Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Considering a Systems-Built Home?

Considering a Systems-Built Home?

Are you considering a systems-built modular home?  If so, I will get you answers to the most common frequently asked questions: 

            1.         What are “systems-built modular homes”?
            2.         How does the process work? 
            3.         Is it economical? 
            4.         Can I build the home I want? 
            5.         What are the advantages of a systems-built modular home?
            6.         What are some standard specifications so I can compare to on-site stick-   
                         built homes?
            7.         Can I get more information from you without pushy sales people bugging  
                        me?

 1.        What are Systems-Built Modular Homes?

             “Systems-built modular homes” is terminology used to describe a home built with up-to-date computerized technology in a factory controlled environment.  Having a factory controlled environment insures that your home is built inside and away from the harm of external elements during construction.  Your home is not exposed to the elements of weather while under construction until has been protected from the elements.  Each step of the build has a rigorous inspection process to ensure a quality built home and a superior finished product.  The homes are not “trailer” homes and do not sit on wheels on a lot in a trailer park!  Systems-built homes are permanent structures that are set on to a foundation in your subdivision and you may choose whether or not you want a basement foundation.  Systems-built homes can be multiple stories if desired.  The components of your homes are called “modules” and the modules are assembled on-site. Your modules are “stick-built” from wood framing, just like on-site construction.    Your systems-built home can be any home you have ever dreamed of. 

2.         How Does the Process Work?

            JLA Custom Homes is a Authorized Builder of Stratford Homes®.  Once you have chosen your floor plan we will go over the many material and design options available with you until you are satisfied.  Your home elevations and floor plan will be drawn by Stratford Homes® design team.  We will provide you with all the plans you need for building committee reviews, engineering stamps, construction loan processing, etc.  Once plans are finalized, Stratford Homes® can begin building your home.  While your home is being built in their factory, we will start your foundation and on-site work.  When the site work is completed your home will ship to your site and be placed on your foundation in modules.  The modules will be assembled and interior finish of marriage walls completed.  Your home is inspected every step of the way.  We will make sure your home is completed and ready for you to move in to. 

3.         Is it Economical?

            Systems-built homes can save you time, money and headache-particularly in areas where contractors are hard to find or building costs are astronomical.  Many of our customers have systems-built modular homes in expensive resort areas where local building construction costs exceeded their budget or contractors were non-existent or unavailable.  You will not need to baby-sit your contractors as your modules will be 95% complete upon shipment and we will complete the on-site construction to 100% complete. 

            Systems-built homes are also economical for cabins in remote areas, second-homes, guest homes, mother- or father-in-law homes, resort area homes or condominiums, apartments, lodging, offices, man-camps, etc.  We can build what you need.

4.         Can I Build the Home I Want?

            Yes, you can build the home you want.  We can design multiple levels with exterior and interior designs to meet your expectations.  We will consult with you every step of the way to be sure you are getting the exterior look you want of your home as well as the interior design and building materials you desire.  If you can dream it, we can build it!  We can also help you with landscaping design and sprinkler systems, driveways, decks, garages, etc.  Your home will be beautiful in every way.

5.         What Are the Advantages of a Systems-Built Modular Home?

            Here are some of the many advantages:
·                    no baby-sitting multiple construction contractors;
·                    time saved in construction saves you money on your construction loan;
·                    realistic and predictable build time;
·                    you pick the home design you want;
·                    your home is built in a factory controlled environment;
·                    your home is built to local, state and international codes;
·                    your home is built with a rigorous inspection process to ensure quality;
·                    your home has builder warranties and manufacturer warranties;
·                    you can build in remote areas;
·                    you can eliminate headaches while under construction continue to do things you want or need to be doing;
·                    your home is on a permanent foundation;
·                    your home can be multiple stories if desired;
·                    you can monitor the building process every step of the way;
·                    your home is built with quality building materials;
·                    modular’s are the strongest of all frame homes built!


6.         What are Some Standard Specifications So I Can Compare to On-Site Stick-Built Homes?

            Here are some standard specifications.  When comparing, do not forget to consider the time spent waiting for and working with various independent contractors such as rough framers, rough plumbing, rough electrical, sheet rock, tape and texture, painting, finish carpentry, finish plumbing, finish electrical, inspections, permits, certificates of occupancy, etc.  We will take care of all of these headaches for you!  Here are our standard specs:

Floor System
2 x 10  floor Joists in homes up to 28’ w.
2 x 12  floor Joists in homes over 28’ w.
All floor systems have double rim joists.
All lumber #2 grade or better, kiln dried for stability.
16” on center floor system.
¾” tongue and groove OSB floor decking.

Sidewall System
8’ sidewall height (9’ optional).
2 x 6 sidewalls 16” on center.
7/16” OSB sheathing on all exterior walls.
Whole house infiltration wrap.
7/16” OSB sheathing on marriage walls.
2 x 6 double top plate.
2 x 6 single bottom plate.
2 x 6 compression blocking in between studs.
Vapor barrier walls and ceilings on sheetrock.
2 x 10 curtain rod blocking above all windows.

Windows
Vinyl, Low-E insulated windows.  Locally manufactured for reliable lead times.

Siding
Mainstreet vinyl siding by Certainteed.  14 color options.
Lifetime limited warranty.
Extensive options including: Hardi-Plank, cedar or log.

Roof System
40# roof load standard.  Higher loads available by design.
4/12 roof pitch standard.  Optional 6/12 and higher available.
Pabco Premier 30 year architectural shingles.
7/16” OSB roof sheathing.
15# or 30# felt paper with two rows of ice & water shield at the eaves.
Air baffle every truss bay to allow for continuous air flow.
Continuous roof vent.

Insulation
Sidewalls R-19 fiberglass.  Option for R-21 and 5” rigid.
Roof cavity R-40 cellulose blown-in, R-50 optional.

Exterior Doors
Therma-Tru fiberglass in-swing front door and rear door.
Schlage Brand locksets.

Appliances
Wide selection of Whirlpool appliances as options.

Interior Walls
2 x 4 interior walls 16’ on center;  2 x 6 plumbing walls.
½” drywall on walls.
5/8” drywall on ceilings.
Sheetrock fastened to studs and rafters with screws.
2 x 6 blocking for all overhead and base cabinets.

Plumbing
Cross linked polyethylene (PEX) water supply piping.
Shut-off valves at each fixture.
Stainless steel kitchen sink.
Kohler Brand fixtures, all with water saver features.
Installation by licensed journeyman plumbers.
2 ea. exterior frost free hose bibs.
ABS DWV system.

Electrical
200 Amp 40/40 electrical panel wiring with meter base.
Exterior outlets.
Wiring 12 and 14 gauge standard.
Installation by licensed journeyman electricians.

Lighting and Fixtures
Light fixture package including dining room and bedrooms.
Bedroom ceiling lights.
Dining room chandelier.
Porch lights at every door exit.

Interior Finish
Door casing, “hemlock”, 2-1/4”.
Baseboard/mop board, “hemlock”, 3-1/4”.
Interior doors grade A, rotary cut veneer birch.
Schlage Brand brass knob handles on interior doors.
Optional doors and hardware available.

Cabinets
Merillat cabinets with one or five year warranty.
Drawer over door construction.
Center shelves in base cabinets.
30” overhead cabinets.
Solid hardwood door and drawer fronts.
Laminated countertops with hardwood self edge.
Single lever faucets with sink spray.
Vented 2 speed range hood, vented through sidewalls.

Additional Considerations
Made in the United States by American craftsmen.
Indoor, modern manufacturing facility.
Custom design homes a specialty.
Inspections by licensed state inspectors.
10-year limited structural warranty.


7.         Can I Get More Information From You Without Pushy Sales People Bugging Me?

            Yes, just let us know you want a brochure.  We will mail you information via US Postal Service.  Request a brochure in the following ways:

·                    Email us:  jlacustomhomes@gmail.com.
·                    Facebook:  Log into your facebook, then type JLAINC in the search bar.  Once you are on our page “JLA Custom Homes”, simply post a request for a brochure in any comments line.
·                    Call 208-226-6179 and ask for Jeff or Guy.

Be sure to bookmark this page and follow this blog!  Check back soon for more updates and pictures!  Be sure to “Like” us on facebook, search JLAINC. 

If you have any questions, please let us know.  Your comments and questions on this topic are welcome!

Thursday, May 9, 2013

About Us


JLA Custom Homes is a custom construction and building consulting company located in Pocatello, Idaho.  We started the company in 2009.  We are bonded and insured, and we are state licensed to build in Idaho and Wyoming.  We are currently actively building in the beautiful mountain resort area of Jackson Hole, WY.  We are also proud to announce that we have recently become a authorized system-built modular home builder of Stratford Homes®.

A Little Information About Modular Construction
System-built modular homes are a streamlined way to build your new home or office.  Each home (or office) incorporates up-to-date computerized technology, assembly line construction in a factory controlled environment, along with a rigorous inspection process that ensures a quality built home and a superior finished product.  Most modular homes are made in complete sections to approximately 95% completion, and then assembled on-site.  JLA Custom Homes will see that all of your on-site work is 100% complete so that your home or office is ready for you to move in.  

We will help you every step of the way;

FROM:
Choosing your floor plan;
Engineering of final plans;
Lender requirements;
etc. 

TO:
Excavation of your site;
Pouring of foundation; and
Complete landscaping (if desired).

Modular homes are considered some of the strongest of all frame built homes!

Please check back often and save me into your favorites.  I will be adding photos of the entire modular building process, as well as sharing all the information you will need to help you with your building project.  I will also be adding information, advise and tips on common home repairs and projects.  

We hope to build your dream home or business office.

Thank you,
JL Anderson, Inc.,
JLA Custom Homes
Jeff Anderson, President-Owner
jlacustomhomes@gmail.com
(208)226-6179 phone for questions or brochure.
References available.