Modular Homes VA Blog
Understanding How Modular Home Construction Loans Work
First, a construction loan for a modular home will carry a greater interest rate than a standard mortgage, because it is actually a line of credit and will cover only as much of the cost of building your modular home as been determined in advance. We recently posted an article about how mortgage loans differ between traditional built homes to modular homes. Well we wanted to break apart from that article (so to speak) in an effort to explain how construction loans work in your modular home building experience.
What Construction Loans For Modular Homes Won't Cover
You'll need to find other ways to finance the early stages of your modular home instruction, including soil and perk tests, building plans, and your site plan, which must be approved by your municipal zoning board before you will be have access to the funds from your construction loan for a modular home.
How Construction Loans For Modular Homes Are Disbursed
None of the work being done on your modular home will be paid for until your lender has had it inspected, and when a particular phase of the construction has been completed and met inspection standards, payment will be made directly to the suppliers and subcontractors. If you need to ask for more payments than the number to which your lender originally agreed, you may be charged an additional fee for each extra payment.
Qualifying For Construction Loans For Modular Homes
Like traditional mortgages, construction loans for modular homes may require you to come up with a down payment. The chances of this will be higher if you are requesting a very large loan, or don't own the lot on which your home will be constructed. But there are lenders of construction loans for modular homes who will give 100% financing even if the person building the home doesn't own the lot outright.
Feel free to contact us today if you have any questions about modular home construction. Or even if you want to take a look at our inventory of beautifully built homes. We are more than happy to help any individual in regards to modular homes.
Is There A Difference Between Modular Home Loans From Traditional Mortgages?
If your dream is to build a modular home on your land, you may be wondering what kind of mortgage you will need to achieve it. In this case a modular home loan is different from a typical mortgage. The most common mortgage for people building a new home on their land is a Construction to Mortgage loan, or Construction to Permanent loan. As the name implies, the loan starts out as a construction loan until the modular home has been placed on your land and it has been completed and inspected. At this point, the loan can be converted into a more traditional mortgage.
When looking for a lender for a modular home loan it is advisable to find an agent that has some experience in this type of mortgage. For one thing, there are still some lenders that are unclear on the difference between a modular home, manufactured home, or mobile home. Overall, many more agents have become aware of the difference and even point out to their peers that they have worked with modular homes and have found many to be superior to stick built homes. So even if you do run across a lender that is not familiar with modular home loans you should not be discouraged. There are plenty of qualified lenders that are very knowledgeable and would love to have your business.
One unique thing about modular home loans which makes it important to have a lender that has experience in this type of loan is that the payment schedule must include a payment to the manufacturer for the total amount of the home at the time it is delivered to the home site. This is only a portion of your total cost, but generally the manufacturer will not release the house to be set on the foundation until it is paid for in full. As long as the bank is aware of this and has provided for it in the payment schedule this should not pose any problems. There are many banks that have extensive experience dealing with modular home loans. Some seem to favor the builder more, some the home buyer. Ideally, the loan should allow payments to the builder in a timely manner so he has the money he needs to complete each step of the process, but still leave the builder with the proper incentive to finish the job on your timetable.
TC Modular Has The Safest Built Modular Homes Around
Our modular construction is safe and sturdy, and is more resistant to natural forces because of precision cuts that are fit and fastened in the factory. The construction technology for modular homes calls for glue-nailed sheathing and decking plus additional framing members which makes modular most likely to endure nature's onslaughts. The structure has to withstand being hoisted by crane and hauled on carriers over roads. The motion and forces that the structure is put under during these processes exceeds that of healthy earthquakes.
We ensure that our modular homes are built with high safety standards in accordance with federal laws requiring smoke detectors, escape windows and incombustible materials around furnaces and kitchen ranges. Our modular homes assure the buyer that all electrical, plumbing, mechanical and structures are built to a HUD national code, which exceeds any local standards. Stick- built homes are sometimes constructed in areas where local building codes may be less, and the safety of the homeowner and family may be compromised. We make sure our modular homes are built in a safe environment and according to HUD standards. We go above and beyond to make sure you have the home of your dreams.
If you have any concerns or questions about modular construction or if you would like to come and take a look at our inventory feel free to contact us. As stated above we take pride in our safety standards to ensure that your home is built with the finest materials while keeping the look of quality and simplicity.
Three Beautiful Modular Homes For Those Thinking About Downsizing
People downsize for a host of reasons. The most common being the simple fact that our kids have moved on and we simply don’t need that much home to manage, clean, and pay taxes on. Also, downsizing, particularly into an affordable custom modular home frees up investment dollars to improve the quality of your life. Let us introduce to you three superb custom modular floor plans that serve as perfect downsizing options.
First, consider the “TIMBERLAND I” ( Single Level Ranch). It has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 1510 SQ.FT. The Timberland I is a single level ranch style home which includes a master suite and two bedrooms with adjoining bath, Flexibility abounds including the options of a TV/family room or private dining room off the large kitchen. Lost restrictions are not a problem as the Timberland I is designed with narrow lots in mind.
For those of you who don’t want to give rooms of furniture away when you downsize, consider the “TIMBERLAND II”, a Cape Cod style home with an unfinished 2nd Floor. It offers 1 bedroom, 1 1/2 Baths, and 1132 SQ.FT. The Timberland II maintains a distinctive curb appeal while significantly reducing the overall footprint of this master-down charmer. A 12/12 roof with shed dormers affords growing families the opportunity to complete the upper level as their needs and means allow.
Finally, one home sure to please, “ THE POPLAR” (single level ranch). It offers 3 bedrooms, 2 Baths, and 1207 SQ.FT. A magnificent kitchen/dining room combination highlights The Poplar. The optional bump-out window enhances the home’s appeal. Three bedrooms and two full baths complete the design of this ranch home.
These are just a few of the more popular smaller homes in our inventory. We’d love to show them all to you. >
A Brief History Of Modular Construction
Ever wonder how modular construction came about? Modular homes can be designed from colonial style to estate style homes.
Modular buildings are also called pre-fabricated buildings. Modular construction began near the end of World War II but really took off in the 1950's. As soldiers came home, housing demand rose. Stick built construction could not keep up, so a new way of building was created, modular construction. Modular building has stood the test of time.
Of course, modular construction has evolved over time. Today's modular buildings can be any number of modules.
As the demands of homeowners have increased, the ability to customize modular homes has also expanded. Custom modular homes have become the norm.
For information on Custom Modular Homes, contact us.
Thinking Of Buying A New Custom Home? Make Sure You Have A Budget Plan
The development of a household budget is a must activity both before you build a home as well as during your ownership of that home. By preparing a budget you can better focus on mortgage payment goals and how the new house will affect your total expenses. Maintaining a budget during the time you own the home can help to prevent potential financial disasters as well as point you in a money saving direction so you have more funds available for those things that you need or want. Some of the items and information you will need to develop your budget are:- All current monthly loan payments.
- All other monthly expenses
- Records of variable expenses from the last 12 months. This will give you an estimate of your monthly expenditures.
- Records of annual or semi-annual expenses
- An estimate of what your new mortgage payment will be.
- Records of other non-fixed expenses for the last year.
- Records or an estimate of personal expenses
- Having a current copy of your credit report can be very helpful. Not only will it reveal any inaccuracies in your credit history, it will also give you a clear picture your monthly obligations. You can get a free copy of your Credit Report once every year at the official credit report government site.
Once you have prepared your budget the next step is to look for the dream home of your choice and what better way than to use a Tidewater Customer Modular home as your choice? Contact us today to see our floor plans and how we can help to make your home a reality.
TC Modular's Popular Homes Include The Ranch And Cape Cod Styles
Every Tidewater Custom modular home is carefully crafted and tailor made to the precise requirements and specifications of the consumer. Our floor plan design process starts with a host of different home styles and floor plan templates that we customize in close consult with our clients. Two of our most popular styles are the Cape Cod and Ranch style homes.
Ranch: This type of modular differs quite significantly from the Cape Cod variety, whereas the Cape Cod variety features a second story to the home, the Ranch does not. The Ranch style home offers a horizontal (vice vertical) orientation. The emphasis here is about effective usage of space rather than large rooms, and one of the most readily identifiable aspects of this type of modular home is the notable presence of a basement. Ranches are also very popular among families, as the generous number of bedrooms makes it far easier to accommodate the children.
Cape Cod: This particular style of modular home features warm wooden flooring and stairs as a prerequisite, along with a carefully sloping roof, which will feature any number of dormer windows and will tend to make use of a rather minimal footprint. Complete with large-scale garden and greenery both from the front and back of the home, these types of modular home feature at a minimum, 1000 square feet of floor space. Given that they tend to include a maximum of two bedrooms, they may not be well suited for large families; Perfect for a couple or even a vacation home.
View the variety of Cape Cod and Ranch style custom modular home floor plans (along with a host of other types) and then speak to us about customization options that will deliver you a truly unique and enjoyable home for life.
Floor Plans And Custom Design Plans; The Possibilities Are Endless
We like to offer a wide variety of floor plans for our customers and because of this our customers usually find the floor plan that directly matches their needs. Some of our customers choose to customize floor plans and we are happy to work with you toward this end. We enjoy being a part of our customer's dream for a magnificently built modular home. If you select one of our standard modular home plans, it will save you time and simplify the home building decision process since the design, engineering, and pricing have already been done by us. If you're having trouble selecting a floor plan, then you’ve come to the right place. We would like to share with you some insider tips to select a floor plan that is right for you.
When looking through our selection of modular home plans, do not be misled by the pairing of modular home floor plans and exterior drawings into thinking that you cannot make adjustments. In fact, each of our floor plans for modular homes can have a multitude of exterior looks, and each exterior look can be applied to many different modular house floor plans. All of our standard modular home plans typically include a floor plan and an exterior elevation. The modular floor plans show the location and size of each room, while the elevations provide an idea of what the finished house will look like on the outside. You can adjust the slope of the roof, add dormers and decorative gables, and opt for over-sized roof overhangs if you choose, regardless of what you see in the drawing. There are a multitude of additional items you can add to your modular home.
If you don't find any suitable modular home floor plans amongst the sampling we have put on our web site, please don't hesitate to contact us and discuss what type of plan would better fit your needs. After all, we don’t have “custom” in our name for nothing. If none of our standard floor plans for modular homes work for you, we'll be happy to help you design one of our custom modular home floor plans. We will also work with you on your custom design. If you already had an idea of what you wanted your dream home to look like, then we can sit down with you and discuss if it can be made modular. If your modular house floor plans cannot be built as a modular home, we will help you design one of our custom modular home plans offering similar features. We can get as close as possible for your dream home creation.
Tidewater Custom Modular Homes works with all of its customers to ensure happiness and quality in its design. Remember, we won’t be offended if you are not interested in our floor plans, we will work with you to design your home. Contact us today to get started on your dream home.
Creating A Lifestyle Through Custom Modular
What defines custom modular home lifestyle? Anything and everything you like. The whole idea of a home has escaped from the suburban cliches and the old commuter lifestyle. If you want a home or office, built economically, built faster, built stronger, and from an environmentally friendly process, then custom modular homes are your solution. TC Modular Homes is building dream style homes.
We help with the lifestyle and design from the start
Lifestyle is now a matter of choice. New modular home technology provides for much more flexible home designs. It is now possible (in fact easy) to design your own lifestyle, and build it in to your new home. Even the architectural concepts have changed. Modern architecture is now an interesting mix of possibilities, including open plan and the more conventional styles of home design. That created a lot of conceptual space for people who want custom home designs. Customization allows a far wider, almost modular, form of home design. It also allows for much better use of land space. Multi story and split level designs are easily available, with additional features including detached bedrooms, and other innovations.
We work within plans, career, and family needs
The news gets better. With Tidewater Custom Modular, you can totally control your planning options. This will be fun and introduce you to a host of new ideas and possibilities. Lifestyle does begin at home, and if there is anything you've always wanted in a home, this is where you can find it. This new approach is revolutionizing suburbia. Many of the new houses you see being built are customized. That is why they look so impressive, and have so many features built in. It's also why the interiors are so different. The new custom home is a result of new design technology and new building and architectural concepts. Ironically, these new houses are actually cheaper, and easier to maintain, than the older homes they are replacing.
We can help provide the lifestyle you want
Do you want a fully modern home with all the amenities? You got it, and you can add more. Would you like a design for a growing family? No problem. Just want some space, and a good open plan place where you can have your home office or studio and somewhere to relax? Easy. How about incorporating a nice games room and maybe a home theater room? Simple, and you can add some guest rooms while you're at it. Custom in our name isn’t just for show, its what we do. Check out some of our featured floor plans, or contact us today to get more information on building a custom modular home.
Custom Modular Home Additions
In the past adding a new addition your home usually meant a long difficult process from start to finish of the project. A new concept in adding on to an existing home is to add a modular upgrade. Regardless of whether your home was originally designed and constructed modularly, it can more than likely be upgraded or expanded utilizing a modular addition. You've looked at all the possibilities, gotten your estimates, but when you look at the figures on the page you instantly go into shock thinking there's no way you'll ever be able to afford the addition to your home.Modular construction to the rescue; Most homes regardless of their original type of construction module or old school conventional construction can be expanded modularly if the right plan is implemented. We are more than happy to work with existing home owners to make their dreams come true. Implementing the right plan begins with you and your idea of what you want in a home addition. Once you have in mind how you want to expand your home and where you want the expansion to occur you need to make a few notes to keep the idea fresh.
All of our local additions and modular building plans meet all existing local building codes, which will usually be a plus in the cost department for you. Allowing us to know what your idea is helps in whether or not we are able to modify your existing home.
Adding the addition modularly will ultimately save time and money in the overall construction process. Your addition will be constructed off site then hauled to the location and put into place. This cuts down on overall disruption to your day to day living. Helps to keep the neighbors happy, and minimizes the inevitable damage to surrounding landscaping. So if it's time for a new home addition, make it a modular upgrade. Contact us today to find out how you can get started on reinventing your home now.