Prairie Ridge Estates - Marion, Iowa

Click on each of our Frequently Asked Questions to expand or collapse the Answer.

1. What is the difference between a Mobile and Modular/Systems Built home?

Mobile Home:
A factory built housing unit built prior to June 15, 1976, before the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Code came into effect (example: 1975 singlewide or doublewide home).
Manufactured Home:
A factory built housing unit built to meet or exceed the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Code that came into effect June 15, 1976 (example: 1976 singlewide or doublewide home built after June 15th). These homes may have 2" x 6" exterior walls for example, but the lumber, the nails or glues, the sheathing and the sides are all of a lesser grade. The roof has either a 2-12 or 3-12 pitch. They also require a steel undercarriage for transport and structural support. The steel undercarriage must stay in place. Would we put one of these on a foundation? Some would, but we don't!
Panelized Home:
Factory built housing panels that contain doors, windows, and wiring that are built to meet or exceed the state and local building codes where the panels are to be assembled on site. Many site built homes use a type of panelizing in their construction today. They realize the economy of factory built roof trusses and wall systems.
Modular/Systems Built Home:
A factory built housing unit built using conventional construction methods and materials that are certified to meet or exceed the state and local building codes. This is a home that is stick built in a factory, is transported to your site by truck and then set on a basement or crawl space. These homes are also inspected and tested by a third, non-partisan party/inspection service. That means that someone in addition to the contractor engineer and the local inspector or code authority inspects the home at the factory and that the home is actually inspected MORE often than a built on-site home or commercial building. For example, the plumbing used in modular construction is actually tested under air pressure for leaks. The on-site plumber does their thing and it may leak now, or it may leak later. They simply cannot TEST it under pressure while on site.

2. What are the differences between Modular/Systems Built and Manufactured Homes?

Modular/Systems Built homes are appraised using stick built homes as comparables, while manufactured homes are not.
Modular/Systems Built homes have the same financing packages available as a site built homes, while manufactured homes have a higher interest rate and do not carry the same financing options.
Modular/Systems Built homes appreciate in value over time, while manufactured homes usually depreciate over time.
Modular/Systems Built homes are taxed in the same manner as site built homes. Manufactured homes are taxed on square footage.
Modular/Systems Built homes are built to stricter building codes than even site built homes!

3. How Do I Finance One of Your Homes?

Modular/Systems Built homes are financed the same as site built homes. If you decide on a house that is already built, the loan process is no different than any other home mortgage; same loan rates apply. If you decide to customize your house you will begin with a construction loan to make payments during the building process. On completion of the construction, an end mortgage of up to 30 years is put in place. The rapid completion of a systems built home results in much less construction loan interest, a potential savings of thousands of dollars.
We work with all major lenders in the area and will be happy to introduce you to representatives from Probity National Mortgage Corp., US Bank or Wells Fargo just to name a few. All of these institutions offer competitive rates, outstanding service and are familiar with modular homes.

4. Why Should I Buy A Modular/Systems Built Home?

The #1 Reason: More Value and Home for your buying dollar! We know that you are a savvy consumer and that you want to maximize your buying dollar on the single largest investment of your life. We think Modular construction is the wave of the future. Systems Built homes are built under controlled conditions, out of the weather, using the finest materials available. Systems Built Homes are built heavier, and generally contain 20% - 30% more wood than stick built homes, because they have to withstand the rigors of being moved to the site and traveling down the road at 65-70 m.p.h. with a 25 m.p.h. head wind! That is 95 m.p.h.! Now that is a strong, well-built house! There is also less onsite waste and the home is weather tight and locked up on the first day.

5. How does the quality of a Modular/Systems Built Home compare to a "stick built" home?

A Modular/Systems Built Home is "stick built!" In fact, the building materials and methods used are equal to or better than other stick built (site built) homes. Because Modular/Systems Built Homes are built in a controlled indoor environment, they can maintain a greater degree of control and consistency over their quality. An independent, third party inspection agency, insures your home is built according to state and national building codes.

6. What Products are used in Modular/Systems Built Homes?

Same products that the "stick" builders are using and that you are probably using for your home improvements now! To mention a few, All American Homes use: Delta Faucets, Wilsonart counter tops, Armstrong/NAFCO or Omega flooring, Merillat Cabinets, Mansfield commodes, Aker Shower Stalls, CertainTeed roof shingles, Crestline or Andersen windows & patio doors, Triton or ThermaTru Exterior doors, Broan exhaust fans, Sea Gull lighting, Schlage door locks, Mautz paint, Kenmore appliances and Majestic Fireplaces.

7. Can I make changes to the plans?

We can make changes to virtually all the floor plans to meet your specific needs. Our Ranch style homes have the best flexibility of any we offer. Our cape cods offer excellent flexibility too, but there are certain changes that we can't accommodate at this time. Our two-story homes are our least flexible designs. But we will consult with you on any ideas you have and to see what is workable.

8. Are Modular/Systems Built Homes more energy efficient than a site built home?

YES. Because Modular/Systems Built Homes are built from "the inside out," they have access to areas that a site builder does not. An example, electrical outlets and drywall are applied prior to the exterior sheathing; they can be caulked around the electrical outlets to prevent air infiltration. This is just one of the many energy efficient features of a Modular/Systems Built Home.

9. Do Modular/Systems Built Homes comply with all the building codes?

YES. Modular/System Built Homes are built to comply with nationally accepted building codes including BOCA Basic Building, Plumbing and Mechanical Code, as well as the National Electric Code.

10. Can I tour the facility to see how my home will be built?

ABSOULTELY! We encourage you to visit any of the factory facilities and take a personalized tour. We have, and now we are one of their independent builders! Let us know if you would like a tour and we will be happy to arrange one for you.

11. What kind of warranty do these homes have?

All American Homes has a strong warranty in addition to material manufacturer warranties (i.e. on your roof shingles, vinyl siding, windows, door locks etc.).
All American, through Bonded Builders Home Warranty Association (BBHWA), warrants their homes against defects in materials and workmanship for one year. At the end of one year a two to ten year warranty applies on the structure. This third party endorsement provides excellent protection for your new home and provides peace of mind for you on this major investment. The BBHWA Limited Warranty can be transferred to a new owner if you decide to sell your home during the coverage period, adding an attractive feature to a potential buyer.
Please see your sales person for a copy of the warranty booklet and more information on the warranties.

12. What about handicap or special features?

Many of our Modular/Systems Built Home floor plans can be modified for handicapped accessibility or special needs.

13. How long does it take to get a new home?

From the time you start thinking about a new home to moving day varies with the scope of work. Typically, the planning of a new home takes several weeks, refining the design and agreeing to a price. After the agreement is signed, a plan is sent to the factory, where a confirmation plan is drawn. This plan is sent back to us in 2-4 weeks and we review it with you, making any adjustments for the final plan. After the confirmation plan is signed off and sent back a tentative scheduling date is set. Under normal circumstances, delivery can be made in 6-8 weeks. At peak demand, lead times may increase. However, with most modular plants, long lead times are the exception rather than the rule. As your home is being manufactured, Prairie Ridge will have your site prepared for the home. Once the home arrives at the site, it will sit on the foundation for a period of time, while it settles and we perform the rest of the work required.

14. More questions?

Our Model is Open Daily from 2-4 p.m.

For a more personalized “one on one” time, please contact us at (319) 377-3223.
We would be happy to meet with you on your time schedule.

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