Stick Built vs Manufactured
Our Basic Build floorplans offer a compelling alternative to manufactured homes, providing a new option for those seeking a quality, affordable build. We respect the manufactured housing industry and recognize the value in many of its models. However, our goal is to present a similarly priced alternative that is a great fit for a different set of needs.
For your convenience, we have provided a detailed comparison below to help you make a well-informed decision.
Framing
All of our exterior walls are framed with 2x6s, spaced 16" apart. All interior walls are framed with 2x4s, also spaced 16" apart. All trusses are engineered, not only to essential minimums, but also for long term stability and reliability.
Manufactured homes often times use a 2x3 studs on interior walls and often use 2x2 or even 1x2 lumber in there trusses. They are engineered to meet only essential strength requirements. Some manufacturers have started to use more traditional lumber, particularly in newer homes.
Windows
All of our windows are dual pane, low-E argon windows from manufacturers like Pella, Jeld-Wen and Reliabilt. These windows have strong warranties and good reputations.
In years past, many manufactured home builders used two single pane windows to create a "dual-pane". Newer models have options for better windows, but replacement parts can be hard or impossible to find.
Exterior Doors
All of our exterior doors are standard 6'8" doors. They are 36" wide allowing for easily moving large items or appliances in and out. They are dual-bored for deadbolts and locksets. They are built by reputable manufacturers with replacement parts available at any home improvement retailer.
Many manufacturers install doors that are not "standard" size. These doors must be replaced with doors designed for manufactured homes. To replace them with a "standard" door, extensive modifications to the framing may be necessary.
The Details
All of our roofs use architectural shingles with a limited lifetime manufacturer warranty. We use high quality exterior products that protect the home from the foundation to the soffits. Even on our most budget friendly homes, we install generous overhangs to help keep water outside, where it belongs. All homes are fully finished 1/2" or 5/8" drywall. Our homes can be build on a slab, basement, or crawlspace with concrete foundation.
Manufactured homes generally are limited in how much overhang the eaves can have. This makes them easier to move down the road. Many also use strips to cover the drywall joints so there is no cracking while being moved. After they are set up, they require vinyl skirting or a similar material to close the "crawl space".
Timeframe
From breaking ground, our homes generally take between 5 and 12 months to complete. Some may take longer if they are highly custom or very large. We understand that our homeowners are anxious to move in, but we will not sacrifice quality to save time.
Timeframes on manufactured housing can vary greatly, depending on whether you are buying "off the lot" or having a home custom built. General timeframes are around 2-6 months.
Financing
Typically a new stick built home is built with a construction loan which will then convert to a traditional mortgage. Rates and terms are the same as any traditional real estate.
Manufactured homes may be financed through "Chattel" loans as personal property (similar to an RV) or they may qualify for a traditional mortgage when permanently installed on a property you own. Often times, they are financed through specialized lenders and rates tend to be higher, with shorter terms.
Stick-built vs Manufactured
Our Basic Build floorplans offer a compelling alternative to manufactured homes, providing a new option for those seeking a quality, affordable build. We respect the manufactured housing industry and recognize the value in many of its models. However, our goal is to present a similarly priced alternative that is a great fit for a different set of needs.
For your convenience, we have provided a detailed comparison below to help you make a well-informed decision.