One option that we now
have available to our customers is "Off-site built homes."
These homes are also called "systems built homes." An
off-site built home is just that. It is built in a factory,
brought in on a truck, set on your foundation with a crane,
and finished on-site.
I walked through some of these houses at the International
Builders Show a few years ago. I had to ask someone what
they were advertising because they looked just like a site
built house! They are available in 2 story models, ranches,
Cape Cods, and many other variations.
As a builder (probably biased, I'll admit), however, I must
say that there are not a lot of advantages to a home built
this way. The cost is generally less (up to 10%). The time
from start to finish is shortened. And the home is built
under climate controlled conditions so materials are not
getting wet (wet lumber encourages mold growth). But your
builder is not there overseeing the quality. If you want to
make changes in the middle, it can't be done. Even changing
a window or adding a fireplace becomes much more difficult.
And there are limits to things like insulation, floor joist
styles, basement spans, etc.
My opinion has tempered a bit on the advantages of a home
like this over the last few years. At first, I saw them as
a great new way of building. I'm not so sure anymore. I
realize that I won't get called to come look at the
wonderful job that was done on an off site built house. But
I have gotten a couple of calls to come give bids (in the
tens of thousands of dollars) on repairing the homes that
were not set properly.
When built and set properly, these homes can be every bit
as nice as a site-built home; they just have some limits.
Take a look at these manufacturers' websites and see what
they can do. You will probably still need a contractor to
coordinate everything and finish the home once it is on
site. We can work with you to make sure your home is
completed with excellence.
Check out these manufacturers:
All American Homes
Genesis Homes
Redman Homes
Ritz-Craft Homes