Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much do modular homes cost?
As with any other type of construction the cost will vary depending on what you put in the home and the style of home you choose. Turn-key prices generally start in the $60/square foot range and go up. Our homes compare favorably with equivalent site-built home prices.

How long does it take to build?
We allow ourselves 4 months to complete the typical home, from the time of final plans. However, there are many things that can be done to shorten the timeframe.

Where are your homes built?
They are built in Martinsville, Virginia.

Are they built as well as site-built homes?
In my opinion, a resounding "YES!" Our homes have up to 30% more lumber which makes them strong enough to be lifted and moved by a crane. you will be hard pressed to find a site-built home as square and level as our homes. Stairways are right. All (factory installed) insulation is batt insulation. There are about 300 inspections during the construction process to ensure the quality of the final product. Click here to read more about modular construction.

Can I customize floor plans?
Yes, we have all of our floorplans on a basic CAD program. This allows us to customize your home right before your eyes! The floor plans of our village collection, however, allow very limited changes.

Can I choose something like flooring locally?
Yes. Items like carpet, vinyl, wood and tile flooring can be deleted and purchased locally. If there is something that is very important to you and Nationwide Homes (the manufacturer) does not offer it, we will try to accomodate you.

Is it hard to finance a modular home?
No. In fact, it's quite simple. Modular homes generally qualify for the same rates as site-built homes.

Does it cost more to insure a modular home?
No. Not a true Modular Home. A true modular home will usually get the same rates as a traditional site-built home.

What is the buying process?

a. You choose your home and options
b. We do a contract contingent on financing with a small deposit
c. Plan revisions (if any) are completed and new engineered floor plans are drawn
d. You close on your Construction-Permanent loan
e. Your basement or crawl space foundation is built
f. We release your home for production
g. We set your new home
h. Finish work of your new home is completed

How complete is the home when it is set?
Depending on the home itself, between 75-85% complete.

How long does it take to finish the home after it is set?
About 4-6 weeks.

Can I do the finish work myself?
If you are a "jack-of-all-trades", have friends that are, or are willing to do the subcontracting, then our Owner-Assist Program may be for you. It allows you to do some work and save money.

Will you build my garage and/or porches?
Yes. Usually at an additional cost.

Do you do septic tanks?
Generally, no. However, we do know people in the business who will do a good job for you. We can build the cost into our contract with an allowance, so that the septic tank can be included in your loan.

How long is your warranty?
With our Turn-key homes we offer a one year written warranty. We are very conservative builders. We try to do everything right the first time. We take our foundations very seriously and work to ensure they are square, level and inthe case of basements, poured solid with steel if backfilled 6' or more. Yes, there are builders out there offering a "10 year structural warranty" but you can hardly depend on these 3rd party insurers - usually when you need them, they are not there.

What is the difference between a Modular home and a Mobile Home/Doublewide?
There are three tiers of construction for home built in controlled environments:

1. Mobile Homes - built to a lax code with generally substandard building products (when compared to modular or site-built homes). Built on a steel frame to hold it together, most have wheels.

2. H.U.D. Homes - slightly mre stringent national code than mobile homes

3. Modular Homes - built generally to the toughest codes required in the State, built out of the same type building materials and name brands you would find in site-built homes. No steel frame underneath - only 2x10's, floor trusses or other approved floor system. Have no wheels or trailer of their own. Nationwide Homes, our supplier of Modular Homes, has been building Systems built homes for 41 years. After looking at many of the modular home companies that serve our area, I chose Nationwide because they are driven to be the best. They are not the cheapest. They are not the closest, but they offer, in my opinion, the best quality, flexibility and service. Please be careful, some unreputable dealers try to sell mobile homes as modulars - they are not!