Frequently Asked Questions

 

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What is a Manufactured Home?

 

A manufactured home is constructed entirely in a controlled factory environment, built to the federal

 

Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (better known as the HUD Code). A site built home is built "on-site" using traditional building techniques that meet either a local or state building code.

 

Will a manufactured home appreciate in value?

 

Generally, a home is a great investment. Appreciation on any home - either site built or manufactured - is affected by the same factors: the desirability and stability of the community, supply and demand for homes in the local market, and maintenance and upkeep of the home. When properly installed and maintained, today's manufactured homes will appreciate the same as surrounding site built homes.

 

What is a HUD Code?

 

Starting in 1976, the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Code established a stringent series of construction and safety standards that ensure that today's manufactured homes are superior to "mobile homes," the term used for factory-built homes produced prior to the introduction of the HUD Code.  Today's manufactured homes are dramatically different in appearance from the "mobile homes" of yesterday with estimates that more than 90 percent of today's manufactured homes never move from their original site. Manufactured homes, like site built homes, are now available in a variety of designs, floor plans, and amenities. Today's manufactured homes are indistinguishable from site built homes and are fully compatible with any neighborhood architectural style

 

Does KIT build Modular Homes?

 

Yes! KIT Custom Homebuilders offers most all of their standard floorplans built to modular standards. The advantage to UBC or Modular homes is their construction standards allow for this home to be used for commercial purposes, will meet most all difficult zoning criteria and is widely accepted for optimal financing conditions.

 

What is the difference between Modular Homes and HUD Homes?

 

A HUD home is built to standards set by the Federal Government. HUD homes are produced with the same standards regardless of where the home will be located in the USA. The appearance of a HUD home will be the same as a Modular home if the same options are applied to both homes. 95% of all factory built homes are HUD homes. A Modular home is built to the local codes of where the home is being placed. All plans must be approved by a professional engineer that is certified to approve plans for the state the home is going to. When a Modular home is ordered, if the home has not been previously built KIT Custom Homebuilders will revise existing HUD plan to fit local codes. To do this we need specific information in relation to where the home is being placed. This information is usually available from the local building permit office.

 

Building features and construction standards of a Modular home are more involved than HUD homes.

 

What does Ideal Homes Inc. Provide Me?

 

Ideal Homes Inc. is an independently owned manufactured housing dealer. As a retailer, we offer a variety of products and services, including helping you customize the home to fit your needs and budget. We coordinate the delivery and installation of your home. We can help you to arrange financing, insurance coverage, site work, and all necessary contractors.

Click here to find what's included in your purchase.

 

Do I Need A Site Contractor?

 

We work with trusted professional contractors that have been in business for many years. We will only work with reputable and professional companies that know what they are doing. You the consumer are free to choose and work with any contractor you want.  Ideal Homes Inc. will make recommendations but the final choice is entirely yours.

What Kinds Of Financing Are Available For Manufactured Homes?

Just as there are choices when you buy a site built home, there are a variety of financing options when you buy a manufactured home. Down payments and loan terms are similar - 3.5 to 10 percent of the manufactured home's sales price, and loan terms of 15 to 30 years.

 

If you are buying the home and land together, or plan to place the home on land you already own, some financial institutions offer traditional real estate mortgages with similar interest rates. Should you be purchasing the manufactured home separately from the land on which it will be located, the home will probably be financed as a personal property manufactured home loan, usually with a somewhat higher interest rate.

FHA-insured and Department of Veterans Affairs-guaranteed (called FHA and VA) loans are available to manufactured homebuyers. These types of loans may offer lower interest rates or lower down payment requirements if available in your area. They require more paperwork during the credit application and approval process and, therefore, may take longer for approval than a conventional loan.

 

Can I Use My Own Financing or Insurance Company?

 

We have no connection to any finance company or insurance company.  Ideal Homes will tell you about experiences satisfied customers have had. Please shop around to determine the best financing and insurance for you and your family.

 

Are Manufactured Homes Well Built?

 

Today's manufactured homes are built with the same building materials as site built homes, but in a controlled factory environment where quality of construction is invariably superior to what can be done outdoors. The HUD Code regulates and monitors the manufactured home's design and construction, strength and durability, transportability, fire resistance, energy efficiency and overall quality. It also sets standards for the heating, plumbing, air-conditioning, thermal and electrical systems. The HUD Code also ensures compliance with these standards with a thorough inspection system that takes place at each step as the home is being constructed in the factory.

 

What are some of the Brand Names and Building Materials Used?

 

Brand names such as Sherwin Williams, Frigidaire, Shaw, Stile Stone Quartz, Cascade Windows, Owens Corning and James Hardie are trusted suppliers to KIT Custom Homebuilders.

 

Energy Star, Eco-Rated Energy Star, Kiln dried lumber, residential designs, solid hard wood cabinets are some of the features KIT Custom Homebuilders uses in their factory-controlled environment.

 

Do Manufactured Homes Use the Same Building Materials and Processes as stick built homes?

 

There are major benefits to having your home built in a factory:

• All aspects of the construction process are quality controlled.

• The weather doesn't interfere with construction, cause costly delays and warp or

   damage building materials.

• All technicians, craftsmen and assemblers are on the same team and

   professionally supervised Inventory is better controlled and materials are

   protected from theft and weather-related damage.

• All construction materials, as well as interior features and appliances, are

   purchased in volume for additional savings.

• All aspects of construction are continually inspected by not one, but several,

   inspectors.

 

Can I Customize A Manufactured Home To Meet My Particular

Needs/Wants?

 

Yes! Today's manufactured homes come with "standard" features that you would find in a site built home. Many floor plans are available that range from basic models to more elaborate designs that feature vaulted ceilings, drywall, fully equipped modern kitchens, comfortable bedrooms with walk-in closets, and bathrooms with recessed bathtubs and whirlpools. You may also select from a variety of exterior designs and siding materials, including wood, hardboard and the very durable Cemplank concrete siding.

 

Our factory uses the latest in computer-assisted design, you have the flexibility of customizing your home's floor plans, interior finishes, and exterior designs. Your lifestyle and your budget are the only limitations to the options available to you.

 

Our homes also provide homes that are "accessible" for those with special needs. If you are interested in such a home, work with your retailer to order a home with accessible features, such as extra-wide halls and doorways, accessible counters and appliances, and specially equipped bathrooms.

 

Are There Limits On Where I Can Locate or Place A Manufactured Home?

 

As of July 1st 2005 all cities and towns are allowing manufactured homes to be placed in their communities as long as they meet local building standards.

 

Are KIT Homes Covered By A Warranty? Who Do I Contact To Service Problems Covered By A Warranty?

 

Yes! We offer a full five year warranty that guarantees the quality, workmanship and major structure of the home. We also have an experienced in-house staff to help you with warranty service and parts.

 

Are Manufactured Homes More Susceptible To Fire Than Site Built Homes?

 

Manufactured homes are no more prone to fire than homes built on-site. As a matter of fact, a national fire safety study by the Foremost Insurance Company showed that site built homes are more than twice as likely to experience a fire as manufactured homes.

Fire resistance provisions of the HUD Code include strict standards for fire retardation and smoke generation in materials, large windows in all bedrooms, smoke alarms, and at least two exterior doors which must be separate from each other and reachable without having to pass through other doors that can be locked. Site built homes are required to have only one exterior door and no "reachability" requirement.

 

Can I Make Repairs/Renovations On A Manufactured Home The Same Way As With A Site Built Home?

 

While you should perform minor repairs and upkeep on the home, just as with any home, it is advisable to hire a professional for more extensive repairs and renovations. Your home owner's manual outlines maintenance requirements.

 

Once your home has left the factory, the HUD Code does not include provisions for additions and alterations. Such modifications may jeopardize your home warranty. They may also create malfunctions or an unsafe home.

 

An approved addition should be a freestanding structure that meets local building codes, and you may need a construction permit from local authorities.

 

Failure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on maintenance and renovations can void the manufacturer's warranty, as well as lessen the value and life of your home.

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