Frequently Asked Questions
Why Build Modular?
Modular homes are stronger, more energy efficient, less expensive, and can be built faster than conventional stick-built homes.
Who does the local work?
We are a licensed and insured general contractor and home improvement contractor. Subcontractors are hired by us to perform the necessary local work to complete your home or addition.
How can we learn more about building Modular?
Schedule an appointment for a one-hour, no commitment consultation. At this meeting we will discuss preliminary design and budget pricing. It is important that you familiarize yourself with the FAQs so you are more informed prior to your visit. You will gain more knowledge with this basic information. Sometimes a preliminary cost estimate can be provided at the first meeting. An actual proposal for a custom design could take 2 to 4 weeks.
What do we need to do to start the process?
We require an initial deposit which varies depending on each individual project. This is to provide local research regarding zoning, building and other required departmental approvals that may apply to the location you have chosen for your new home. We prepare a schematic design of your home with your participation. This along with factory and local work pricing allows us to prepare a proposal to build your home. Once you have accepted the proposal and instructed us to get started, we sign a contract. If you are applying for a construction loan these schematic plans, specifications and contract will be required by your construction lender.
The next step is to complete your color selections with us in the next week or 10 days. You can still make changes at this time. We’ll let you know when changes can no longer be made. Once all decisions are final the factory is instructed to engineer the design and send the plans out to be stamped by a certified engineer. This may take 3 to 6 weeks depending on how busy the factory and engineers are.
What is the process to order a Modular Home?
Obtaining a building permit is necessary prior to us placing the factory order. To obtain the building permit the application requires several documents be included, such as a current and existing conditions survey showing the proposed new building, a foundation plan, building plans, and septic design if onsite septic system is required. Some of these documents require the services of a professional engineer, at your cost. We are able to provide a quote from an engineer for this work if you do not already have an engineer.
The permitting process can be accomplished in a few weeks if “by right.” “By right” means the home and the property to be built meets the minimum dimensional requirements and satisfies the other requirements for that zoning district. If not “by right” the process will take approximately two months or longer depending on the approvals required by the Town or City.
Prior to applying for a building permit, construction financing should be in place and ready for closing. If you are using your own funds, proof of cash on hand available to fund the entire project is required. Once you have a mortgage commitment, the factory can build your home in less than two weeks once it is put online. The time needed prior to the factory build for preliminary plans to final factory engineered and third party engineer-stamped plans could take 8 to 10 weeks. All of these plans, approvals and documents are necessary to obtaining a building permit for your new home. Our process starts with an appointment and a deposit to start the preliminary drawings and any other documents your bank may require from us for financing. The durations provided are estimates and may vary with many factors: factory schedule, decision-making, time of year, holidays, etc.
Is the initial deposit applied to the total cost of the house?
Yes, provided you contract with us to build your home. This can save you several thousand dollars in architectural fees if you were to have your home stick-built. The Town requires that plans submitted are stamped by an architect or civil engineer.
Do we need to own land before we meet for our private consultation?
It is always best to have land already, or to have a piece of land under agreement, in order to do a more accurate design/price consultation.
Can you help us find land to build on?
Unfortunately we do not provide this service. We are custom builders. People come to us already owning land or they come to us with a piece of land in mind. We recommend that you go to a local full-time broker, preferably one who specializes in land or new construction, to help you find land. However, once you have a piece of land under agreement, we can advise you from there.
Who applies for the building permit?
We are a “turnkey” modular builder. Our clients usually want us to prepare the application and apply for the permit to build the modular home. You provide us with a check payable to the Town for the permit.
What are the warranties that are provided with the modular home?
First, there are third-party warranties for all of the products used in the homes, for example the appliances and window manufacturers have their own warranties. Second, there is a mandatory warranty required by the state from the factory for one year. Third, we include as part of our price a separate 10 year structural warranty just for the modular, backed by a third-party insurance company. Lastly, we provide a 10 year structural warranty backed by a third-party insurance company for the work performed onsite by us.
How long have you been in business?
We have been in the residential home building business for more than 35 years, designing and building modular and stick-built homes. We started long before Modular Homes became a trend, and quickly learned the many benefits not afforded by stick-built. Combined, the owners have designed and built hundreds of custom homes and condominiums in their careers. A degree in civil engineering, construction supervisor’s license, and home improvement contractor license are some of the credentials in their qualifications. Their vast experience and practical hands-on experience proves invaluable to their customers.
What is included in the base price?
Our base price includes the factory house specifications as designed, freight, taxes, escort vehicles, crane, set crew, taxes, kitchen cabinets and counters, carpet and vinyl flooring, kitchen and bathroom fixtures, custom computer-aided designing, state-approved and engineered plans, a 10 year structural warranty, excavation, foundation, and connection to Town water and sewer. Optional upgrades are priced separately. If you compare with other modular companies be sure to include this same scope of work.
