Ralph C. Michael began Foremost Industries, Inc., a privately owned corporation, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in 1964 ushering in a productive history of building modular homes. The corporation moved to Chambersburg, Pennsylvania later that year hoping to meet growing demands for modular housing. It was Mr. Michael’s desire to provide quality craftsmanship to his customers as well as value. In September of 1965, they once again relocated to Greencastle, Pennsylvania to meet an even bigger demand for high quality homes. Since that move, they opened a new modular plant in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania in 1972 and in Upton, Pennsylvania in 2005. The latter being where they currently build Panelized Homes and Custom Roof Truss(s). They have also opened their own kitchen and bath cabinetry plant in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania.
Modular Home Book Resources Popular Buying Guides for Modular Homebuyers
When trying to select a modular home the first place to start is at the factory level. Knowing which factories deliver to your area is the first step in understanding your options. The second and most important step is determining how the factories compare to each other in the areas of: Quality Construction, Design/Style, Appraised Value and Price.
The manufactured housing industry has made some serious improvements in recent years regarding quality construction and residential appeal. With modern day technology and assembly line techniques, the industry is overcoming the misconception that manufactured homes are poorly built and don’t measure up to stick-built homes.
Knowing your financing options is the first step to securing a good deal. We have spoken with hundreds of modular home lenders and Mr. Eaton the author has gone through the process himself. Learn from his insight and you can avoid some common mistakes people make when financing their home.
On average 80% of homebuyers pay too much for their modular home. Not surprising with all the choices one must make from negotiating with your builder to purchasing property and site-improvements. This resource will reveal important negotiating secrets and dealer profit margins that will give you an edge when negotiating with your builder.
Most modular home builders have display models for potential home buyers to walk through. These models are professionally decorated to impress buyers with elaborate decorations, elegant furniture and dazzling floorplans. Aesthetics are important but would you purchase a modular home based on looks and compromise structural integrity? Don’t be fooled by appearances and miss what really matters; “Quality Construction.”
Factory Built Homes The American dream of owning a home still prevails and the systems built housing industry is experiencing tremendous growth. More and more home buyers are becoming aware of the advantages of owning a factory built home. With modern day technology and assembly line techniques the industry is overcoming the misconception that, factory made homes are poorly built and do not measure up to stick built homes.
Modular Homes are Superior Manufacturers are located to make the most efficient use of transportation, materials and labor. Therefore, the houses can be built better and more efficiently and more economically. Also, there is less waste and none of the theft, vandalism and weather damage common with stick-built construction. After delivery to the site, all factory-built housing can be assembled, closed in and occupied in a matter of days or weeks.
South Carolina Modular Homes A manufactured home is built entirely in the factory under a federal building code administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development HUD and is classified as a Manufactured Home. These homes are constructed to meet the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards Act, which has been in effect since June 15, 1976. The Federal standards regulate, manufactured housing design, construction, strength, durability, transportability, fire resistance, energy efficiency and quality. The HUD Code also sets performance standards for the heating, plumbing, air conditioning, thermal and electrical systems.
