One time · entered | $4,500 |
| Site preparation | One time · entered | $5,000 |
| Lot rent | Monthly · entered | $600 |
| Utilities and services | Monthly · entered | $150 |
| Insurance | Annual · entered | $1,000 |
| Connections, applications, fees, maintenance and other costs | Unknown · follow up | Not included |
What the figures mean
$89,500 upfront + $950 contingency + 5 × (12 × $750 monthly + $1,000 annual) = $140,450. This is a known-cost subtotal, not a complete project budget. The same deterministic method runs in the free planner; no financing, inflation or resale value is modeled.
Research that still changes the decision
- Occupancy and classification: ask the relevant planning authority how this specific home and use would be treated at the chosen site.
- Utility connection scope: get an itemized quotation and identify any work the site operator expects the owner to arrange.
- Access and placement: ask the delivery provider to confirm the route, clearances and placement responsibilities in writing.
Decision recorded: collect the missing scope before committing.
The example is a completed demonstration of the planning format, with open costs and permissions explicitly retained. It does not contain an actual site approval or supplier quote.