Modular Homes VA Blog

Construction Loans for Modular Homes

So you're thinking about building a new home...congratulations! You're about to embark on a journey to create your dream home, a new place to live where everything is just the way you want it.

Whether you choose to build your home in a traditional stick-build method or by using modern modular building techniques (and there are so many reasons to choose modular construction!), you will likely need to secure a loan to help pay for your new home.

While most people are familiar with how traditional mortgages work, many people don't know that these "regular" mortgages don't apply to new construction homes and that they will need to get a construction loan in order to build their new modular home.

This article will teach you the basics about construction loans and what to expect when shopping for a construction loan for your new modular home.

What is a Construction Loan?

Simply put, construction loans help take care of the cost of building a home. They differ from traditional home loans in that they cater specifically to the construction of a new home and don't apply to properties that are already built or those that need renovation.

What does a Construction Loan Entail?

Construction loans cover the cost of virtually all the aspects pertaining to building a home, including land, excavation, foundation, garages and decks, and of course the main part of the home itself.

Once your home builder has finished construction and you take possession of your new home, the bank will convert the construction loan into a traditional mortgage.

How are Construction Loans Different from Traditional Mortgages?

The term of a construction loan is normally three to four months, but can also last 12 months or longer. During that time, the buyer makes interest-only payments based on the amount of money that the builder draws out of the account for the various stages of construction. There are also permits that must be executed before construction can begin, and these are usually the first expenditures from the construction loan.

How to Get a Loan for a Modular Home

Ideally, when planning to build a home, banks will consider whether or not you have:

• Enough money saved up for a down payment or equity in the property
• A good credit score
• Proof of a stable income stream

This is the general information a bank will require when assessing your construction loan application. A pre-approval letter signed off by a lender will be handed over, which is going to communicate to your home builder that you are ready and able to finance the construction of your modular home.

Where Can I Learn More About Construction Loans for Modular Homes?

Five Ideas to Maximize Space In Your New Home

One of the biggest reasons people choose to buy or build a new modular home is because they "need more room." They have outgrown their current home and they are looking for a new home that is more open and has enough space for all the things they love.

Sound Familiar?

People often build bigger houses than they actually need, and all that extra (and often unnecessary) square footage can get expensive when you add up building costs, materials, heating & cooling the extra space, and other costs.

Don't get us wrong: we love building big homes for customers who want them. But we also love designing smaller homes that feel bigger than they are.

With this in mind, here are 5 ideas to maximize space in your new home and make it feel bigger than it actually is. Ready? Let's dive in!

1. Light. The difference between a claustrophobic closet-like room and an open, airy space often comes down to a few well-placed windows. Natural light is a key component to making a smaller home feel big. We often recommend adding extra windows to standard plans, but if your property doesn't offer much natural light, you can compensate with artificial lights. Pendant lights, recessed LED lights, standing lamps...whatever is your preferred light source. Just remember: More Light = Bigger Feel.
2. Open Floor Plan. Many of the older homes in our West Virginia neighborhoods have...well...odd floor plans. Because older homes were generally smaller, they are designed to have a bunch of small rooms that are sectioned off from one another, which helped give their owners a little extra privacy when cooking, reading, or relaxing after a long day. However, these closed-up floor plans make those older homes feel very small. An open floor plan, however, can make your home feel much larger than the actual square footage because several rooms can be tied together by removing walls. A common example of this is the Kitchen / Dining Room / Living Room area of many modern homes - these rooms are open to one another so you can entertain friends who are sitting comfortably in your living room while you are preparing a meal in the kitchen.
3. Garages, Closets and Attics. We're all guilty of stashing junk in our garages, closets and attics, but this "utility" space can be used for so much more than a graveyard for old furniture and busted electronics! To create more space, clean out and purge your garage, closets, and attic space and toss the junk that you don't need. Build or buy some storage solutions like overhead rafter rails and plastic storage container systems, and get your mess under control. This will help to open up this space for your cars, clothes, and other items that don't have a proper home.
4. Outdoor Space. West Virginia is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty - just take a look outside! Springtime is lush and green, summer is warm and welcoming, autumn is crisp and colorful, and winter is a West Virginia wonderland. So take advantage of the natural splendor by expanding your living space outside by adding a porch, deck, patio, 3-season room, outdoor kitchen, pool, or other outdoor space! These spaces are easy to design and often cost much less per square foot than adding additional square footage to the interior of your home. Add some big sliding glass doors (more natural light; see #1) to make the inside easily flow outside and back again.
5. Maximize Your Kitchen. Your kitchen is arguably the most important room in your home. It's usually the center of most of your home's day to day activity, whether you are preparing meals, grabbing a quick snack, doing dishes, fixing a drink, or entertaining guests. Make sure that your kitchen is as functional as possible by maximizing your counter space and storage. Overhead pot racks are a great start to giving yourself a little more room in the kitchen, but cabinet organizers are also fantastic. Toss or donate all those extra cups and Tupperware you never use so there's enough space for the things you do use. With the open floor plans (see #2), your kitchen will likely be in full view from your living and dining rooms, so make sure there's a place for everything and everything is in its place!

Putting it all Together

With modern modular construction, there is almost no limit to the designs you can create for your new home. Our experts can show you hundreds of floor plans that can be used as the inspiration to create a completely custom home that fits your needs and tastes. You can choose your own colors, materials, fixtures, floor coverings, cabinets, and countertops. If you'd like to learn more about the customization of modular floor plans, contact Tidewater Custom Modular Homes.

4 Must-Have Home Features for Retirees

As you grow older and start thinking about your "golden years", your idea of the "perfect" home will change. That big house with plenty of room for your kids' friends to sleep over and host parties for your extended family is great for now, but in time you will likely find that cleaning, maintaining and even getting around in a home that size can be too much work for the benefit.

This article will focus on 4 factors to consider when searching for a house after your retirement. Ready to dive in? Let's go!

1. Single Floor Layout

As you get older, climbing stairs can become a challenge and even a danger. Even if you do not have any mobility issues now, it's prudent to assume that you may start to have trouble with mobility at some point in the future.

This is one reason that 1-level ranch style homes are so popular with older homeowners. As one of the most enduring home styles, ranches boast open layouts and one-level living, making it easier for people to get around without having to navigate stairs. Check out some examples of Ranch-Style homes here.

2. Walk-In Showers

A walk-in bathtub or a shower is another factor to consider when you are designing your "retirement" home. Tubs and showers that have high walls or curbs can make it hard for people with mobility issues to get in and out of. A walk-in shower allows for people with joint or hip problems to shower with ease. The bathroom floor must also be slip-resistant, as slips and falls are common among the elderly and can present serious health concerns.

3. Wide Hallways and Doors

In the unfortunate event that you or a family member are ever confined to a wheelchair, having wide hallways and doors in your home can make navigating easier. With wide hallways, you will be able to move around in your wheelchair without bumping into things or catching your chair on walls or corners. We can customize most floor plans to include wide hallways and doorways for better accessibility.

4. Low Maintenance Needs

When thinking about the home you will grow old in, one of the first things on your mind should be how you plan to keep up with maintenance. Older houses will most likely need care, and it can be challenging to deal with constant repairs as you age. Maintenance not only costs money but also requires supervision and causes chaos around the house, so rather than dealing with all these maintenance needs, look for a newly-constructed home that won't need major repairs or renovations in the years to come.

This also applies to general cleaning and housekeeping. The more space you have, the more dusting, vacuuming, and straightening up you will likely have to do, so make sure your new home is a manageable size and that the layout is easy to keep up.

Conclusion

The home you build for your retirement will hopefully be the home you will choose to live in for the rest of your life. That's why it's so important to plan for the future and make sure your home is comfortable, easy to navigate, and easy to maintain.

If you would like to discuss your options for building the home of your dreams, get in touch with our homebuilding experts at Tidewater Custom Modular Homes today.

5 Reasons You'll Love a Smaller Home

We've all heard of the saying "Bigger is Better," but is that really true? Over the past 40 years, the general trend with buying and building homes has been More Room, More Space, More, More, More...

...but recently we've seen a trend starting that follows the "less is more" attitude, and smaller homes are becoming more and more desirable. Why is this? Why would you opt to live in a 1,000-1,500sf home instead of a house twice that size? There are actually a lot of great reasons that a smaller home will make you happier.

Here are 5 reasons you'll love living in a smaller home:

It's Less Expensive.

Let's get the obvious one out of the way: cost. A smaller home is generally going to cost less than a house twice its size. There are less materials involved in construction, less labor to actually build it, and a smaller footprint means you need a smaller plot of land on which to set your home. But the savings go past the initial purchase or construction of your home; it will also cost much less to maintain. Less space means less room to heat in the winter and cool in the summer, which equates to lower utility bills. It also means less things that will break down and need repaired over time. So when you end up needing a new roof in 25 years, you'll only have to pay half the price as your neighbor with the big house. You'll need to buy less furniture to make your home comfortable, because there's only room for so much. This means you can spend your money on the things that will make you happy, rather than spending it all maintaining your home.

You Can Spend Where It Counts.

"Small" doesn't necessarily mean "cheap." You can have a well-built, high-quality home under 1,500sf that boasts many luxurious amenities. Less base costs means you can splurge for the things that really count. Want a hi-end kitchen? You may be able to afford one now that you don't have to pay for that 5th bedroom. Want a big garage for your toys? There may be room for it on your property now! The idea is to "cut the fluff" and use your budget for what really matters to you.

It's Easier to Maintain.

Speaking of maintaining your home, a smaller home is simply easier to keep up. There's less floor to vacuum, less furniture to dust, and less space to collect clutter and junk. Smaller homes are ideal for singles, couples, or even small families who lead busy lives because a smaller home allows you to focus on what really matters to you.

More Time.

Think of how much time you spend cleaning and straightening up your home; if you could cut that time in half, what could you do with all your newfound free time? This is one of the biggest appeals to choosing smaller homes. If you minimize the time you need to spend doing things you don't want to do, you can spend more time pursuing hobbies, developing your career, or spending quality time with family and friends.

Bigger Resale Market.

Most people will live in multiple homes throughout their lives, so when you buy or build a house you should consider how difficult it will be to sell that house later on, should you choose to make a change. Take a look at your local real estate listings. Do you see many houses that would be out of your price range? Those bigger homes are hard to sell because they have a limited pool of potential buyers who can actually afford them. A smaller home, by contrast, is more affordable to more people. So if you put a lovely smaller home on the market, a bigger portion of active homebuyers will be able to consider it as a financially feasible option.

We love building homes of all sizes for our clients, no matter if they are large 2-story homes, spacious Cape Cods, or smaller ranch style homes.

If you would like to talk about options for living in a smaller, more manageable home, contact Tidewater Custom Modular Homes.

Factors that Establish Modular Home Construction as the Value Standard in Home Buying

Seeing a modular home being set onto a foundation is a thrilling experience. One minute, you're looking at a cleared piece of land and an open crawlspace or basement, and the next minute...BOOM! There's a house!

It's almost like magic, but there's nothing supernatural about the way modular homes are built and set so quickly and affordably - it's just superior design, precision computer controlled factory manufactured modules, and proven construction processes that combine to deliver a superior home. In this article, we'll give you a peek behind the curtain, so you understand exactly how modular homes are designed, built, and set.

High quality custom modular home manufacturers that we team with deliver the highest quality and highly customizable modular home deliverables available on the market today. As you read on, know that our award-winning home building services span modest ranch style modular home floorplans all the way to a host of vacation-style custom modular homes.

So, what are some of the difference makers within the custom modular home industry:

Factory Construction Environment

Modular homes are built in huge warehouses that are essentially "house factories." Think about how a car is made: each part is manufactured separately and then assembled on an assembly line. This is very similar to how modular homes are built. All of the materials are pre-cut and framed, then assembled in pieces...all in a large building that keeps the materials and craftsmen warm, dry and protected from bad weather.

Your home is built in modules (hence the name "Modular") which are like individual cubes that, when put together, form the complete layout of your home. This is done so that each section is small enough and sturdy enough to be transported via truck to your property, but large enough to minimize unnecessary walls and supporting structures. It's designed to be the perfect mix of form and function, and because it's all done under one roof, there are no weather delays on your project!

Specialized Craftsmen

Just as in a car factory, each worker in a house factory is assigned a specific job; the window framer only frames windows, and the siding installer only installs siding. The carpet installer isn't asked to do shingles - they have a shingle expert for that.

This is very different from the usual "site-built" construction process, where there are usually a handful of general laborers that do many different things on any given project. They are "Jacks of All Trades, but Masters of None."

Because modular home craftsmen do the same job, day in and day out, they are VERY skilled and VERY efficient. This means that every aspect of your home is built by an expert, and they did it quickly and with very little wasted time or materials. This means less cost for you and less time waiting to start enjoying your new home!

Protected Materials

Have you ever driven past a construction site when it was raining or snowing? There are all these building materials exposed to the elements, soaking up the moisture, warping the wood, saturating the parts of the building that are meant to be protected from the weather. That can't be good for the construction materials, right?

Right. It's not good for the materials, and it could compromise the building itself.

Another benefit of building a modular home in a factory setting is that all of the materials used in your new house are protected from the elements - because they are INSIDE. That means your lumber is dry and straight when it is covered with siding or shingles, and you don't have to worry about the moisture being trapped in between.

Exact Specifications & Extra Stability

As we know, modular homes are built in modules - individual portions of a house that will be transported via truck to a homesite, then put together to create a complete house. As you can imagine, there are a LOT of logistics involved in making sure this process goes smoothly.

Modular home designers and builders must adhere to exact specifications at all times to ensure that pieces fit together properly. There is no room for mistakes, which is why there are inspections at every major point in the modular construction process. These inspections make sure that your home modules have the stability needed to be transported by truck over many miles, and will fit together seamlessly once they get to their final destination.

Setting The Pieces

The magic show really begins when your home arrives in several sections. A crane lifts up each piece off its carrier and sets it gently onto the foundation, hand-guided by the expert team at Tidewater Custom Modular Homes. Each piece is set perfectly and then fastened together for extra stability. The roof is raised and sealed, the siding is finished, and your home is now weatherproof!

Our finishing team will spend a few days on the interior of the home, stitching the carpet seams together, adding trim, finishing the drywall, connecting electric and water lines, and making sure your new home is just right for when you move in.

We may do additional construction such as porches, decks, or garages at this time as well - these will be stick-built with care and will tie into your home for s beautiful finished product.

Conclusion

It may seem like magic, but building and setting a modular home is simply a culmination of decades of research and developing better construction processes. Once you understand how and why they are built the way they are, it's hard to imagine why anyone would choose to build their home the "old way!"

If you'd like to learn more about modular homes, contact Tidewater Custom Modular Homes.

Vacation Home Living Fast and Affordable via Modular Home Construction

Are you about to make your vacation-style home living a reality? Well, today we’re going to introduce some realities to you that should get you even more excited than you are at this very moment. There is quality and value out there for new home construction, and that value can be realized through our award- winning Tidewater Custom Modular Homes!

It is important to consider the construction method that can provide you with a quality vacation style home. If you are considering building your dream home, then take a look at modular construction. Modular homes are perfect for homeowners who want to settle near mountains, lakes or ocean front.

The modular building system features homes with sturdy foundations, excellent floor plans, and high levels of insulation. They stand firm during challenging weather and can withstand heavy winds and the heavy weight of snow. Furthermore, they are far more energy efficient than traditionally built homes, a perfect shelter for all seasons. The doors and windows used in this construction are highly insulated for low thermal loss. They are also fully equipped with underfloor heating systems and offer various heating system options. Modular vacation style homes are truly an ideal home for all-season residences.

Furthermore, homeowners who want to take in the great outdoors while relaxing in their home can fully enjoy the tremendous scenic views of mountain peaks, brilliant lakes, or expansive ocean with extra large panoramic windows and doors. A customizable terrace can also be designed to serve as the perfect viewing deck. Modular homes in Williamsburg, VA can make your vacation living dream into a reality.

What are you waiting for? Contact Tidewater Custom Modular Homes to get your modular home project started.

Modular Home Construction – The Sole Answer for Rapid Home Building Delivery

If new home construction speed of delivery is important to you, modular home construction is the runaway winner to deliver for you. Let’s talk about the process.

Modular home construction involves building a functionally and aesthetically pleasing high quality home via computer-controlled manufacturing. Because the modules are all prefabricated in a highly technical and controlled factory that is not threatened by weather and other factors that hamper traditional construction methods, the promise for timely delivery of the finished product can’t be matched elsewhere.

The nature of factory building makes the modular homes in Portsmouth, VA faster to build. So when there is a need for speed, modular home construction can be your best bet. There are inspectors inside the factory so you are guaranteed that the modules are being checked for their quality as they are built. Once the modules are assembled at your chosen permanent site, the newly custom-built home will again undergo a series of inspections in order to assure you that you will be living in a home that passes standard building regulations, not just to your unique requirements.

Modular home construction also boasts its diverse selection of homes. There are separate modular floor plans for the cottage, estate , timberland, ranch, two-story, cape cod, and vacation style homes, so you can be confident that you will be able to choose one among them that best fits your personal preference, lifestyle, and, of course, budget.

To find out more about the advantages of modular home construction, contact Tidewater Custom Modular Homes.

7 Reasons You Should Choose Modular Home Dealers Over Stick-Built Custom Home Builders

For many people, building their dream house is a big milestone and one of the most exciting events in their life. From planning the structure of the house to detailing its aesthetics, you will have to make many decisions. However, one of the earliest and most important decisions that you will have to make is to choose the building method for your custom home.

You have two main choices in this regard. You can opt for the traditional stick-built home option that entails on-site construction of the house, or you can go with a reliable modular home dealer. They offer prefabricated or modular construction, meaning the house or structure is constructed and preassembled off-site, usually in a factory.

While most houses in the US are still built using the stick-built method, modular housing is getting increasingly popular because this method offers many advantages that were previously unimaginable. Scroll down to take a look at why you should consider hiring a modular home dealer instead of working with a stick-built custom home builder.

1. Modular Home Dealers Offer Faster Construction

How long does it take to build a new house?

Many people ask this question, but there is no straightforward answer to this when you choose a stick-built custom home builder to build your new house. This is because on-site construction depends on various factors. Some of these variables, like weather and the availability of construction workers, may be out of your control. Therefore, the construction of a stick-built home can be delayed.

However, that's rarely the case with modular homes. Modular homes are built in factories in a controlled environment, which means that the construction cannot be hampered due to external factors like weather. Moreover, most parts of a modular home are pre-made so the modular home dealer only has to put them together when they reach the home site. This takes considerably less time than building an on-site stick-built home.

2. Modular Housing Means Affordable & Stress-free Construction

Building your dream house should be exciting and memorable - not stressful. However, building an on-site house can be stressful for many people. Prefab homes take out the stress from the process. But that's not all - modular housing also provides various pricing levels so you can adjust the overall cost of the house according to your needs and budget. Though there are different levels of customization that can affect the cost of a prefab house, modular construction is generally the less expensive option.

It is also easier to keep track of the finances when building a modular house as compared to a stick-built house. Most people end up spending way more than they intend to when they go for a stick-built home. Luckily, that's not the case with modular homes.

3. Prefab Homes Offer Higher Energy Efficiency

Thanks to tight fit seams and windows, prefab homes are generally more energy-efficient than their stick-built counterparts. It is mainly because these houses are constructed using state of the art technology, which ensures that everything fits together perfectly!

High energy efficiency is a major plus, especially for people living in areas like West Virginia where summers are warm and winters are very cold. Prefab homes can reduce energy bills throughout the year. In other words, opting for a prefab home can save you a lot of money in the long term.

4. Modular Houses Come in All Shapes, Styles & Sizes

A common misconception about modular houses is that they offer limited style and design features. However, this is far from reality. A modular home dealer can offer you plenty of design options to choose from, and you can customize your house in any way you see fit. Whether you want a traditional or a more contemporary style - modular housing has got you covered.

While customization options are also available for stick-built houses, creating the house of your dreams is much easier when you choose to hire a modular home dealer to build your home.

5. One-Stop-Shop for All Modular Housing Needs

Modular housing is not just limited to building houses. In other words, a modular home dealer may also provide you other options like mobile homes and double-wide homes or trailers.

However, keep in mind that a modular home is not the same as a mobile home, or manufactured home. While both of them are built in off-site factories and then relocated to some other destination, modular homes are built as a permanent residence and cannot be moved around like mobile homes or manufactured homes. Regardless, a modular home dealer can help you find the perfect residence that you want!

6. Modular Housing is a Zero Waste Option

On-site construction can generate a lot of waste that must be discarded properly. Tons of construction and demolition debris is generated every year in the US alone. Fortunately, opting for a prefab house is an easy way to cut back on this debris and play your part in keeping the environment clean.

7. Prefab Homes are Safe and Highly Durable

Prefab homes are not a new concept. They have been around for decades and over the years, this type of construction has proven to be extremely safe and durable. They are just as sturdy as stick-built homes. So, whether you live in hurricane-prone areas like Florida or areas that receive a lot of rain like West Virginia, prefab homes are the ideal choice for you!

The Bottom Line

There are many reasons why choosing a modular home builder is a better option than hiring stick-built custom home builders. However, it is important to mention that not all modular home dealers are the same. Therefore, make sure you take the time to find only the best modular home dealers for your house.

If you are looking for an experienced and reliable modular home dealer, then contact Tidewater Custom Modular Homes to chat with one of our experts. We have a variety of model homes at our sales center that you can tour, all with different options, floorplans, square footage, and styles. You can walk through our models and discuss what features are important to you, where you'd like to build, and what your home will cost. We'll customize a floor plan just for you, and walk you through every step of the home buying process.

Modular Home 101: The Basis of Home Construction Superiority

Modular homes offer the new home buyer a path to the best overall value for your home building dollar. Modular home constructs are built with premium grade materials, computer-assisted crafting, and with unmatched craftsmanship. This means these homes are guaranteed to be strong and sturdy. Here are several applications as to why modular-constructed homes are far superior when compared to traditional-built houses:

• Window and door casings of our modular homes in Williamsburg, VA are fortified with metal splines in the corners
• A strong adhesive is used to fix the drywall against the wall studs and the ceiling joists
• Larger drywall sheets are applied to walls and ceilings
• In two-story structures, the ceiling of the first-floor level and the flooring of the second level are detached.
• To secure floor sheathing, they are both glued and nailed.
• Flush beams are installed into the floor system
• Double or triple perimeter joists are applied at the mating walls
• Modules are connected at the mating wall using bolts in the basement and attic
• Strapping technique is applied to the corners of the perimeter floor joists

For more information about modular homes, contact Tidewater Custom Modular Homes.

Modular Home Construction Accommodates Buyer Customization Preferences

Steadily over time, home buyers are now informed that modular home construction is not restricted in design modification. You see plenty of “cookie cutter” homes out there but they are not custom modular homes. As modular builders, it is our duty to educate homebuyers of the customization options that render modular home construction the very best value home value on the market today.

Tidewater Custom Modular Homes provides a wide array of pre-designed floor plans which can be further customized according to needs and preferences. Customization of modular floor plans can satisfy the specific needs of the household. We plan and design closely with our clients to ensure their hopes and expectations are met or even better, are exceeded. Building dream homes is what we do and we can only do this with our clients input. From there, allowing homebuyers to custom-design homes and apply their unique ideas helps us to create an extraordinary home layout.

If you are going to build your dream home in 2019, consider modular construction. Contact Tidewater Custom Modular Homes, we will assist you in creating a floor plan that best suits your needs and home style.