The Smart Cottage from Oak Creek Homes

Our Smart Cottage Home Line is a modern take on the tiny home.  Smarter in design, construction, energy-efficiency, and pricing. Bigger and better than a typical tiny home. More space to comfortably spread your wings, drink in the view, and relax – without bumping into a ceiling, wall, or somebody else!

Smart Cottages are classic in design and can be customized to fit your needs. They’re great for a lake home, beach home, ranch home, retirement home, millennial modern home, backyard guest house, farmhouse, empty nesters, or anyone downsizing.

Smart Choices

You can choose 1-2 bedrooms, 1-2 baths, and a 14′, 16′, 18′, or 26′ width.  You can also choose your cabinet color, flooring, and exterior colors. Plus, the floor plan that best fits your family’s needs and budget.

Smart Construction

Smart Cottage Homes can be built to many building codes to fit municipal requirements. They can be built as a mobile home, manufactured home, or modular home, and even put on stilts for coastal areas. They’re well-built and hold their value. See the quality materials we use. Take a tour inside our factory to see how a Smart Cottage is built.

Smart Standard Features

Many high-quality specifications in construction come standard in every Smart Cottage: Ceiling fans in the living room and primary bedroom, 8′ covered front porch with swing, ceramic tile, solid wood cabinets, wood crown molding, vaulted ceilings, 60″ showers, Smart Panel Siding with a 50-year warranty, and the list goes on. 

Smart Customization

Smart Cottages can be customized to fit your needs. You can add a rear deck, clerestory window bump outs in the Primary Bedroom, and Smart Technology features like a keyless entry lock, smart lighting control, a smart security light with camera, smart thermostat, or smart smoke alarms.

Smart Floor Plans

There are 15 different Smart Cottage Home floor plans to choose from! Flip through our Floor Plan Guide and choose your favorite! Here are the current models available:

• Starling D40EP8
• Sandpiper D44EP8
• Mockingbird D50EP8
• Robin D56EP8
• Egret J40EP8
• Heron J50EP8
• Eagle J56FP8
• Falcon L40EP8

SEE pictures of all our Smart Cottage Homes. Discover which you like best!

Contact us to Schedule a Visit or Virtual Tour

Smart Cottage Homes are built at our Oak Creek Homes Factory in Ft. Worth Texas. Manufactured home builder Oak Creek Homes has been building manufactured houses, and modular houses for over 50 years. You can buy a Smart Cottage at any of our 18 Oak Creek Home Centers across Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.

The post Live Smarter with a Smart Cottage Home! appeared first on Oak Creek Homes.

SNEAK PEEK! Josh Kenck with Oak Creek Homes shows us the 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲: 𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗻. When we first introduced this 2 bed, 2 bath, 966 sqft. home with prototype pictures, you blew up our social media pages. A few things have been tweaked since then, and the updated Falcon version has just rolled out of our plant. It’s still not setup and trimmed, but we wanted to give you a quick tour highlighting it’s unique features!

Stay tuned for more updates and pictures as we track it’s journey. Once Smart Cottage: Falcon is decorated, we’ll take you on another tour In the meantime indulge in our entire Smart Cottage line here: https://oakcreek.homes/smartcottages.

Smart Cottages are built by Oak Creek Homes at our state of the art facility in Ft. Worth, TX. Smart Cottage homes can be built as either a manufactured home or modular home. This modern day tiny house offers more comfortable and smarter designed spacing, energy efficiency and pricing than the traditional tiny home. Smart Cottage homes can be purchased through any of our 18 Oak Creek Home Centers across Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. 

Contact us to setup a visit to see or virtually tour of any of other Smart Cottage Homes

The post *NEW* Smart Cottage: Falcon appeared first on Oak Creek Homes.

SNEAK PEEK! Josh Kenck with Oak Creek Homes shows us the 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲: 𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗻. When we first introduced this 2 bed, 2 bath, 966 sqft. home with prototype pictures, you blew up our social media pages. A few things have been tweaked since then, and the updated Falcon version has just rolled out of our plant. It’s still not setup and trimmed, but we wanted to give you a quick tour highlighting it’s unique features!

Stay tuned for more updates and pictures as we track it’s journey. Once Smart Cottage: Falcon is decorated, we’ll take you on another tour In the meantime indulge in our entire Smart Cottage line here: https://oakcreek.homes/smartcottages.

Smart Cottages are built by Oak Creek Homes at our state of the art facility in Ft. Worth, TX. Smart Cottage homes can be built as either a manufactured home or modular home. This modern day tiny house offers more comfortable and smarter designed spacing, energy efficiency and pricing than the traditional tiny home. Smart Cottage homes can be purchased through any of our 18 Oak Creek Home Centers across Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. 

Contact us to setup a visit to see or virtually tour of any of other Smart Cottage Homes

The post *NEW* Smart Cottage: Falcon appeared first on Oak Creek Homes.

Financing, Down Payment, and General Types of Home Loans

Financing a manufactured home, mobile home, or modular home is much different than financing a residential home.  Here are some basic guidelines when applying for a loan for your new home.  Keep in mind that every lender has advantages and disadvantages.  It’s kind of like a long stem rose.  There is a wonderful blossom, but there are also some thorns on the stem.  Here are a few basic things that should help you along the way.   Keep in mind our home consultants are not Licensed Mortgage Loan Originators.  But part of their job is to help assemble the information that you need to make the application and then help the lender in collecting any other documents they may request to evaluate the application.

Financing a Manufactured Home

• Credit Scores – One of the two most common questions is “What kind of credit score do I need?”  Great question.  Most lenders have minimum scores that they are looking for.  There are lenders who can work with bruised credit that is below 600 while others are looking for scores above 620 to 640.   When you talk with your home consultant it’s a good to have an idea of where your scores are.  You can get a free credit report from annualcreditreport.com.  Sometimes lower credit scores can be overcome by increasing the amount of down payment.
• Down Payment – Down payments will depend on the type of loan and your overall credit profile. There are zero down programs such as VA, USDA, and even a few available from non-government backed sources.  Typically, you should prepare for a minimum of 5% to start with.  The down payment total won’t be called for until closing so you’ll have some time to save a bit more.

There are Two General Types of Loans

• Government backed loans – FHA, VA, USDA
• Non-Conforming loans – basically function similar to private banks
  1. Land/home – use of land in the transaction
  2. Home only or Chattel loans – only consider the valuation of the home as collateral.

Government-insured loans, like HUD-backed FHA loans and VA loans, are financing options for manufactured homes or modular homes. Banks and home manufacturers offer more traditional chattel loans and mortgages to those of you home shopping as well.

Using Land vs Home only Transactions

You’ll come from one of two towns: Got Land or Need Land.

• If you own land – Owning land can help secure a traditional mortgage and lower interest rates.  In fact, often times lenders can use the land equity to off-set cash down payment requirements.  We’ve done several loans with Zero Cash Down when the land equity and credit were acceptable to the lenders.
• If you need land – If you don’t have land, most dealerships can help you in locating a suitable homesite.  Are you looking for private land or would it more beneficial for you to consider a leased land option?  Depending on the type of loan package, you may be able to include the land purchase into your home package.

Using leased land for your new home is a viable consideration.  Most communities provide favorable sites with amenities that may include swimming pools, playgrounds, yard maintenance, garbage service, and city sewer services.

You can also do “home only” loans or chattel.  While these loans typically have shorter loan lengths, and a bit higher interest rates, they can be a good choice because they also have lower closing costs.  They keep the land “out of the deal” and only involve the land as collateral.

Securing Financing

• Make a “good faith deposit” – Statistics show that presenting a good faith deposit increases the likelihood of getting a favorable approval.  The deposit shows your good intentions to make the purchase and also demonstrates to the lender that you have part of if not all of the down payment on hand.  Actual down payment requirements are determined by the lender based on your credit profile and the type of loan you are trying for.  There are some “zero down” loans available but it’s still good to do a deposit to show good faith.  That deposit can either be refunded at closing or can be applied to the loan at closing, which ever you choose.  Check with your dealership and make sure that the deposit is 100% refundable if the loan is not approved or if you change your mind.
• Provide income – When you fill out the application provide accurate information on your income, detailing all sources. The lenders are looking for “pre-tax” figures.  If you are paid overtime you will list that amount separately from your “regular” pay.  Usually, to be counted, overtime must have been earned for at least the 2 years prior.
• Supply all documentation needed – Documentation is KING: Lenders will want you to provide different documentation.  Expect to provide your last 2 years of w2s, 2 months worth of pay stubs, 3-months worth of bank records, copies of SSI awards letters or pensions, and a copy of the deed or land lease.   Additionally, the bank may ask you to provide other documents as well. While this may seem burdensome… it is an essential part of buying a home.
• Shop lenders – Credit scores are usually one affected once if you make multiple applications within a 30 day period. I usually suggest that you approach at least 2 different lenders so you can get a comparison of offers.  Things to consider when you review your lender response are term on the loan, interest rate, and fees.  Sometimes it makes more sense to look at loan offers with lower loan fees even if the rate is higher.
• Determine your payment – I know a common question, “What will my payment be?”  You can use a general rule of thumb when estimating what your payment will be.  Your payment amount will be a result of 3 factors.

1. 1. Credit scores
   2. Amount of down payment
   3. Term on the loan – how long is the loan for?

Here’s a calculator that can help in determining your payment.

Again, be mentally prepared to provide additional documentation that the lender may require.  Understand that your home consultant is not the bank.  They are there to help expedite the process.   Your home consultant can help you in the details of each of these steps. In the next part of this series, Manufactured Home Buying: Part 3, we talk about home site preparation and the construction process.

Additional Educational Resources

8 Things to Consider when Choosing a Manufactured Home Builder.

19 Questions to Think About Before Buying a Manufactured Home.

Still Have Questions?

Our friendly team members would be happy to talk with you. Feel free to contact us to schedule a visit or virtual consultation or tour.

The post Manufactured Home Buying: Part 2 appeared first on Oak Creek Homes.

Oak Creek Homes are Built Strong!

With COVID-19, the safety and refuge of home is now more important than ever. The last thing you want to worry about is losing your home to a natural disaster, like a hurricane! But for those living in coastal areas, hurricane season is now upon us. Hurricane Season 2020 runs from June 1 – Nov. 30.

But there’s no need to stress or add anxiety to your plate if you currently live in an Oak Creek home or are looking to buy one. Our homes have withstood the test of time. We can prove it. When Hurricane Harvey, a category 4 storm, hit on August 17, 2017, there was significant damage to the Texas coastal town of Rockport. Most of the town’s residents suffered severely from its high winds and brutal storm surge. A handful of those who escaped with little damage had something in common: They lived in Oak Creek Homes.

Oak Creek visited Rockport and the surrounding communities immediately after the storm to study how well our construction endured a Category 4 hurricane. Many of the homeowners shared their stories and allowed Oak Creek to document their experience with photographs, interviews and aerial drone video. Many said they were expecting the worst when they returned from evacuating, but were ecstatic to find their home virtually unscathed by Harvey. Only one of the homes in this presentation was actually destroyed, and that customer’s story might be the most amazing of all…

Oak Creek Homes uses only quality materials and builds a heavier home than the competition. Oak Creek Homes also have a higher resale value than other mobile, manufactured, and modular homes according to JD Powers valuation guides. We also us a 47-point inspection system to make sure our homes are installed securely and correctly.

Contact us to schedule a visit or to chat with a sales team member to learn more about the Oak Creek Difference.

The post Hurricane Season: Stress Less with an Oak Creek Home appeared first on Oak Creek Homes.

Home Site Selection and Home Site Preparation

In part 3 of our Manufactured Home Buying Series, we’ll cover the importance of proper home site selection, home site preparation , and on site construction, as you begin to get ready for your new mobile home, manufactured home, or modular home.

Deed restrictions and zoning considerations

When considering any home site location be sure to check on any local zoning or deed restrictions.  Some home sites that are within city limits may require modular construction standards to meet city code for single family dwellings.  Oak Creek builds a wide range of modular home plans that meet local construction codes for single family dwellings.

Things to consider once you identify your home site

1. 1. Note the lay of the land. – When you select property, you want to take note of any obvious indications of where the drainage may occur. You do not want to put your home into a low lying area that could allow for water to accumulate under the home.
   2. Note any obstacles that may make delivery more complicated. I suggest that you walk the property and get several different vantage points.  Are there any trees or other natural features that may affect the placement of the home?
   3. Check on “set back” requirements. Knowing how far from the property lines you have to place your home can avoid costly mistakes.
   4. Determine what utilities need to be installed. Does your selected home site already have water, sewer/septic, and electrical available? If your selected home site does not have all of these available – does your dealer provide these general contracting services in addition to the cost of the home? Or will you have to secure those services outside of your purchase agreement? Be sure that the bids are from contractors who have the proper licenses and approvals to do the work in the area that you are putting your home.
   5. Will you need a foundation? Some lenders do not require a concrete foundation as part of the home package while others do.  Modular houses will always require an engineer designed and inspected foundation.  It’s recommended on all of our double wide section homes.  In the State of Texas any new manufactured home that is wider than 16’ and going on private property requires a “home pad” to be installed to help insure proper water drainage.
   6. Have a home site inspection – It’s a good idea to have your dealer do a physical site inspection at your proposed location to help identify any set up or site preparation issues before hand.
   7. Check dealership’s policy for set up inspections – Here at Oak Creek we have decided to use an independent 3^rd party engineering firm to inspect all installations of multi-section homes.  Each installation must pass a detailed 47-point set up inspection.  What does your dealer do?
   8. Choose skirting and underpinning, steps and decks – What type of skirting will be put on your home? You have a wide range of choices including vinyl, metal, hardboard, masonry, or other manufactured products.  Some lenders have different requirements so be sure to check with you dealer about what you are getting.

We hope you find this information helpful during the home buying process for your manufactured home, mobile home, or modular home. These are just a few things to consider when making your home site selection and preparing for your home site. Our team members would be happy to help answer any additional questions you might have. Oak Creek Homes has 18 home centers across Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. To find your nearest Oak Creek Homes Center visit www.oakcreekhomes.com or simply fill out the contact form at the bottom of this page.

Additional Educational Resources

Manufactured Home Buying: Part 1 – Choosing a builder and choosing a home

Manufactured Home Buying: Part 2 – Financing Options

8 Things to Consider when Choosing a Manufactured Home Builder.

19 Questions to Think About Before Buying a Manufactured Home.

Still Have Questions?

Our friendly team members would be happy to talk with you. Feel free to contact us to schedule a visit or virtual consultation or tour.

The post Manufactured Home Buying: Part 3 appeared first on Oak Creek Homes.

A Family Member Shares What Happened

The Value of a Third-Party Inspection

On April 22, 2020, the Chouinard family of Onalaska, TX survived an F3 tornado in their Oak Creek Home.  Over 300 homes in the area were damaged, and 170 were completely destroyed. The home’s performance owes much to the 47-point inspection done after the home was installed on site. That inspection ensured that the installation crew did everything right, and pictures were sent to management to prove it.

Some of the more important items on the inspection checklist have to do with the home’s footings and strappings.  When done correctly, these ensure the home stays in place in high winds.  Because the home has taped and textured wall, and is heavier that most homes, the Chouinards also elected to have a concrete footing system installed as well.  This added to the home’s stability, and gave those tie-down anchors a solid place to hold on to in the high winds of the storm.

Just How Strong was the Tornado?

It was a strong tornado – stronger than we normally experience in this region. But just how rare was it? The statistics may surprise you. According to the National Weather Service Office for Houston/Galveston, southeast Texas has only recorded six EF-3 tornadoes since 1992. That’s less than once every five years! Most of the tornadoes that develop in this part of the state are relatively weak EF-0 or EF-1 tornadoes. Since 1992, more than 500 of these smaller tornadoes have touched down here.

With Oak Creek, we ensure that our homes are installed to our specifications by paying a 3rd-party engineering firm to perform a full 47-point inspection. Furthermore, our contractors aren’t paid until we receive an inspection approval.  That way our service issues are minimized and you, the customer, have less to worry about over the life of your home. A home that is not installed to the manufacturer’s specifications is doomed to have service problems indefinitely, and they usually only come to light after the manufacturer’s warranty period is over. More importantly, the inspection will ensure your best chances of surviving a serious storm if one should come to pass.  The Chouinards were happy they were in a home that was built right, and we are too!  You can ask for a copy of the inspection checklist when you come to visit us at Oak Creek Homes.

Customer Review

“I can say an Oak Creek is very durable! Had one in Canton, TX, that survived a direct hit from an F3 tornado. I was amazed it was still standing!” – Curtis Clardy

Additional Educational Resources

8 Things to Consider when Choosing a Manufactured Home Builder.

19 Questions to Think About Before Buying a Manufactured Home.

If you’d like to see our homes in person or through a virtual visit, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our sales team would be happy to help you!

The post A Family Sheltering Inside an Oak Creek Home During a Tornado is Unharmed appeared first on Oak Creek Homes.

The Manufactured Home Buying Process

Through LEGOS®, Lincoln Logs®, blocks, even Barbie’s DreamHouse®… we’re exposed, even as young as a toddler, to the idea of building and having a home. After all, buying a home is the American Dream. Whether you’re looking to buy a mobile home, manufactured home or modular home right now or later down the road, we want to help educate you on the manufactured home buying process and also help to answer any questions you might have along the way.

These days modern manufactured and modular homes offer a variety of amenities and features. Many are customizable to meet your design tastes and budget. They’ve come a long way since your grandparent’s mobile homes and trailers. The manufactured homes of today use quality materials, smart panel siding, energy-efficient features, and have tape and textures walls… these are just a few key differences.

Manufactured homes are great for those of you who are budget-minded, looking for a starter home, downsizing, needing a ranch or lake property, even a guest house. When it comes to buying a manufactured or modular home, the process is a little different from buying a previously constructed single-family home or townhome. Let’s take a look at what the manufactured home buying process looks like.

The Steps You’ll Need to Take to Buy a Manufactured Home

1. Determine your Family’s Needs – Have an idea of some general features you need. How many bedrooms and bathrooms.  Most homes now all have at least 2 full bathrooms.  Do you need a living room and family room or just a larger “great room”?  What would you consider as being the key area for you in your new home?  Are there special needs or considerations such as furniture size, bedroom size, special needs, etc.?
2. Determine a Budget – Typically lenders use a budget calculator to determine what your payment capacity is. You can find several programs online that will help you do that.  A general rule of thumb is that your monthly payment will be about .8 -1% of the amount you borrow.  The lenders will take into account what your current debts are to determine what your house payment limits are.
3. Choose a Builder– There are many different builders that produce a wide range of products. Some focus on building as inexpensively as possible while others concentrate on a combination of affordability and quality construction.  It’s important that you have defined what your priorities are before visiting a dealership.  What is on your top 5 list of features you are looking for in a home?  Does the builder reflect the same construction priorities that you have identified?  When you visit the dealership do you experience someone who wants to help you find your home or someone who just wants to earn a commission?  Did they listen to you?  What are their google reviews like?  What have others experienced who have gone before you?
4. Find your Dream Home – Once you’ve developed your “shopping list” it’s time to have fun. When you visit your dealership, share with them the things you are looking for.  Be as detailed as possible.  That will help your home consultant narrow down the search and help you find your new home sooner.  Don’t hesitate to ask questions.  Your home consultant should be able to help guide you through the process in a friendly, informative and professional manner.   Don’t be afraid to share information.  You can’t go to the Dr. and have him guess at what your needs are.
5. Design your New Manufactured Home – The design of manufactured and modular homes has come a long way from the long, dark trailers of yesteryear. Manufactured home exteriors can match any style, from traditional ranch homes to cozy log cabins to chalets to cool coastal retreats. Inside – depending upon the model of your home…. You can choose paint colors, cabinet colors, kitchen countertops. You might be able to customize some additional features as well… like adding stainless steel appliances or a farm sink and gooseneck faucet.

These are just a few of the steps of the manufactured home buying process, that stack together much like the LEGOS® you might have used as a kid, that will lead you onto the path to owning a manufactured, mobile, or modular home. In Part 2 of this series, Manufactured Home Buying, we talk about financing and other things you’ll need to consider, like where you’ll be putting your home.

Other Educational Resources:

Manufactured vs. Modular Homes
 

Check out over 75+ model homes. Discover which you like best.

Want to learn more? Fill out our contact form and one of our helpful sales counselors will contact you.

The post Manufactured Home Buying: Part 1 appeared first on Oak Creek Homes.

The Manufactured Home Buying Process

Through LEGOS®, Lincoln Logs®, blocks, even Barbie’s DreamHouse®… we’re exposed, even as young as a toddler, to the idea of building and having a home. After all, buying a home is the American Dream. Whether you’re looking to buy a mobile home, manufactured home or modular home right now or later down the road, we want to help educate you on the manufactured home buying process and also help to answer any questions you might have along the way.

These days modern manufactured and modular homes offer a variety of amenities and features. Many are customizable to meet your design tastes and budget. They’ve come a long way since your grandparent’s mobile homes and trailers. The manufactured homes of today use quality materials, smart panel siding, energy-efficient features, and have tape and textures walls… these are just a few key differences.

Manufactured homes are great for those of you who are budget-minded, looking for a starter home, downsizing, needing a ranch or lake property, even a guest house. When it comes to buying a manufactured or modular home, the process is a little different from buying a previously constructed single-family home or townhome. Let’s take a look at what the manufactured home buying process looks like.

The Steps You’ll Need to Take to Buy a Manufactured Home

1. Determine your Family’s Needs – Have an idea of some general features you need. How many bedrooms and bathrooms.  Most homes now all have at least 2 full bathrooms.  Do you need a living room and family room or just a larger “great room”?  What would you consider as being the key area for you in your new home?  Are there special needs or considerations such as furniture size, bedroom size, special needs, etc.?
2. Determine a Budget – Typically lenders use a budget calculator to determine what your payment capacity is. You can find several programs online that will help you do that.  A general rule of thumb is that your monthly payment will be about .8 -1% of the amount you borrow.  The lenders will take into account what your current debts are to determine what your house payment limits are.
3. Choose a Builder– There are many different builders that produce a wide range of products. Some focus on building as inexpensively as possible while others concentrate on a combination of affordability and quality construction.  It’s important that you have defined what your priorities are before visiting a dealership.  What is on your top 5 list of features you are looking for in a home?  Does the builder reflect the same construction priorities that you have identified?  When you visit the dealership do you experience someone who wants to help you find your home or someone who just wants to earn a commission?  Did they listen to you?  What are their google reviews like?  What have others experienced who have gone before you?
4. Find your Dream Home – Once you’ve developed your “shopping list” it’s time to have fun. When you visit your dealership, share with them the things you are looking for.  Be as detailed as possible.  That will help your home consultant narrow down the search and help you find your new home sooner.  Don’t hesitate to ask questions.  Your home consultant should be able to help guide you through the process in a friendly, informative and professional manner.   Don’t be afraid to share information.  You can’t go to the Dr. and have him guess at what your needs are.
5. Design your New Manufactured Home – The design of manufactured and modular homes has come a long way from the long, dark trailers of yesteryear. Manufactured home exteriors can match any style, from traditional ranch homes to cozy log cabins to chalets to cool coastal retreats. Inside – depending upon the model of your home…. You can choose paint colors, cabinet colors, kitchen countertops. You might be able to customize some additional features as well… like adding stainless steel appliances or a farm sink and gooseneck faucet.

These are just a few of the steps of the manufactured home buying process, that stack together much like the LEGOS® you might have used as a kid, that will lead you onto the path to owning a manufactured, mobile, or modular home. In Part 2 of this series, Manufactured Home Buying, we talk about financing and other things you’ll need to consider, like where you’ll be putting your home.

Other Educational Resources:

Manufactured vs. Modular Homes
 

Check out over 75+ model homes. Discover which you like best.

Want to learn more? Fill out our contact form and one of our helpful sales counselors will contact you.

The post Manufactured Home Buying: Part 1 appeared first on Oak Creek Homes.

Oak Creek Homes is in the business of manufacturing, selling, financing, and providing insurance products for consumers of factory-built housing. Its current product line includes everything from traditional low cost, single section homes to multiple-section, fully improved modular homes that are virtually indistinguishable from site-built housing. In order to fully understand the Company’s diverse offerings, a basic explanation of important terms is required.

You may remember Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez in the 1954 film, “The Long, Long Trailer”. In it the two stars act as honeymooners whose first home is just what the title describes, a trailer house. The earliest mobile homes were designed to be readily moved behind most any vehicle and bore more resemblance to today’s travel trailers than the homes the Oak Creek Homes builds today. As time progressed, these homes became larger and consequently were less likely to be moved. Just the same, the term “trailer house” and “mobile home” became part of the American vernacular to describe such products.

A 1976 legislative act, The HUD Title 6 Construction Standards Regulation brought strict construction standards to the industry, and the term “manufactured home” was adopted to reflect the newer and improved product. With time, advanced construction techniques made possible larger and more sophisticated homes. Houses with 2, 3 or even 4 sections became part of the landscape and were accented with new features such as genuine taped and textured interiors, high roof pitches and top-of-the-line finishing materials. This code was last updated in 2010.

In today’s market, there are basically two types of homes sold by Oak Creek Homes. Those built to HUD’s federal code are typically referred to as “manufactured” homes. The terms “trailer house” and “mobile home” are typically used to describe homes built before the 1976 legislation that defined the term “manufactured home”, but we know that many folks still like to use the older terms. Modular homes are those built to local building codes: the same as site-built homes. These homes are mostly constructed in our factory and then completed on site with an engineered foundation. It is important to understand the difference between the two types of homes.

The first type of home, a traditional HUD-code or manufactured home, is often referred to as a “mobile home” or “trailer house” by the general public. It is built to the strict standards of the federal government and is different from the modular home in several ways. First, all HUD code homes will come with a large permanent steel frame attached as its undercarriage. You have the option of having the steel frame removed on a modular home. Second, a manufactured home does not require an engineered foundation as part of its setup, though this approach will often provide a more stable footing for the home. It may also make it eligible for more attractive financing terms. There are several minor differences in the actual construction standards for a HUD-code home, a list of which is available by for download. It is also important to note that all of these differences add up to several thousands of dollars in savings for the consumer as compared to the purchase of a modular home.

The second type of home sold in today’s market is the modular variety, which shares the same construction features as those you would expect in a site-built home. Unlike HUD-code homes, modular homes are built to meet local building codes and offer the best features of a factory-built home and a traditional site-built home. Upon delivery, it is required that modular homes are placed on an engineered foundation and the home be permanently affixed to the foundation. Consequently, a modular home exhibits the same strength as a traditional site-built home. Another difference is, as stated before, the consumer has the option of removing the steel frame from many modular models.

From a legal perspective, there is another key difference between the two types of homes. A HUD-code home may be installed on a leased site and can have a certificate of title issued by the State, much like a car title. Conversely, a modular home becomes real property once it is installed. It is considered an improvement to real estate. As a result, a modular home will always be financed as one with the land. So, if it is important that you not involve your land in the financing, HUD-code is the way to go.

It is important to note that, in Texas, a municipality cannot differentiate between a modular home and a site-built home. In other words, if a modular home meets the standards of the other newly constructed homes in the area, the municipality cannot prohibit the home’s entry into the neighborhood due to the fact that it is built in a factory. On the other hand, any community has the legal right to prohibit the introduction of manufactured homes into their jurisdiction. Like site-built housing, both modular and manufactured homes are subject to the individual zoning restrictions of the city and the subdivision in which they are being installed. Be sure to check your local zoning requirements and your deed restrictions prior to purchasing your home.

So which type of home is right for you? We can help you make the right decision. Come visit us and tell us your ideas and we can find the right home for you and your family. Whatever you want to call it: Prefab home, single wide, double wide, high-end dream home, affordable alternative, HUD-coded manufactured home, or modular cityscape, they are all available from Oak Creek Homes!

The post No matter what you call them, factory-built homes have come a long way appeared first on Oak Creek Homes.