Frequently Asked Questions

Modular homes are built in sections in a factory setting, indoors, where they are never subjected to adverse weather conditions. The sections move through the factory, with the company’s quality control department checking them after every step. Finished modules are covered for protection, then transported to your home site. They are placed on a pre-made foundation, joined, and completed by your local retailer or builder. An RTM (ready-to-move) home is the same thing, only built in one piece. Many manufacturers build RTM homes out doors, but all of our product is built in factories.

Construction costs for a modular home are sometimes less per square foot than for a similar site-built home. And there are other cost-saving features: Many modular homes are very energy efficient, which helps reduce your heating and cooling costs. Your home will probably be ready to move into much sooner than if you wait for a builder to construct a house on-site.

No, and unless you were there to see the house delivered and assembled, you might not guess it’s a modular home. Manufacturers uses computer aided design programs to draw plans to your specifications, or to modify one of their standard plans to suit your needs. So nearly any home plan can be turned into a modular home. It’s true that some modulars can be basic and resemble double-wide manufactured homes, but the two structures are still built in different ways.

Manufactured homes are built in a factory setting, under the same kind of conditions as a modular home. Previously referred to as “mobile homes”, these self-contained units are built to the same standards as all housing, and are normally constructed on a frame. Once completed, they are transported to your home site and placed on piling, blocking, or pre-made foundation, and completed by your local retailer or builder.

The two major differences between modular and manufactured homes are: The interior wall finish – modulars are drywalled, taped, and painted – manufactured homes are finished with vipsum (vinyl covered gypsum), with the option of upgrading to painted drywall. Foundation – modular homes are normally placed on a basement or perimeter foundation (crawl space) – manufactured homes are normally designed to be placed on blocking or piling support underneath the frame. There are exceptions to either style of home, and can be built to suit your requirements.

Yes, Banks, appraisers, and insurance companies treat modular homes the same way they do site-built homes, and have standard mortgages that apply to manufactured homes as well. Ask the mortgage brokers, and banks in your area to explain how they finance modular or manufactured homes.

Establish a set of minimum requirements and a “wish list.” Minimum requirements are things that a house must have for you to consider it, while a “wish list” covers things that you would like to have, but aren’t essential. In addition, consider the following:

• What does the price include?
• Are appliances included?
• Does the house have a warranty/service program?
• Do you like the floor plan?
• Will your furniture fit in the space?
• Is there enough storage space?

When you buy a newly constructed, home, condominium or townhouse, the entire purchase price (or project cost) including land is taxable, but it may qualify for a partial GST rebate, depending on the sale price. For homes costing $350,000 or less, you will receive a rebate of 36% of the GST paid, to a maximum of $8,750. That means you will pay approximately 3.5% GST (not 5%) on the purchase price. New homes selling for $450,000 or more do not qualify for a GST rebate. The GST rebate program is for any new housing project, including modular and manufactured homes. You can only apply once for any new home project/purchase, and you have 2 years to file for the rebate. For more information and forms, see the website at www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/gp/rc4028/