Links
-New Jersey Registered New Home Builders List
http://www.state.nj.us/dca/divisions/codes/publications/registered_builders.html
Searchable and current database of businesses registered to build new homes in New Jersey. Shows current
status of registration (ie: registered, suspended, revoked)
-NTA Inc.
http://www.ntainc.com/
Website of third-party inspection company used for inspection of all homes built in 4-U Corporation's modular
homes factory. Federally recognized company now reaching an international level on inspection.
-2/10 Home Buyers Warranty
http://www.2-10.com/
Website for the warranty that comes with all homes built in 4-U Corporation's modular homes factory. Information
on coverage, homeowner tips, and more.
-International Code Council
http://www.iccsafe.org/Pages/default.aspx
Website of umbrella organization for all building codes used by 4-U Corporation.
-State of New Jersey Housing Loan Information
http://www.state.nj.us/dca/home/housing.html
Information provided by the State of New Jersey on available mortgage programs for financing a new home.
-Lowes
http://www.lowes.com/
One stop shop for all home improvement needs.
-Home Depot
http://www.homedepot.com
Another great source of home improvement materials and resources.
-Anti-Modular Home Article - Beware!
http://www.jetsongreen.com/2008/09/prefab-is-not-t.html
An anti-modular homes article posted on a modular homes website? What gives? It is very important to be aware of the claims made my many, including the author of this article, about modular homes. The modular homes industry has also gone through many changes since its popularization in the late 20th century. A few important points should be made aware to readers, however.
The author fails to mention one of the most important "Claims to Greatness" of modular homes - they are built indoors. A conventionally built home can be left out to the rain, snow, sun, and elements for months before being weather-tight. This is not the case with modular homes, and 4-U Corporation seals all homes weather-tight the day they are set on the foundation. The added possibility of theft is another deterrent from conventionally built homes, where valuable materials are left out in the open during construction until it is secured, far into the conventional building process.
The cost of modular homes is not more expensive than conventional building. Some factories might make a more expensive product, but mass production in any factory wasn't started because it is more expensive. Buying anything in bulk allows you to get it cheaper. The saved time of constructing the home inside a factory also directly influences the cost of your home. A better way the author could have approached price might have been to give examples of some situations where the cost savings of a modular home might not be as great as in normal cases, or to give specific examples. Sites like Rebuild New Jersey and Modular Home Owners give realistic ideas of the numbers to be expected from modular homes (~$100 per square foot) (Another response article with good comments). The cost of our homes are always based in this more realistic range. This is a completed price - ie: moved in, cost of mortgage, often including the lot. Lot prices do vary substantially, however, but our price per square foot (lot not included) will not increase if the lot is more expensive.
It is important to give attention where it is due, however, and realize that in almost every case, the factory and the builder finishing your home are separate companies. The amount of time it takes to finish a modular home will vary just as much by builder as it will vary in the case of conventionally building a home. The point of a factory, however, is to make things faster and cheaper. The author does not explain what makes modular homes slower. The time spent waiting for a lot to be cleared and a foundation to be installed before building can be started in the conventional case do not exist in modular homes. While this might end up being a trivial portion of the wait for a new home if a builder takes 6 months to finish the modular, it still exists. In 4-U Corporation's case, we average between 1 and 2 months to finish a home after it hits the foundation. Waiting for a conventional home to be built would at least double this time.
The author does hit the point, that GCs (general contractors, aka builders) are often the cause of price hiking, right on the head. Builders are often the cause of lengthy, drawn out building processes that add to payments on your construction loan and make it take longer before you can move into your new home. 4-U Corporation is the solution to all of these problems. Combining the best of both worlds, we bring the factory to your doorstep by being the factory that builds your home and the builder that finishes it.
We encourage you to bring any questions or concerns about modular homes directly to us! The internet is full of mystery and wonder, and we don't like it. We like clean cut, easy to understand processes. This is everything you'll get when you build a home with 4-U Corporation, plus more. We hope to hear from you soon!
