Buying a modular home in Central New York raises a lot of questions, and we hear the same ones every week. So we put the eight most common ones in one place. At Green Hills Manor, we build each new modular home at 200 Derek Avenue in the Town of Onondaga, near Syracuse. Because modular construction is new to many buyers, the home-buying process can feel like a lot at first. You will find our answers below.
What is modular construction?
A modular home goes together much like a stick-built home. The only real difference is where we do most of the work. First, the factory builds the house in sections, called modules, inside a climate-controlled plant. Since the work happens indoors, rain and snow never touch the framing or the materials. Once the modules leave the plant, trucks bring them to the lot. Then our crew sets them on a concrete block foundation with a basement and finishes the house. As a result, you get steady quality and good energy efficiency. You also get a shorter schedule. And when you are buying a modular home from us, you can customize it just like a stick-built house.
Are modular homes the same as manufactured homes?
No. They are very different. Our modular homes meet the same local and state building codes as a stick-built house. They also sit on a permanent foundation, so they gain value like any conventional home. Manufactured homes, which many people call mobile homes, follow a separate set of federal HUD codes. In addition, they usually don’t sit on a permanent foundation the same way.
Can I pick my own home style and floor plan?
Yes. Flexibility is one of the best parts of modular construction. At Green Hills Manor, you can pick from several home styles with open floor plans. For example, the Saranac has a craftsman look. The Monroe is a classic ranch, while the Greenfield gives you more room. You can also browse more plans from our partner, Westchester Modular Homes. Or bring us your own plan, and we will work from that.
What size homes can I get?
Most of our homes run from about 900 to 1,800+ square feet. That covers a lot of buyers. For instance, a first-time buyer may want something cozy. On the other hand, someone else may want to downsize to one floor. Either way, we have a plan that fits. And if you need more space, we can build bigger.
What comes with the home?
Features depend on the style you choose. Still, every design starts with a modern layout and open living space. We use quality materials and top brands like Andersen Windows. Also, every home meets modern energy standards. That helps keep your utility bills down all year.
How does the building process work?
Buying a modular home from us is simple. First, give us a call and tell us what you need in a new home. Once you decide to move ahead, you put a deposit on the lot you want. Next, you pick your home style and sign a construction contract. After that, the factory builds the modules. Then trucks deliver them to your site, and our team puts the house together. Along the way, we answer questions whenever they come up.
How long until I can move in?
Usually less time than you’d expect. Because the factory works indoors, weather doesn’t hold us up. Meanwhile, we prepare your site while the factory builds the house. So the schedule often runs shorter than typical new construction. Most homes in the 900 to 1,800 square foot range take about four to six months from start to finish.
Who builds the homes at Green Hills Manor?
We build with Westchester Modular Homes. They have over forty years in the business and more than 8,000 homes across the Northeast. Here at home, Mike Decker runs the community. He spent over 40 years building site-built stick homes. In addition, he has 10 years of modular experience in Central New York. So you work with a local builder who knows both sides of the trade.
Ready to Talk About Buying a Modular Home?
Green Hills Manor sits in Onondaga County, close to downtown Syracuse, Syracuse University and the Finger Lakes. If you want to walk the lots in person, call us at (315) 637-7777 to schedule a tour. You can also find more on our website. Then bring your questions, and we will answer them.
About Green Hills Manor
Green Hills Manor is a new modular home community in the Town of Onondaga, a short drive from downtown Syracuse. We build our homes with Westchester Modular Homes, a manufacturer with more than forty years of experience. Local builder Mike Decker leads the community. Buyers can pick one of our featured floor plans or bring their own.