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Commonly Asked Questions About Stick-Built Homes

Stick-built homes make up the vast majority of new construction homes. Before you start the home building process, research the features of stick-built homes. Here are some common questions that homebuyers ask about custom stick-built homes.

1. What Is a Stick-Built Home?

A stick-built house is a new home construction that built on your property instead of in a factory. After you buy a plot of land, a skilled construction team receives the building materials and crafts your dwelling according to the plans.

After laying a concrete foundation, contractors build the “stick” framing consisting of lumber and metal. They create the roof, walls and insulation on top of this wooden frame.

2. What Are the Benefits of a Stick-Built House?

Most homebuyers choose stick-built houses because:

- They are available with plenty of custom design options: Structural and interior enhancements are easy to achieve in stick-built dwellings. As you plan the style of your living space, you don’t have to follow any factory requirements. Make your property as large or small as you desire, and pick flooring and wall types to accommodate your style theme.
- Give power to the homebuyer and contractor: Since the contractor builds the house on your property, you have a sense of control over the building process. The builder can communicate with you along every step of the way. You could make changes or point out any mistakes more quickly than if the construction took place in a factory. Besides the homebuyer having a say in the project, the contractor is in control of what materials they use to construct your dwelling without the need to comply with factory standards.
- Have a reputation of quality: When homebuyers think of custom stick-built houses, quality often comes to mind. The quality of your living space is in the hands of the contractor. Stick-home construction has been around longer than other types of homes, so builders have had time to develop their craft. The local craftsmanship that goes into a stick-built house will enhance the quality of your home. Your home will have an improved curb appeal because of your decisions during the home building process.
- Increase in value: In general, the property value of stick-built construction houses appreciates over time. When it’s time to sell your brand-new house, you’ll likely make more money than you spent.

Learn More About Stick Built Homes

3. How Much Do Stick-Built Homes Cost?

Before you begin the home building process, you should discuss your budget concerns with your local contractor. As with any construction project, the price of a stick-built house depends on the following factors:

Location: The property value of a plot of land varies across the country. To get an idea of how much your house will cost, research listings of properties for sale in your local area.
Floor plan: With stick-built construction, you can expand your living space to the extent of your property. A Craftsman with two floors is going to cost more than a ranch-style with one story. The custom options that deviate from standard floor plans will also increase your costs.
Materials: The availability and quality of the materials you choose will affect the cost of your stick-built home. Wood and stone are typically on the expensive side, while vinyl and wood composite are more cost-effective.
Finishing touches: Your property can be as elaborate or simple as you prefer, but either option will come with a different price tag. Think about what design elements are the most valuable to you. Collaborate with your builder to figure out affordable custom options to get the most out of your budget.
Labor: Your contractor needs to pay the hardworking employees who make your dream home a reality. Most of the time, construction companies will tack labor fees onto your overall cost. Discuss the specific labor costs for your project with your contractor.

4. What Permits Do I Need for My Stick-Built Home?

Most standard building permits are required to build stick-built houses. Since stick-built dwellings make up most of the new house construction market, they often come with fewer restrictions than other types of homes.

Consult with your contractor about the local and state regulations for constructing a stick-built home. If you plan on building in a community, you should check with the property manager about their guidelines.

5. How Long Does a Stick-Built Home Last?

A stick-built house can last for decades. Over the life of your dwelling, you will need to replace the appliances and parts of your roof. If the cost to repair a house is more than the cost to rebuild it, builders will often tear it down. Consider these factors that could affect the durability of your home:

Wear and tear from using your appliances and mechanical systems.
Flooding because of harsh weather conditions.
Quality of installation and materials.

6. What Types of Houses Can Be Stick-Built?

Since building your dwelling takes place on your property, you can construct a stick-built house to accommodate any floor plan. You are in control of the size and materials you use to create your living space.

For inspiration for designing your stick-built home, research what types of houses are popular in your local area. You should also discuss your style preferences with your builder to find out the steps you need to take to get the house of your dreams.

Here are some factors to consider when crafting your dream home:

How many square feet do you need for your family?
How many bathrooms and bedrooms do you want?
Do you want to include a playroom or an office?
Would you prefer the master bedroom on the first floor?
What size garage door do you need?
How do you want to decorate the interior of your home?

7. How Long Is the Stick-Built Home Building Process?

On average, construction companies estimate that constructing a stick-built house will take four to six months once you’ve chosen a floor plan. The size of the construction crew and unexpected weather conditions could affect the timeline of your project. The construction team generally follows these steps when crafting your stick-built home:

Order the parts.
Lay the foundation.
Build the frame.
Add on the roof and exterior walls.
Set up the plumbing, water and electricity.
Install insulation and drywall.
Put down the flooring.
Paint the walls.
Finish the siding and exterior design.
Lay out the interior design and decor.
Final yard grading.

Contact Green Diamond Builders for Your Stick-Built Home

Trust Green Diamond Builders to construct your new living space in Delaware and Maryland. We’ll work with you every step of your home building process, from buying a plot of land to obtaining the proper permits. Start designing your dream custom-made stick-built house today. Contact us online or call 302-505-1777 for more information.
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Stick-Built or Modular Home

Deciding to build your own home and move is a daunting, yet rewarding decision, providing you and your family with the opportunity to start from scratch and find a home that meets your unique needs. When exploring your house building options, you’ll come across two different types: stick-built and modular homes.

With two very different but also similar building options, many prospective home buyers will be swayed by compelling arguments for those passionate about stick-built homes and those who favor modular home options. Both building types offer a range of benefits and drawbacks, but the most important aspect to consider when building a new home is finding a quality-constructed option that meets and exceeds your long-term expectations.

Modular vs. Stick-Built Homes

If you’re looking to build a new home, you’ve likely spent time considering modular vs. stick-built houses. Many full-service building companies will construct both modular and stick-built houses, and will work closely with you to determine which option works best for your needs. The best way to approach building a new home is by fully understanding the differences and similarities of modular and stick-built homes.

Qualities of Stick-Built Homes

A stick-built home is a wooden house that is built and completed onsite at your lot. Many prospective home builders are drawn to stick-built homes because of their customization options, designed to exactly meet their aesthetic and architectural preferences. With a traditional stick-built home, you can expect:

Local craftsmanship and focused attention to detail
Total completion at five to six months, depending on local weather conditions
A home that maintains its value or increases over time

While stick-built homes offer a wide range of personalization and long-term value, it’s important to note that depending on the level of customization and amount of upgraded building materials, stick-built houses can be quite costly projects upfront.

What Is a Modular Home?

Modular homes are sections of a new house built at a factory then transported by truck to your location and joined together by skilled local contractors. Many will question the quality and appearance of modular homes — however, once completed, many modular homes will resemble the look and condition of stick-built homes and are built using the same state, local and regional building codes as stick-built houses.

When building a modular home, you can expect:

The same longevity and performance as stick-built homes
Total completion of approximately four months for turnkey projects
Appreciation in overall value over time

Modular homes are ideal for families that desire unique finishes but don’t require total customization. With a modular home, you can choose from distinct window, door and architectural styles, but due to transportation requirements and timely manufacturing needs, modular homes typically have a size cap and prefabricated floor plans.

Cost Comparison of Stick-Built and Modular Houses

There are many myths surrounding the costs of stick-built vs. modular homes, some claiming modular homes to be cheaper while stick-built can soar in upfront expenses. When comparing factors like materials and finishes, the costs of constructing a modular or stick-built home are very similar.

The most effective and efficient method for determining the cost of a stick-built vs. a modular home is by working with a local building company and outlining your needs, then actively comparing the prices. At Green Diamond Builders, we offer pricing options for both building options, so homeowners can choose which type of home works best for their needs and budget.

For Your Dream Home, Reach Out to Green Diamond Builders

Don’t settle for just any type of home readily available in your neighborhood. Experience unmatched satisfaction and long-term benefits by building a stick-built or modular home with Green Diamond Builders. We’re a local Delaware full-service building company with more than 25 years of experience working with residents throughout the Delaware and Maryland areas. We strive to always find beautiful homes that meet your needs and expectations.

Learn more about our selection of stick-built and modular homes today by completing our online contact form or calling 302-284-1177.

Cape Cod Style Home

Feel the ocean breeze on your face while sipping an ice-cold lemonade — this image evokes the quintessential lifestyle of the classic Cape Cod-inspired home, one accentuated by leisurely afternoons and simple aesthetics. Cape Cod style homes have been a signature architectural style of America since its earliest colonial beginnings, starting as a modest and practical home and transforming into a sleek and modern way of life.

History of Cape Cod-Style Homes

Cape Cod houses were introduced in the 17th century by early Puritan carpenters from England. This type of home plan was fast, easy and affordable to build while offering dependable durability from the harsh, cold climate.

Cape Cod homes built during this early time period were a simple square, single story structures with low roofs crafted from readily available oak or pine frames and covered in cedar shingles. For efficient heating, Cape Cod homes were built with a centrally located chimney and featured shutters that would close over the windows to protect the interior from inclement weather and cool temperatures.

Cape Cod houses earned their namesake from Reverend Timothy Dwight IV in the early 1800s, when he coined the phrase while visiting the Cape.

Distinctive Features of Cape Cod House Plans

Many love the look of Cape Cod homes because of their idyllic, charming aesthetic and deceptively simple looking design. Cape Cod homes are typically identified by their distinct features, including:

Symmetrical, geometric facade
Wood frame structure with shingled exterior
Decorative and protective shutters
Square, single story shape with side-gabled roof
Centrally located chimney

Modern interpretations of Cape Cod building plans have added improvements to easily accommodate contemporary lifestyles, such as additional living space. Starting around the early 20th century, Cape Cod building plans became larger, with second story bedroom options, including roof dormers for added light and space, as well as separate kitchen areas and rooms built onto the sides and back of the central structure. Today, these added rooms are used as garages or additional living space including dining and family rooms.

Grab a Slice of the Cape with Cape Cod Building Plans From Green Diamond Builders

Add a bit of classic charm and coastal relaxation to your life with a new Cape Cod modular home from Green Diamond Builders. We offer a variety of beautiful, traditionally inspired Cape Cod manufactured homes to suit any lifestyle needs, design expectations and budget. We invite local homeowners throughout Maryland and Delaware to explore our selection of single and two-story Cape Cod plans to find your next forever home.

Contact Us Today to Learn More

At Green Diamond Builders, we’re a full-service residential building company dedicated to providing beautiful, dependable homes for residents throughout Maryland and Delaware. We’re currently building in three Delmarva-area communities, including Market Farm Estates in Felton, DE, Fieldstone Village in Dover, DE, and Reed’s Meadow in Worton, MD.

With all of our Cape Cod building projects, our team of dedicated, experienced professionals works with you every step of the way throughout the building and completion process. This ensures that we offer you a fully customized home that fits all your needs and expectations.

Explore our catalog of Cape Cod-style modular homes today, or learn more about our building projects by calling 302-284-1177 or filling out our online contact form.

Pros and Cons of Modular Homes

When you’re moving to a new home, you have many different options available. Choosing between doing a new build and purchasing a house that has already been built is one of the first choices you have to make.

If you choose to build your own home, you should consider a modular home. This type of new build is becoming more and more popular! Before you make your final decision, though, you should consider the pros and cons of modular home construction.

The Advantages of Modular Home Construction

Lots of home buyers don’t know much about manufactured homes and all the great qualities they have! Some of the advantages of choosing a modular home are:

Customization: Some people have the misconception that modular homes are like cookie cutter houses, but that isn’t true! Tons of different customization options are available, from the exterior style to the flooring to the floor plan.

Time: Modular homes are built at a different site than your plot of land. This keeps delays from weather and other factors from setting back your timeline.

Cost: Constructing manufactured homes is a much more efficient process compared to traditional home building. This streamlined process helps cut down costs, making modular homes more affordable.

Energy Efficiency: After your manufactured home is finished, you have the opportunity to save even more money. Those with manufactured homes often have lower energy bills from month to month than other homeowners.

The Disadvantages

Modular homes have many unique advantages over traditional new build constructions. But, they also have some disadvantages you need to consider:

Financing: When you’re looking for financing for a modular home, the process is a little bit different. You have to get a construction loan, on which you will pay interest until the construction is finished. Then, that loan turns into a traditional mortgage. The different process can be a little bit confusing for home buyers.

Land: The cost of your manufactured home and the cost of the property are two different parts of your budget. Sometimes, land can be a little bit pricey. Negotiating two separate purchases makes the process a little harder.

Stigma: Even though you can’t tell the difference between a manufactured home and one built traditionally, some people have very negative attitudes about them. This may become a problem down the road when you sell your house.

If you’re considering this type of home, you need to weigh the pros and cons of modular homes to see if it’s the best fit.

Contact Green Diamond Builders Today

At Green Diamond Builders, we have an excellent selection of modular structures for residential and commercial needs. Visit one of our two locations, or contact us today to learn more!

Modular Home Financing Options

When you’re buying or building a new home, you need to find the right financing option before you begin looking for your dream home. Manufactured homes are becoming more and more popular compared to traditional home buying, but the financing process is a little bit different.

Don’t let that difference intimidate you! We’re here to make building your beautiful manufactured home a simple and memorable process. Read on to learn more about your financing options for modular homes and some tips to help you through the process.

How to Finance Land and a Modular Home

When you’re financing a modular home and land, you’ll have a slightly different process than another home buyer who is purchasing a house that was already built.

Instead of applying for a mortgage, you’ll need to apply for a construction loan first. This loan will cover the cost of labor, materials and everything that goes inside. Constructing a modular home can have much lower prices than other types of homes because the house is built at a different indoor site and then assembled at your lot.

After the construction is finished, though, that construction loan will turn into a traditional mortgage. A representative from your bank will come to your home to complete an inspection and appraisal to determine the exact value of the mortgage.

During the construction phase, you are typically only charged interest. Then, after it becomes a mortgage, you make your monthly payments over the agreed period.

Financing Tips

With the different financing options for modular homes compared to other types of home buying, the process can seem a little bit intimidating. But, when you work with Green Diamond Builders, it won’t be!

While you’re financing your modular home, you should keep a few important things in mind. Like with any loan, you should shop around for the best rates. If you can save money during the construction phase with lower interest payments, you can put those savings toward your mortgage payments down the road.

You also need to plan for surprise costs during construction. You can avoid certain extra costs, like delays from weather, but sometimes surprise added costs do pop up. While working with your contractor, you can discuss adding an extra budget that can cover these costs.

At Green Diamond Builders, we will work with you through every step of the construction process.

Choose Experienced Home Builders

Green Diamond Builders are the experienced licensed builders you need to help get you into your dream home. Compared to other options, manufactured homes give you more customization options. With a variety of floor plans and exterior styles to choose from, you can build the perfect house. And, that home will come with a 10-year structural warranty.

Visit us at one of our two convenient locations or contact us today to learn more about our services and what we can do for you. We know we will help you find the perfect solutions for your needs.

Keys to Unlock Your New Home Potential

What to Expect When Buying and Building

The decision to buy a new or existing house excites and scares us all at the same time, because home matters. It makes a difference in our quality of life and is often people’s biggest lifetime asset and investment. Your home should be a valued personal space and sanctuary where memories are made, work gets completed, and relaxation happens.

From growing young families and first-time home buyers to seasoned house hunters and retiring seniors, every home buyer is looking for a place that fits their exact needs. Whether you’re looking at a new or existing structure or both, the process of buying a home presents a variety of challenges that can be mastered using knowledge and trusted partners.

20 Steps to Home Ownership

Potential owners of all experience levels can benefit from having the buying-a-home process explained periodically and refreshing their knowledge. Along with some core principles that do not change, many fluctuating variables affect home buying such as market supply and demand as well as domestic and global economics.

These 20 keys to the process will help you unlock home-buying success.

1. Check Your Credit

A credit score directly affects your buying power, so you’ll want to know what is in your file at the three major bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You can order one free report per year from each credit bureau, or you can find both paid and free sources to get each individual report or a cumulative number that incorporates data from all three bureaus. Improve or correct any information that would give you a higher score, which ultimately results in a lower interest rate.

2. Examine Your Budget

Start by looking at the net amount of money you make. Then, find one-third of your net amount to consider how much you can afford to pay a month for a mortgage payment. Many sources also say that you can determine how much your family can afford by calculating 36 percent of your gross income or 28 percent of your after-tax income. Make sure your calculations include the cost of your property taxes and homeowner’s insurance. Mortgage calculators can also be helpful tools when you’re examining your budget.

3. Discuss How Much to Spend

Each family’s budget is different but will include such expenses as utilities, home insurance, auto loans and insurance, education, cable TV, Internet, credit cards, eating out and many other things. It’s prudent to consider everything when trying to practically answer the question: “How much can we afford?”

4. Consider the Future

Most experts advise you to look ahead throughout the life of the mortgage to consider how possible changes planned or otherwise might affect your financial situation, such as jobs, income, health and family status.

5. Get Pre-Approved for a Loan

Apply to several sources to become pre-approved for a mortgage or home-building loan. This expedites your process and enables you to screen lenders. Some institutions may approve you for more than the figure you have in your head, but stick to what you know will be financially comfortable for the long term.

6. Study Mortgage and Loan Choices

Research mortgage types and pick one that is practical and right for your needs:

Do you want to pay for 15 or 30 years?
Do you want to do business with a credit union, bank, builder or general contractor?
What interest rate will you pay?
Can you roll insurance and taxes into the mortgage payment?
How big of a down payment do you have?

7. Save a Down Payment

Private-mortgage insurance generally applies when an owner does not have at least 20 percent of the purchase price for a loan down payment. PMI is typically about 0.5 percent of the purchase price and will usually be applied until you have repaid 20 percent of the loan.

8. Prepare for Fees

There are also closing costs plus fees for inspection, appraisal, legal, title and other services that usually amount to an expense of about 5 percent of the mortgage payment.

9. Make a List of Priorities

Take some time to dream on paper. Make a list of the things that are important for you and your family to have in a house. Maybe teenagers need separate bedrooms and an adjoining bathroom. Perhaps a family plans to grow and needs an upstairs nursery. Other owners may want office or workshop space, a garage, storage, a dream porch, multiple bathrooms or other spaces.

10. Decide on Negotiable and Non-Negotiable Items

Once the priority list is made, go through as a family, couple or thoughtful individual, and decide which things are absolutely essential and which could be compromised on if other conditions are right.

11. Seek a Trustworthy Partner

Plan to interview people before you decide what company or individual to trust with your business and know each agent will have a different style. It will be important for you to feel comfortable with the person and their network of subcontractors, such as banking, title and legal firms.

The fee of a real estate agent or broker depends somewhat on the firm or person, but it is generally 5 percent or more of the sale price. You may need one or several professionals involved in property sales, such as a realtor, agent, broker, banker, builder, general contractor, attorney, title agent and/or land owner.

12. Begin Shopping

From neighborhoods nearby the kids’ school to cozy, rural getaways, a real estate partner can help you search the available market. You can also:

Look online at the multiple-listing service (MLS) in your state
Review what options new construction builders have available
Attend open houses or tour model homes
Drive around looking for lots and existing homes for sale

13. Search and Narrow Choices

Most potential homeowners want to find the perfect house right away, but it usually takes several viewings to find “the” one. When selecting a new home design, you’ll have to spend time reviewing and deciding on sites and designs.

14. Allow Enough Time

How long is the process of buying a house? That depends on how quickly you move through all the steps and find the structure you want to buy or build:

For an existing home, anticipate a minimum of two months under ideal conditions and a maximum of 10-12 months if slowdowns occur such as credit repair or a lack of available property.
Building a new home can take as few as four months and as many as 12 or 14, depending on the type of structure you choose, weather, the contractors’ schedules, and permitting and other processes.

15. Make an Offer

Once you decide on the property you want, you’re ready to spell out in writing the price you’re willing to pay and any terms attached to that payment. Sometimes the offer phase includes counteroffers and other negotiations through which the buyer and seller define points of sale. When an offer is accepted, the buyer usually produces money to show they’re serious about the purchase, and the down payment is held in trust by someone other than the seller.

16. Prepare for the Paperwork and Services

As the process moves forward, there will be an appraisal to determine the value of the property. There will also be the procurement of home insurance and title research to be sure neither the land nor home has liens or other legal issues that would impede a clear title transfer.

17. Conduct a Thorough Inspection

A home inspection brings in a professional to analyze the home’s interior and exterior. The inspector makes a report that gives the potential buyer valuable information about needed repairs and the condition of utilities, building materials and features.

18. Do a Final Walk Through

Insist on walking through the home or property to be sure it is what you expect and fulfills the agreement before you go to the closing.

19. Sign Papers and Get Keys

As soon as you’ve signed that pile of papers and presented a certified cashier’s check, you’ll get the keys to your property. If you buy an existing home, it’s wise to change the locks immediately.

20. Stick to Your Budget

Be wary of predatory lenders, unconventional loan practices, and anyone who encourages you to spend beyond your capacity. The American Bar Association and the federal government offer definitions of the broad term “predatory lending practices.”

Consider New Construction

Everyone dreams of having a house that’s customized to their needs, and people of nearly any means can build one. The buying-a-home process for new construction differs from existing homes in that you shop for a home from model structures and design concept illustrations.

Determining what you can afford is still essential, and then a builder can work with you to create the options you want within your budget. Building new involves a list of options, just like picking an existing home. There are sites within developments or that sit alone, or people may want to subdivide a family property for a home site. People may want to build a custom home, so they look for an empty lot or might consider razing a condemned or dilapidated property to create one.

Homeowners looking to build new have other considerations:

Research where it is geographically practical to build a home. Your research might include survey work to establish property lines, a hydrology analysis to make sure the land doesn’t flood, a study of the area drainage, or analysis of the right-of-way needed to establish a driveway.

Determine the permits, fees and installation expenses required to dig a well, install a septic or connect to city utilities. It’s prudent to research these expenses and then include them into your budget since some of them are substantial.

Ask questions about neighborhood covenants that may prohibit certain activities, shore land or conservation districts that collect an additional tax, and the historical or environmental significance of the site. This tip applies to buying an existing home, too.

Check the broader area and see what businesses are nearby and how you like the adjacent neighborhoods.

If you don’t already have a property in mind, new-home builders have robust information about available sites. It helps to think about where you want to be, such as urban or rural, and work your way through the choices from there.

Know New Construction Options

Owners building a new home can choose on-site, stick-built construction, for which a house is built in place on a permanent foundation, or off-site construction, for which a home is built in a factory, then transported and affixed to a permanent foundation. Material options for both styles commonly include wood, concrete and steel, with brick, stone and siding finishes and accents.

Off-site construction, or modular building, takes place within a climate-controlled environment and saves time over stick-built construction, which is subject to weather delays. Modular construction can also be customized such as on-site building and produced in options that range from basic to luxurious.

Many people like the environmental friendliness of off-site construction, because its tightly controlled processes produce less waste and about 80 percent less site activity than the stick-built process. Modular building happens from the inside out, so it features insulated and more energy-efficient wall outlets, air ducts, window seals and weld points.

Benefits of Modular Buying

The lower level of waste and lower cost for materials transport involved in off-site construction results in a cost savings of up to 15 percent or more, depending on where you live, the source you consult and the design choices you make. People also save time with off-site construction.

On-site construction has better resale value when that time comes, but most modular buildings come with a 10-year warranty. Some people still attach a stigma to off-site construction, but not usually those who know the industry well.

For example, the National Institute of Standards and Technology appointed a committee to study the construction industry and identify ways to improve efficiency and productivity. Among the committee’s main findings was this declaration of what could be done: “Greater use of prefabrication, preassembly, modularization and off-site fabrication techniques and processes.”

Realtor magazine dismisses stereotypes about modular architecture and says the latest generation is “strikingly contemporary and even glamorous.” Users of modular construction have said they appreciate the standardization and uniformity of the buildings.

Many other sources acknowledge the growing popularity of modular construction in home building and other big-player industries, such as:

Health Care
Education
Worship
Office
Food Service
Hospitality
Emergency and security
Multi- and single-family residential
Retail
Manufacturing
Construction
Municipal
Science laboratories
Power and energy
Military

Buyers can get a home or building done just about any way they want. Regardless of what a person chooses to do, the same basic steps apply to the buying-a-house process and achieving the home you’ve always wanted.

Choose Green Diamond Builders

Green Diamond Builders offers full-service construction of residential and commercial buildings, with 25 years of experience in each and options for on- or off-site building. Steve and Mary Jackson have owned the business since 2004 and, through quality service and projects, have grown it to include two locations and more than 300 satisfied clients across several states.

Our family-owned company also builds exterior structures to use for storage, barns, garages, workshops, home-business space and other purposes. Our experience includes residential, commercial and recreational projects.

Green Diamond Builders offers on- and off-site construction and several styles of homes including one-level ranches, Cape Cod cottages, spacious two stories and waterfront spaces with several styles of each. Home sizes of standard design generally range from 1,400 to 3,300 square feet.

We hold licenses in Maryland and Delaware and have expertise in the soil and climate factors that affect building in that part of the country. Green Diamond Builders can show you lots of options in residential areas, as well and land-and-home packages or custom options for existing sites.

Our on-staff professionals range from builders, realtors and permitting experts to designers, demolition specialists and commercial construction gurus. We will provide guidance from the moment you decide to buy through the closing and beyond. It is our business and pleasure to help you in the process of buying a house and finding the keys that unlock your potential new home.

For more information or to contact Green Diamond Builders, call 302-284-1177 or visit us online to send an e-mail anytime or sign up for our industry newsletter.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Modular Home?

Here at Green Diamond Builders, Inc., one of the first things prospective buyers ask about is the modular home cost. While this might appear to be a relatively straightforward question, the answer isn’t so simple. The average cost of modular homes can vary widely based on factors such as square footage, floor plan and, of course, location. Depending on your choices, the price of a modular home could range from $100,000 to more than $1 million.

How Much Are Modular Homes Per Square Foot?

Typically, square footage serves as the basis for the cost of a modular home. The square footage price is a function of the floor plan and includes known items such as the number of windows, amount of materials needed to construct the home and the linear footage of the kitchen cabinets. Thus, the cost of a two-story house will be higher than that of a ranch home with the same square footage.

The base price will also include “necessities” like excavation costs, permits, utilities and so forth. Depending on the floor plan you choose and the builder, you could pay as little as $50 to more than $250 per square foot. If you decide to modify the floor plan and add square footage, the builder will recalculate the price to account for the additional materials.

Are Modular Homes Cheaper Than “Traditional” Homes?

Buyers also want to compare prices between modular and traditional homes that are constructed on-site. According to TheNest.com, a modular home typically costs 10 to 20 percent less than a stick-built home. However, this will vary widely in different geographic regions. As mentioned, modular home cost per square foot can range from $50 to $250, while a traditional home can run from $150 to $250 per square foot.

The “Added Value” of Purchasing a Modular Home

There are other ways you could save money when buying a modular home, too. For example, with stick-built dwellings, the entire construction process takes place on-site and can take anywhere from six to nine months. In contrast, modular homes feature components that are built in a factory-controlled environment and delivered to the site for final assembly. The entire process usually takes only 90 to 120 days.

A shorter completion time often results in a lower overall project price for the buyer. Material costs can be up to 10 percent less for a modular home, as the tightly controlled factory method minimizes waste. There is also a reduced risk of damage to lumber caused by exposure to the elements during the construction process. Plus, the shortened timeframe leads to lower labor costs than stick-built projects.

Contact Green Diamond Builders to Learn More About Modular Home Costs in DE and MD

As a leading modular home builder in Delaware and Maryland, Green Diamond Builders can handle every aspect of your construction project. Contact us to learn more about the benefits of living in a beautiful modular home. We also invite you to stop by and take a look at our model home.

How Long Does It Take to Build a Modular Home?

Many people dream of building a custom home instead of purchasing an existing structure. However, the process of constructing a traditional stick-built home can take up to nine months — or even longer if the weather doesn’t cooperate. One of the reasons modular homes are increasing in popularity is the much faster project completion rate — the average time to build a modular home is only 90 to 120 days, which means you can move into your new home without enduring an extended waiting period.

Why Does It Take Less Time to Build a Modular Home?

Modular homes feature a streamlined building process that saves time and labor. With a traditional home, the builder must transport all the materials to the site as they’re needed at various stages of the project. In contrast, a modular home consists of individual components that are constructed in a factory-controlled environment, then trucked to the site for final assembly. This method helps to avoid the delays due to inclement weather, material and labor shortages, as well as other factors that often occur during on-site builds.

Constructing a Modular Home: A Timeline

So, how long to build a modular home? Let’s take a look at a typical project timeline:

Pre-Contract Phase (Not Included in the Overall Build Time): This initial project phase encompasses everything that must occur before construction can begin. This can entail choosing a floor plan — and making modifications if necessary — conducting a site survey, acquiring permits, obtaining an energy rating and commissioning a soil report. Depending on the builder and where you plan to construct your home, this may take anywhere from six to 12 weeks.

Factory Building Phase: Approximately 95 percent of the modular home construction process occurs at the factory and takes about eight to 10 weeks. The builder will construct the individual modules per the specs on the floor plan and make any customizations as requested by the buyer. The home also undergoes a rigorous inspection process to ensure it meets stringent quality standards and complies with all applicable building codes. Site preparation also takes place during this time, generally about one to two weeks before the home’s completion date.

On-Site Building/Assembly Phase: After the builder completes the construction of the modules, they’re transported to the site for final assembly. This process involves joining the components, installing subflooring, connecting utilities, erecting decks and verandas — if applicable — and repairing any cracks or other minor damage that may have occurred during shipping. The builder will also check seals to ensure the home is watertight. This phase takes approximately four to six weeks.

Contact Green Diamond Builders for All Your Modular Home Needs in DE and MD

If you’re thinking of building your dream home in Delaware or Maryland, the experienced pros at Green Diamond Builders can assist you during every phase of your project. We can also provide additional insight into how long it takes for a modular home to be built in the region. Contact us for more information, and feel free to stop by for a look at a fully appointed modular home.