Click for a printable version of the FAQs.

Q.  How long does it take to build a home in the factory?
A.  Factory construction typically takes 4-5 weeks.  Typically, the home can be set on the foundation in one day.   On site finishing will depend upon the design.

Q.  How do you get the house to my property?
A.  Houses are delivered to your site by specially fabricated trailers.  These trailers are designed to reduce the stress on a house as it is being delivered.

Q.  How are the houses priced?
A.  Houses are priced according to the design; materials used, and labor costs.  The specifications of each plan in our plan books have been carefully calculated and accurately priced.  All custom homes, however, are individually priced.

Q.  Do you build garages?
A.  Garages are built on site by local building crews, or by the homebuyer.  Homes sold through DH’s regional sales center can have your garage built by our finish crew.

Q.  Are your homes like Mobile Homes?
A.  This question is best answered by defining the different types of house construction.  Three terms best describe home construction:  “Stick” or site built homes, Manufactured homes, and Modular homes.

Q.  “Stick” or site-built homes
A.  Very seldom does a residential general contractor employ all the necessary trades. Consequently, various sub-contractors construct a “site built” home on the owner’s property.  Before construction begins, a set of plans or specifications are completed and estimated.  A designer, engineer or architect usually provides the plans & specs.  Most prices are “estimates" or “allowances” based on the site builder’s past experience.  This is not usually a firm price or quote.

Q. Manufactured homes.  (Also known as HUD code, sectional, or double wide)
A.  Manufactured homes are built according to Manufactured housing construction and safety standards, commonly referred to as the HUD code. HUD code is the only national building code for housing, governing factory construction of Manufactured housing. 

HUD codes are far less stringent than the code stick builders or modular home manufacturers have to follow.  A HUD code home is typically constructed of less expensive materials.  Plans and changes are limited.  Appraisals are less and by law, a metal frame must remain on the structure.

Q.  Modular
A.  A modular home is constructed in a factory, under controlled conditions by trained personnel employed by the company.  The company can draw custom plans and specifications, or a plan with standard specifications can be chosen from plan books.  Prices are usually “quotes” and are firm throughout the building process. 

Modular homes are built to the same codes as a custom site built home.  Dickinson Homes builds to the International Residential Code (IRC), which was adopted by the state of Michigan in July, 2001.  Homes delivered to the state of Wisconsin are built to the Wisconsin state code.  Each home design is certified by the respective state department or a third party agency representing the state. 

Unlike manufactured homes, modular homes do not have wheels for delivery, but instead are delivered on trailers and lifted onto a permanent foundation, then anchored in place.

Q.  What is included in the base price?
A.  At Dickinson Homes, the base price includes all the items listed in our standard specifications.  Housing companies and builders do not package in the same way.  Base prices can vary substantially.  When choosing a builder, it is very important for the buyer to compare standard specs and base prices.

Q.  Are there limitations as to the design and size of a house?A.  Homes can be built to any size you would like.  Special design details are considered when determining transport efficiency and safety.

Q.  Can I get shell home so it’s possible to do our own finishing work?
A.  An unfinished modular home, referred to as a “shell” home, is available through Dickinson Homes.  Our building process saves buyers time and money, and allows for the home owner to contract out site work with trade professionals of their choosing, or to do the work themselves.  Site work you choose to finish on your own may include siding, floors, painting, drywall, cabinets, fixtures and more.

Q.  How much are your homes per square foot?
A.  Square foot pricing is the least accurate way of comparing builders and housing values.  There are thousands of items that go into constructing any home, and hundreds of hours of labor. For example: something as simple as the finish on a faucet, or the type of wood used in the vanity can affect the cost of a bathroom.  Window design and configuration, whether or not the home has a fireplace – all affect the square foot price. The best way to determine value is to compare items, workmanship and service, check builder references and if possible, visit the factory where off site construction takes place.