Frequently Asked Questions
- General
- What are systems-built homes?
- More people are familiar with the term "modular" than "systems-built" when describing a home that is built off-site and trucked to its permanent foundation. The short answer is that systems-built, modular, and pre-fab all mean basically the same thing. The common misconception is that a site-built home is better than a home built off-site.
The truth is that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) confirmed that modular/off-site homes withstood a hurricane far better than site-built housing. In its report "Building Performance: Hurricane Andrew in Florida," assessment teams from FEMA concluded that modular homes withstood the 131-155 mph winds of the Category 4 storm in August of 1992 far better than site-built housing. You may obtain a copy of this publication by contacting FEMA's distribution center at 1-800-480-2520 and requesting publication number FIA-22. Additional information is available at the FEMA site, FEMA publication file FIA-22.
Systems-built homes are built in a manufacturing facility and consist of anywhere from 2 to 7 modules for typical homes up to 3,000 square feet. Modular homes come in all shapes and sizes. In June of 2007 All American Homes built a home in Marblehead, Ohio that was 16 modules and 6,500 square feet! The completed home was nearly 10,000 square feet when counting the finished basement.
The modules are transported to a job site 70-90% complete. Once the home reaches the job site, the modules are lifted onto the home's foundation by crane. A finish crew will then complete the home by tying in the roof sections, siding and interior finish. After the home is set, your builder may complete additional features such as garages, porches and decks. Want to see how it's done? View our construction video
- Is a modular home the same as a manufactured home?
- Absolutely not. A manufactured home is built on a steel frame with wheels. The home is hauled to its site, placed on blocks or a foundation and the wheels are then removed. A manufactured home is not considered "real property," is not insured or appraised the same as a modular or stick-built home and comes with a title, much the same as a car or truck. Manufactured homes usually depreciate in value over time, unlike stick-built and modular homes which generally appreciate and are considered good investments. Manufactured homes are often referred to as "trailer homes" or "double-wides."
- Why should I choose an All American home over a stick-built home?
- There are three main considerations most homebuyers face after they acquire their land and decide on the look and floor plan of their new home-the price, quality and the speed of construction.
Controlled Environment
Every All American home is built inside our climate controlled facilities. You’ll never have to worry about your unfinished home being exposed to the elements during the construction process. There are no weather related delays, and our crews don’t have to rush to finish a job before bad weather hits.
Higher Quality Standards
In addition to building attractive homes with great floor plans, it is the quality of an All American home that sets it apart from conventional construction. Your home is built indoors in a controlled environment by highly trained craftsmen with stringent quality control standards in place. Every home is engineered to meet or exceed all state and local building codes. We even offer a limited 10-year structural warranty on our homes.
Move In Faster
All American Homes can often deliver a home just weeks after receiving an order thanks to our Parallel Construction™ - your on-site work is completed while your home is being built, simultaneously, in one of our construction facilities. Parallel Construction can also save you money with a shorter construction loan. A few weeks later, you could be moving into your new home. This efficiency is simply not possible with a site-built home.
- How can I purchase an All American Home?
- We have a large network of independent All American Homes builders serving most states. These builders are trained professionals that will walk you through each step of the construction process. To locate a builder, use our Builder Locator.
- Will I have a wide range of home styles to choose from?
- Yes! All American Homes offers floorplans in 1, 1 1/2 story and 2 story designs in a variety of styles. Select from our traditional homes ranging from 1,000 square feet to 3,500 square feet, Ameri-Log homes made from cedar logs showcasing the natural warmth of wood, or Solar Village homes which can generate low to zero energy bills and used eco friendly construction methods.
Visit our Floorplan Center to view the styles and floorplans.
- Is the warranty transferable when the home is sold?
- Our warranty is transferable to new owners as long as the home has not been moved from its original basement or crawlspace foundation.
- I'm looking for a specific home you offer, where can I see one?
- Locate a builder in your area using the Builder Locator. If a builder has model homes, they will be listed. You may also view models at some of our construction facilities.
Before you make a trip to see a model, call the builder or plant to confirm that the model is open on the date you plan to visit and confirm the model location as well as driving directions.
- Where can I find construction material to match my completed All American Home?
- Use the "Home Owners Ask a Question" form on this page to locate materials matching those used in your home.
- Construction
- How long does it take to build an All American home?
- All American Homes can often deliver a home just weeks after receiving an order. A few weeks later you can be moving in to your new home. The construction process is much faster thanks to our Parallel Construction™ - your site work is being completed while your home is simultaneously built in one of our construction facilities. This efficiency is simply not possible with a site built home.
- What about additional features such as garages and decks?
- Many All American homes include porches and garages as part of the modules delivered from our construction facilities. If this is not the case with the home you've selected, your independent builder will handle construction of the porch, garage, deck or other features required to complete your new home.
- Can you build on an existing foundation?
- In general yes. However, there are situations when an existing foundation is not suitable for modular construction methods. To determine if it is possible to build on your site you need to contact an independent All American Homes builder in your area. You can locate a builder using our Builder Locator. They would be able to answer your question in further detail.
- Can you build on pilings?
- Yes. Many different styles of foundations are suitable for modular construction. Check with your independent All American Homes builder for details in your market. You can locate a builder using our Builder Locator.
- Can you build from plans other than your own?
- Yes. Custom homes are possible with All American Homes. You need to contact an independent All American Homes builder in your area. You can locate a builder using our Builder Locator They would be able to answer your questions in further detail.
- Can you do modular room additions?
- A modular room addition is treated like a custom home. Contact an independent All American Homes builder in your area. You can locate a builder using our Builder Locator They would be able to answer your questions in further detail.
- Can we buy directly from the factory?
- No. We only sell homes to independent builders on contract with All American Homes. If you are interested in getting more information on how to become a builder please fill out the Become a Builder form and a member of our sales team will contact you.
- Can a modular home be moved once it is placed on its permanent foundation?
- Yes. But it is often a very difficult process. All American Homes are not designed to be moved once placed/installed on their permanent foundation. We don't recommend that you move one once it is in place. Moving an All American home from its original foundation voids the limited 10-year structural warranty.
- How complete are your homes when delivered?
- A simple ranch home may arrive 85% complete or more. More complicated homes may require more on-site finish work and may arrive 70% or more complete.
- Can we source our appliances, flooring, cabinets, etc elsewhere?
- Since we only sell homes to independent All American Homes builders, you would need to address this question with your builder. Typically, you would not be able to source components elsewhere and have them installed in our factories. For example, if you wanted a special countertop or range that was not available through the factory, we would ship the home without these components. It would be up to you and your builder to make arrangements for shipping and installation of the special items at the job site.
- Builder
- How do I find my local independent All American Home Builder?
- You can locate a builder using our Builder Locator. Before visiting a builder, we recommend you call to confirm their hours and location.
- There is not a builder in my area. Do I have any other options?
- If no builder is listed on our Builder Locator for your area you may still be able to get an All American Home by calling the plant that would supply the home in your area. Another option is to contact the closest builder to your area and see if there is some way for them to assist you.
Delivering quality service is important to All American Homes and its independent builder network. If a home site is too far to make delivering good service practical, then the builder and/or the plant may decline to build the home.
- Pricing
- What is the cost of a specific home?
- Because of the many variables in building a home it is not possible to provide specific pricing here on our website. Factors such as building codes, transportation laws and site preparation vary from state to state and site to site. In addition, each home owner has their own unique list of features and options that they want in their new home. For these reasons pricing is only available from an independent builder.
- What is the "ball park" price of your homes?
- You can use the following general guidelines to help you estimate what your home costs will be. Traditional style homes, which include the Builder’s Choice Collection and the Classic Collection, start as low as $60/square foot*. Ameri-Log homes start as low as $84/square foot*. Solar Village homes start as low as $140/square foot*.
*The stated cost per square foot is for general reference only. Floorplan selection, options and other additions will increase the cost per square foot. Costs do not include property.
- Plants
- Do I need to make an appointment for a plant tour?
- Public tours are scheduled on a regular basis. Please contact the plant you wish to visit to see when their next public open house is scheduled. Special arrangements can also be made for individuals that desire to see the plant. Visit the Construction facilities page for information on each of the plants. You may also tour model homes located at an independent builder. Use the Builder Locator to find the closest builder to you.
- Where are the All American Homes construction facilities located?
- Floorplans/Literature
- Where can I get literature?
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