FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

These are some commonly asked questions brought to our attention by our loyal clients. If you feel like we left anything unasnwered, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
  • Q: Can I custom design my own or bring in my own plans? arrow

    A: Yes, we are a custom designer and builder. Clients are free to bring in their own plans, modify our plans in any way or we can design from scratch together. There are no design limitations.

  • Q. What is the difference between Dickinson Homes and traditional (i.e. site built) homes?arrow

    A: Modular construction is a process in which a home is constructed off-site, under controlled factory conditions, using the same materials and designing to the same codes and standards as site built homes – but in about half the time and under more time and budget control.

  • Q. Do I have to hire my own general contractor? arrow

    A: That is up to the client. We are set up to be as little or as much involved as the client wants. We can manage the entire project from permits to final painting, like a turnkey project. Or we can build as little as a Tiny Home and the homeowner can finish from there. The level of completion depends on what the homeowner would like.

  • Q. How much per square foot are your homes? arrow

    A: Pricing homes by the square foot is like pricing a truck by the pound. It’s not a good or accurate measurement of “what you get,” and is not a clear guarantee of anything. Because we are a custom builder, we will price your home firm based on a drawing set and a clear list of specifications and finishes.

  • Q. Are these manufactured homes? arrow

    A: No, manufactured homes follow a different building code, call the HUD code. We build to the same codes and standards as traditional stick built homes. Our framing starts on permanent wood framing and not a metal chassis.

  • Q. How long does it take to build a home in the factory? arrow

    A: On average, factory construction takes 5 weeks. Typically, the home can be set on the foundation in one day. On site finishing will depend on the design and complexity of the home.

  • Q. How do you get the home modules to my site? arrow

    A: The modules are delivered to your site by our specially fabricated trailers. These trailers are designed to reduce the stress on a module during delivery. The modules are set on your foundation by crane using metal straps.

  • Q. Do you build garages? arrow

    A: Yes. We do build garages along with any other need or want the home owners have. Because we are complete custom design and build we can provide any service requested such as garages, finished basements, decks, and sunrooms.

  • Q. Do your homes have a warranty? arrow

    A: Yes. We offer an industry leading 15 year structural warranty. The finishing materials we use (i.e. windows, roofing, siding, etc…) also have a warranty that extends well beyond that. We have an in house customer service representative that will expedite and service needs a home owner may have. We stand behind our homes and do not leave home owners to fend for themselves.

  • Q. Can you build a home to meet LEED, Energy Star or other environmental standards? arrow

    A: Yes, we have and can easily build a home to meet any energy or green standard such as Energy Star, LEED, and NGBS. Energy efficient homes are more comfortable, healthier, and less expensive to maintain and live in.

  • Q. How sustainable is a modular home compared to a stick/site built home? arrow

    A: All Dickinson Homes are built with a focus on efficiency, healthy indoor air quality, and use of sustainable materials and practices. We use low and no-VOC materials whenever possible. Limiting use of paints and adhesives with Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) limits harmful chemical off gassing, resulting in buildings with healthier indoor air quality. Building offsite also allows us to closely monitor our material use and disposal during and after construction.

  • Q. How healthy are Dickinson Homes? arrow

    A: Modular construction by nature is healthier because they are built in a climate-controlled environment, meaning less exposure to the elements, which can reduce the risk of mold and other allergens. This provides a better Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and benefits the home owners. We have and can build homes tailored to owners' chemical sensitivities and other needs.