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.

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.

Our regional focus has allowed us to develop a complete line of affordable homes to meet almost every need. Our homes range from basic, value-series models to larger, developer-series models. Our homes are more affordable than site-built homes and still have all their features. Our other products include dormitory-style housing, portable oil field units, and commercial offices. We can meet any need, from relatively inexpensive temporary solutions to affordable permanent housing.

The post Complete Line Of Residential And Commercial Buildings appeared first on Oak Creek Homes.

Our regional focus has allowed us to develop a complete line of affordable homes to meet almost every need. Our homes range from basic, value-series models to larger, developer-series models. Our homes are more affordable than site-built homes and still have all their features. Our other products include dormitory-style housing, portable oil field units, and commercial offices. We can meet any need, from relatively inexpensive temporary solutions to affordable permanent housing.

The post Complete Line Of Residential And Commercial Buildings appeared first on Oak Creek Homes.

In addition to constructing the home, we often arrange for delivery and installation of the home, the HVAC and other details. We have in-house access to insurance and financing resources to simplify the buying process for homebuyers. We’ll do as much as you want us to.

Best wishes to you.
Your Oak Creek Team
Better Homes For Less Money

The post Other Capabilities – a “turnkey” solution: appeared first on Oak Creek Homes.

In addition to constructing the home, we often arrange for delivery and installation of the home, the HVAC and other details. We have in-house access to insurance and financing resources to simplify the buying process for homebuyers. We’ll do as much as you want us to.

Best wishes to you.
Your Oak Creek Team
Better Homes For Less Money

The post Other Capabilities – a “turnkey” solution: appeared first on Oak Creek Homes.

Today’s manufactured homes can deliver outstanding quality and performance at prices ranging from 10 to 20 percent less per square foot than conventional site-built homes. These savings allow more and more Americans to own their own home, even in the face of an ever-widening housing affordability gap.

The affordability of manufactured housing can be attributed directly to the efficiencies emanating from the factory-building process. The controlled construction environment and assembly-line techniques remove many of the problems encountered during traditional home construction, such as poor weather, theft, vandalism, damage to building products and materials, and unskilled labor. Factory employees are trained and managed more effectively and efficiently than the system of contracted labor employed by the site-built home construction industry.

Much like other assembly-line operations, manufactured homes benefit from the economics of scale resulting from purchasing large quantities of materials, products, and appliances. Manufactured home builders are able to negotiate substantial savings on many components used in building a home, with these savings passed on directly to the homebuyer.

Manufactured Homes

Today’s manufactured homes have experienced a major evolution in the types and quality of homes being offered to buyers. Technological advances are allowing manufactured home builders to offer a much wider variety of architectural styles and exterior finishes that will suit most any buyer’s dreams, all the while allowing the home to blend in seamlessly into most any neighborhood. Two-story and single-family attached homes are but two of the new styles being generated by factory-built innovation. As a result, today’s manufactured homes are offering real housing options for the neglected suburban and urban buyers.

At the same time, greater flexibility in the construction process allows for each home to be customized to meet a buyer’s lifestyle and needs. Interior features now include such features as vaulted ceilings and working fireplaces to state-of-the-art kitchens and baths, giving the homebuyer all the features found in traditional, site-built homes. Enhanced energy efficiency in manufactured homes, achieved with upgraded levels of insulation and more efficient heating and cooling systems, provide another source of savings for homeowners, especially in this era of rising energy costs. Smart buyers are turning to Energy Star-labeled manufactured homes for substantial savings in many aspects of owning and operating a home.

Technological advances, evolutionary designs, and a focus on delivering quality homes that families can afford are the driving forces within the manufactured housing industry. That’s why more people are turning to manufactured housing to deliver homes that fit their needs and wants, at prices they can afford!

The post Manufactured Homes appeared first on Oak Creek Homes.