FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions that we receive in hopes of providing you with quick answers to questions that may arise while viewing our web site and learning about our services. If you have a question that you don't see an answer for here, or just simply need more information, don't hesitate to contact us.
QUESTIONS:
- What
is the difference between modular homes and the
houses I see built on different construction sites?
- How
long does it take to build a modular home?
- What is the difference between "Modular Home" and "Manufactured
Home"?
- Do
Modular Homes look different?
- Can
I Design My Own Home?
- I
know that Modular Homes are built to the same codes
as Site-Built Homes, but is financing any different?
- Do you offer Free Blueprints?
- Do I have to come up with any other money?
- What is equity again?
- How do we know how much our completed house will cost?
- What if we can't do much of the work?
- Do we need a General Contractor's License?
- How long does it take to finish a modular home?
- How much customization can I do on my home?
ANSWERS:
What
is the difference between modular homes and the houses
I see built on different construction sites?
Today's modular systems are models of efficiency
and quality assurance. The building process begins
at the design phase. Most modular producers use state
of the art computer assisted design stations which
aid them in customizing floor plans and producing
drawings and material requirements lists. Once designed,
the building process begins. This process is similar
to what you've seen during the construction of houses
in your neighborhood. The quality materials and care
for detail, and the same building codes and standards
are observed. So what's the difference? Efficiency and Quality Control!
Efficiency begins with modern factory assembly
line techniques. Your home travels to workstations,
with all the building trades represented. Work is
never delayed by weather, subcontractor no-shows or
missing material. Quality engineering and modular
construction techniques significantly increase the
energy efficiency of your modular home. A quality
control process provides 100% assurance that your
home has been inspected for code compliance and workmanship.
In-plant inspectors as well as independent inspection
agencies inspect the home on behalf of your state & local government.
How
long does it take to build a modular home?
Speed and quality are two of the many advantages for
choosing modular components for your new home. On
the average, a home consisting of two or more modules
will be factory produced in six or seven days. Once
the manufacturing process is complete, typically with
the interior finish right down to cabinets and wall
finish, the unit must be transferred to the building
site and placed on its foundation. Final completion
is usually handled by various subcontractors
and includes connection of utilities to the home,
and a short list of finish work. Normally the home
is completed in 6 to 8 weeks.
What
is the difference between "Modular Home"
and "Manufactured Home"?
Manufactured homes, sometimes referred to as mobile
homes, are another type of building system and are
constructed to a different building standard. This
standard, the Federal Construction Safety Standards
Act (HUD/CODE), unlike conventional building codes,
requires manufactured homes to be constructed on a
non-removable steel chassis. Many communities have
restrictions on where manufactured homes can be located.
Modular homes and site-built homes on the other hand, are constructed to the same building code required by your state, county and specific locality and therefore are not restricted by building or zoning regulations. Your new modular home is inspected at the assembly plant during each phase of construction. Evidence of this inspection is normally shown by the application of a State or inspection agency label of approval.
Do
Modular Homes look different?
Modular homes look like any other home. Today's building
technology has allowed modular manufacturers to build
most any style of home from a simple ranch to a highly
customized contemporary. And, it doesn't stop with
houses. Modular producers are busy building banks,
schools, office buildings, motels and hotels. Chances
are you've been in many modular structures and probably
never realized it. Check out our Gallery which is full of pictures of some of our completed
custom modular homes, and see if you can see any difference.
Can
I Design My Own Home?
YES! Our modular manufacturer allows our customers
complete design flexibility. In addition to ranch
designs of every size, homes are available in split
levels, cape cods, two & three stories and are
being designed in all styles from traditional to contemporary.
Our floor plans and styles can be changed to reflect
minimal customization or totally re-designed to your
very specific ideas. Moreover, exterior construction
materials are not limited to vinyl siding. Natural
wood, brick, stone and stucco can be used to enhance
the look you wish to convey. Your interior design
can be crafted with fireplaces, elaborate kitchen
& Bathroom fixtures, sunrooms & morning rooms,
in-law suites and home offices. It is up to you.
I
know that Modular Homes are built to the same codes
as Site-Built Homes, but is financing any different?
There is no distinction between modular and site built
homes as far as appraisal or financing. Banks and
lending institutions treat both types of construction
the same. Likewise, there is no difference in insuring
the modular property. For additional information,
tips and links to recommended lending institutions,
check out our Financing
Page, which is always accessible on our
resource toolbar.
Do you offer Free Blueprints?
Because the blueprints are created specifically for you, we require $1,000 down. This is part of the total amount of your home package and as such can be financed back into your mortgage. You must instruct your lender to do this. It is considered a deposit to CMD and will be credited against the cost of your package.
Do I have to come up with any other money?
In order to start the building of your home we require 10% of the factory cost of the house, less your $1000. These funds DO NOT need to come from out-of-pocket. Most lenders realize modular manufacturers require a 10% start deposit and release that amount when you settle on your construction loan. Again, this amount is deducted from your house package cost but should be part of your total loan amount with your lender. The equity you have in the project is the cushion that allows the lenders to release these funds.
What is equity again?
Equity is the difference between what your completed house is worth and what it costs to build. It is your PROFIT!
How do we know how much our completed house will cost?
We supply you with a Construction Estimate Worksheet. You will need to get
quotes from various subcontractors and material supplies and fill in the
blanks. That worksheet combined with the cost of your lot and financing costs
will give you a very good figure from which to work.
What if we can't do much of the work?
You still will save money by not having to pay for a builder's profit and overhead. You are eliminating the middleman. It depends upon you and the scope of your involvement.
Do we need a General Contractor's License?
No, not to build your own home.
How long does it take to finish a modular home?
That depends on you and your local building requirements. We have had motivated customers who have sub-contracted out most of the work and were finished in 3 weeks time. Others with difficult regulatory agencies, or those doing most of the work themselves, have taken 3-4 months. On the average, figure 6-8 weeks depending upon the complexity of your project and how motivated a Project Manager you are.
How much customization can I do on my home?
A LOT! Floor plans can be completely re-done; each home that we show has the flexibility to reflect your taste. Computer drawn floor plans allow you to decide on room size and placement, to determine the types of doors and windows, to add options and finishing touches, to personalize your home the way you want it. Our homes can be reduced in size or enlarged. Modules such as morning rooms, in-law suites, and home offices can be added. You can composite homes to come up with a truly unique floor plan - that is, pick an exterior from our design section, a first floor from another home, a 2nd floor from a third home, & create your plan. There are also architecturally designed modular home plans available