Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a modular and a mobile home?
A modular home is built to BOCA code, which applies to traditionally constructed stick-built homes. The frame it sits on at the factory is only for transporting the house to its final destination. It is usually designed for basement installation. Modular homes maintain their value much like traditionally stick-built homes do.
A mobile home is built to HUD code which governs manufactured housing. The frame it is built on remains as an integral part of the home after setup on your prepared pad. 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?
YES, in a modular home you can pretty much design your own floor plan. However, with a mobile home there are limited floor plan changes available. The 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, site preparation 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, including coordinating with all the subcontractors needed to prepare the site. Come and talk with us and let us help you. We have a variety of packages designed to meet your specific needs and budget.
After I order my home, how long does it take before it is set on the pad?
Lead times vary per manufacturer and time of year. Typically you can expect 3-8 weeks from the time it is ordered to when it is set on site, if the weather cooperates.
What is included in the set up of my modular home?
Your basic contract with Ralph's Homes includes:
- Delivery, crane, and set on your foundation
- Interior finishing of the first floor
- Cellar stairs
- Exterior finish
- Hot water baseboard furnace with power vent and oil tank
- Plumbing in the basement
- 200 AMP electrical service complete
- Cellar lights and smoke detector
- Laundry hook-ups
- Front and side steps
- Lally columns.
How long after the home is set on its pad or foundation can I move into my new home?
Manufactured homes (singlewides and sectionals) may be ready for occupancy in just a few days. Modular homes include more site-installed options and take considerably 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.
A typical standard factory-built home includes:
- Fixed roof with 3/12 pitch and 3-tab shingles
- Cathedral ceilings 7' 6" high
- Vinyl-on-Gypsum wall paneling
- Ranch-style home
Ask us about options for a variety of roofs, shingles, flat ceiling, drywall and side and gable-entry style homes.
What is a Modular Home?
Modular homes, or system-built homes, are built to the International Residential Code, BOCA, and other building codes. Modular homes are built to the same 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 home features include:
- Pitched 5/12 hinged roof trusses (or higher)
- Flat smooth ceiling with 8' height
- Finished 1/2" drywall throughout
- Variety of styles such as Ranch, Cape , Two-Story, Chalet, Log, etc.
Like site-built homes, finishes can be customized to your specifications. Our sales and design experts will help you with all the choices.
Have more questions?
Please contact us. Call us at 1-800-675-2036 (In Maine), 207-832-2036, or fill out the form on our contact page. We will be in touch with you as soon as possible.