Frontspiece from house made by Pratt from Tyler Texas

FAQ

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You’ve Got Questions? We’ve Got the Answers!

When you are in the market to buy a new home, no doubt, you will have lots of questions. Feel free to browse some of our most frequently asked questions. Hopefully, we can answer most of your questions here. We want you to be an informed consumer and understand all the benefits of a Pratt modular home.

1. Q: What do modular homes cost? *See updated answer below.

Because modular homes are custom built with unlimited options, that means custom pricing. No two homes are alike; therefore, the pricing will fluctuate- just like adding options to a new car purchase.

*Additionally, Post Covid supply and demand has greatly impacted current pricing across the industry. Please give us a call for all current pricing of our homes.   

2. Q: What is the difference in a modular home and a manufactured home?

Good question. Many, many differences! One major difference is that manufactured homes are regulated by federal building codes, whereas modular homes are built to comply with all state and city codes. What this means for you is the ability to have your modular home within city limits that restrict manufactured homes.

3. Q: Where does Pratt Homes deliver their modular homes?

We are proud of our presence in 4 states. We have homes all over the state of Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.

4. Q: I am interested in a modular home. What should my first step be?

We always suggest coming in and meeting with our professional in-house team. Our team consists of engineers, designers, financial and loan specialists, and even property and land locators. Our initial goal is to narrow down your needs and desires, so we can find the best fit for you and your family.

5. Q: Can I do part of the work to finish out my modular home?

Absolutely! We have customers who want to do their own cabinetry, flooring, tile work, etc. You will have the flexibility to do as much or as little as you desire.

6. Q: What land preparation is required for a modular home?

Most major types of home loans, such as FHA, USDA, VA, and Conventional, require a concrete slab foundation. However, we don’t simply come in and pour concrete. We use an engineering firm to do a series of inspections before the concrete is poured. This highly regulated process checks for such things as depth of footings, placement and strength of the concrete, and size and placement of the rebar.

7. Q: How does the resale value of a modular home compare to a stick-built home?

This answer often surprises many people. Well built, high-quality Pratt modular homes retain their value very well. Our modulars are constructed to exceed site-built standards and must meet the same state and local building codes as site-built houses.

It is impossible to tell the difference between a Pratt modular home and a stick built home once the building process is complete. However, and this surprises many of our customers, the interior of our modular homes are more durable than their site-built counterparts. Not only will your love for your home increase, but when properly maintained through homeowner care, it is common for the value of modulars to increase as they age!

8. Q: What about financing a modular home?

Modular homes and stick-built homes all qualify for the same loan programs. Modular homes are permanent structures – “real property.” When it comes to securing financing for your new home, there are major advantages to having it classified as Real Property as opposed to Personal Property- such as longer loan terms, special tax deductions, and lower interest rates. Not only do banks and mortgage companies offer many choices for financing your modular home, Pratt Homes offers convenient in-house financing. We can provide you with options for financing your new home and help make your dream of home ownership a reality.

Did you know that Pratt modular homes qualify for all these traditional mortgage options:

  • Conventional fixed rate mortgages (30, 20, 15 and 10 year terms)
  • Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM loans)
  • USDA Mortgages with zero money down options
  • FHA Loans featuring low down payments and fairly lenient credit requirements
  • VA Mortgages for eligible military, veterans and surviving spouses.

9. Do I need property?

Yes, but no need to worry if you do not have real property. At Pratt Homes, we have an in-house real estate broker that can help you locate property. We also have land developers who provide us with available properties in all 4 states that we service. It is not uncommon for us to have over 300 listings of available land at any given time.

10. What about building permits?

The only way that Pratt Homes has been able to successfully build over 100 homes a year, in 4 states, is by having an in-house team that handles all required state and local permits. You will simply apply for a water and utility permit, make the deposit, and we handle everything else. Pratt Homes will take care of obtaining all permits related to building, concrete, landscaping, tree removal, sidewalks, and even pools.

11. Are there really options for making my modular home unique?

Yes! Pratt Homes has the largest inventory in the state of Texas. We have over 60 fully furnished homes on display on 13 beautifully landscaped acres. All of our display homes show various options for customization. Additionally, we also have a huge selection of Tiny and Manufactured homes. Our team of in-house designers can help you create a unique home based on your individual wants and needs.

12. What about efficiency and being “green”?

Not only do we care about being good stewards of the environment, but since we started Pratt Homes in 1996, we have focused on energy efficiency. We always use the maximum level of insulation, and we either install Lennox or Trane HVAC systems. Being energy efficient not only helps to protect the environment, but also helps to save you money on your utility bills.

13. Does Pratt Homes offer options for the exterior of a modular home?

Once again, virtually unlimited options exist. Come take a look at our models of stucco, brick, fiber cement siding, and vinyl siding. Pratt Homes is recognized for the architectural exteriors that differentiate us from other modular home competitors. In fact, our homes have the same exterior look as site built homes.

14. What is in the future for modular homes?

Every year, as modular homes gain popularity, they improve in efficiency and even higher building standards. Open concept modulars with lots of light and windows are highly sought after.

15. How did Mr. Pratt get started in the home building business?

After 14 years working in the volatile world of the Oil and Gas business, Lynn Pratt decided to go in another direction. From humble beginnings on one and a half acres of land with a small office to becoming the premier modular home builder in 4 states with 13 acres that showcase 4 million dollars worth of inventory, Mr. Pratt has built a reputation of top quality and first class service from start to finish.

16. Will my new modular home be complete when it arrives at my property?

Your new home will arrive in sections which have been built in climate controlled warehouses. They will then be assembled, and septic, electric, and plumbing connected. Your home will then be turn-key ready for you! The process takes 4 to 6 weeks to complete.

17. What’s the deal with Tiny Homes?

The Tiny Home movement has exploded! We have 15-20 Tiny Homes with endless possibilities for use. Some of our customers have purchased their Tiny Homes for use as investment rental income, bed and breakfasts, hunting and fishing cabins, or simply downsizing for retirement.

18. What makes Pratt Homes different from its competitors?

Simply put, people come from over 400 miles away to buy from us because of our standards of quality in construction and our in-house staff that takes care of the entire process from concept to handing over the keys to your new home. Our full time construction department is able to travel from homesite to homesite to oversee all stages of construction. Additionally, our customers like the ease of being able to obtain a mortgage directly from our two on-site mortgage loan originators. Since 1996, we have built a reputation of exceptional standards of quality and customer service.

19. Can I add a garage?

Sure. One car? Three car? Carport? The choice is yours. Your garage is just as customizable as your home.

20. How does Pratt Modular homes compare to stick built homes in terms of energy efficiency?

Being in the south, we know that outside temperatures fluctuate greatly. We want to make sure that your home is as energy efficient and comfortable as possible. For that reason, we use 2X6 studs instead of 2X4 used in stick built homes. Using 2X6 studs allows us to use an R-19 insulation. That is almost double the R-11 used in most stick built homes. In fact, Pratt Homes have earned a Zone Three Rating, which is the required rating for Alaska!

Hopefully, this has helped to answer many of your questions. Ready to get started? Give us a call at Pratt Modular Homes. We would love to show you the options and benefits of modular home ownership.

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