What is the difference between a modular and a mobile home?
A modular home is built to BOCA code-that is the code that governs stick built homes. The frames it sits on are for transport only. A modular home is usually designed for basement installation. Modular homes are treated much as stick built homes in regards to valuation and appreciation. A mobile home is built to HUD code-that is the code that governs manufactured housing. The frames it is built on remain an integral part of the home after setup. A mobile home is usually designed for slab installation although with certain design modifications it can be placed on a foundation.
Can I customize my home design?
With a modular home you can pretty much design your own floor plan. With a mobile home there are limited floor plan changes available. The very best thing you can do is come in and sit down with one of our sales reps who can help you with each step of the design process.
I don't know where to start. I need land, land work, and a home. Help!
The home buying experience can feel overwhelming, our experienced sales reps have helped hundreds of people get into a home of their own. Come and talk with us and let us help you. We have a variety of packages designed to meet your specific wants and needs
After I order my home, how long before it is set?
Lead times vary per manufacturer and time of year. Typically you can expect 3-8 weeks from order to set if weather has cooperated.
What is included in the set up of my modular home?
All of the following is included! Delivery, Crane, Set on your foundation, Interior finishing of the 1st floor, Cellar Stairs, Exterior Finish, Hot water baseboard furnace with power vent & oil tank, Plumbing in the basement, 200 AMP service complete, Cellar lights & smoke detector, Laundry hook ups, Front & side steps, and Lally colums.
How long after the set before I can move into my new home?
Manufactured homes may be ready for occupancy in just a few days. Modular homes include more site-installed options and take longer. Recently we have noticed that banks are taking longer to close loans, this may affect your move in date.
How about service after the sale?
All of our new homes have a one-year manufacturers warranty. Ralphs Homes also has an experienced full time service crew to help you with service after the sale.
What is a Manufactured home?
Manufactured homes, in accordance with the national code of the U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development, are built on a steel chassis that will remain a part of the structure throughout the life of the home. This steel frame is actually the foundation for the manufactured home, as it is factory-built from the frame up. These homes are often set on traditional basement walls, but also can be placed on crawlspaces or piers.
Typical Standard Factory-Built Home Features:
- 3/12 pitch fixed roof (5/12 & 7/12 hinged roof available)with 3-tab shingles (architectural shingles available)
- 7 1/2' cathedral ceiling (8' flat ceilings available)
- Vinyl-on-Gypsum (VOG) Wall Paneling (drywall available)
- Ranch-Style Homes (Side & Gable Entry, Single-Section)
What is a Modular Home?
Modular homes, or systems-built homes, are built to the IRC {International Residential Code}, BOCA, and other building codes, all of which are shared by site-built homes. Modular homes are built to the same building codes as site-built homes and are treated as such by financial institutions, local municipalities, etc. You must apply for a building permit, follow all local regulations for construction, and retain an occupancy permit before you may move into your new modular home, just as you would with a typical site-built home.
Typical Standard Modular Features:
- 5/12 pitch hinged roof trusses (or higher)
- 8’ flat smooth ceiling
- 1/2” finished drywall throughout
- Ranch, Raised Ranch, T/L-Ranch, Cape , Two-Story, Chalet, Log, etc.
Have more questions?
Please contact us. Call us at 1-800-675-2036 (In Maine), 207-832-2036, or fill out the contact form on our contact page, we will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions