OUR MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the difference between a Mobile and Modular home?
Mobile Home:
A factory built housing unit built prior to June 15, 1976, before the Housing and Urban Development Code came into effect (example: 1975 singlewide or doublewide home).
Manufactured Home:
A factory built housing unit built to meet or exceed the Housing and Urban Development Code that came into effect June 15, 1976 (example: 1976 singlewide or doublewide home built after June 15th). These homes require a steel undercarriage for transport and structural support. The steel undercarriage must stay in place.
Panelized Home:
Factory built housing panels that contain doors, windows, and wiring that are built to meet or exceed the state and local building codes where the panels are to be assembled on site.
Modular Home:
A factory built housing unit that is certified to meet or exceed the state and local building codes. A steel undercarriage is used for transport only and is removed where the home is permanently installed. This is a home that is stick built in a factory, and is installed on a basement or crawl space.
How do the Modular Home manufacturers work?
They work through a network of independent builders within the states of Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin. None of our homes are sold "factory direct". The independent "authorized builders" are there to assist you throughout the building process. B&L Homes can do the complete general contracting, (so all you have to do is move in), or they can simply act as project managers to help you find the qualified subcontractors necessary to complete a typical Modular Home. Whatever way you decide to go, B&L Homes is there to help you through the process.
How do I get pricing?
All of the pricing is obtained through the builder, B&L Homes. We need to meet you at your building site in order to get the best possible service during and after the completion of your new home. Final pricing is done by the builder after a site evaluation. There are so many variables in the site work for a new home that working with B&L Homes is essential to the successful completion of your new home. There is no other accurate way for any builder to give you pricing on your new home other than to go to your building site and access the site conditions. You can certainly get estimates from builders before you purchase your building site, but none will really hold true if your builder hasn't done a site evaluation.
Can I do some of the work or general contract the home myself?
Yes, some of B&L Homes' customers are qualified to do some, or all, of the general contracting themselves. Check with your lender to make sure they will allow you to be your own general and then work out the details with us. Many lenders are allowing it with Modular Homes because the quality standards and cost controls are so much better than with site built construction. B&L Homes can follow all of your projects through to completion to insure the subcontractors give you accurate estimates and know the proper timing of when their work fits in to the total project. The items that will be completed or contracted by you will be itemized as "by owner" on the construction agreement.
Can I make changes to the plans?
Yes, some of our companies will build to suit you. Except the Richmond series. Our M Series (ranch style homes) have the best flexibility of any we offer. Our cape cods offer excellent flexibility too, but there are certain changes that we can't accommodate. Our two story homes are our most difficult designs to change. We will consult with you on any ideas to be sure they're workable. The Richmond series encompasses our duplex and triplex plans and those are "no change" plans as they are shown. Porches, decks, garages, breezeways, and other additions are built on site and the possibilities are endless. Computer Assisted Drafting with AAH floor plans allow changes with just a few clicks of the mouse. Also included with this new technology is a virtual reality application that will let you view what your new dream home will look like from various angles inside and out. B&L Homes will work with you to get the plan and the options as close to perfect as you can before submitting the initial order. B&L Homes will work you through the process to design the home that's just right for your site.
When does the builder get involved?
We encourage you to consult with B&L Homes even before you purchase your building site. We can help guide you to the best available building sites in the area you intend to build. B&L Homes can help you select and customize the plan that will best fit the site.
What about service?
Probably the most important reason we work through a builder network is after the sale service. We all know that nothing is perfect and there will be items that need attention after you move in. B&L Homes will be there to determine the course of action for all your service needs. Some things will be covered by your builder, some by local subcontractors, some by the product manufacturer, some by All American, and some by your home owners insurance. Whatever the case, we are there to review the problem and work with you to get it resolved.
What about handicap features?
Many of our Modular Home floor plans can be modified for handicapped accessibility.
How long does it take to get a new home delivered from B&L Homes?
Once a completed order is received, accepted and acknowledged by the manufacturer, a tentative delivery date can be assigned. Under normal circumstances, delivery can be made in 4-6 weeks from the date. At peak demand, lead times may increase. However, with most modular plants, long lead times are the exception rather than the rule. As your home is being manufactured, B&L Homes will have your site prepared for the home.
How does the quality of a Modular Home compare to a "stick built" home?
A Modular Home is "stick built!" In fact, the building materials and methods used are equal to or better than other stick built (site built) homes. Because Modular Homes are built in a controlled indoor environment, they can maintain a greater degree of control and consistency over our quality. An independent, third party inspection agency, insures your home is built according to state and national building codes.
Are Modular Homes more energy efficient than a site built home?
YES. Because Modular Homes are built from "the inside out," they have access to areas that a site builder does not. An example, electrical outlets and drywall are applied prior to the exterior sheathing, they can be caulked around the electrical outlets to prevent air infiltration. This is just one of the many energy efficient features of a Modular Home.
Do Modular Homes comply with all the building codes?
YES. Modular Homes are built to comply with nationally accepted building codes including BOCA Basic Building, Plumbing and Mechanical Code, as well as the National Electric Code.
Can I tour the facility to see how my home will be built?
YES. We encourage you to visit any of the factory facilities and take a personalized tour. Simply call B&L Homes at 319-986-2294 or email us at
info@bandlhomes.com.
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