What is a System-Built home?
System-Built homes, by Ritz-Craft are constructed in a climate controlled environment using state of the art engineering and assembly line techniques. Ritz-Craft uses the same brand name building materials and builds to a superior building code than many of your local “on-site builders”. System-Built Homes are structurally designed by engineers and each plan is approved by the South Carolina State Engineers Office. To ensure the guidelines set forth by the State Engineers Office, independent third party inspectors carefully inspect each phase of construction at the Ritz-Craft plant, assuring you the homeowner of the quality home you are purchasing. System-Built homes are shipped to the building site and then erected on the foundation and completed by Carolina System-Built Homes, Inc. CSBH is an authorized independent builder/dealer for Ritz-Craft Corporation. Once completed, system-built homes are indistinguishable from “on-site built” homes.
How does a Ritz-Craft System-Built Home differ from a “manufactured or mobile home”?
System-built homes are "stick-built off-site" and constructed in a controlled environment. System-Built Homes are built to an international building code and appraise, finance, and insure just like traditional "stick-built on-site" construction. CSBH has built custom system-built homes throughout the state on homeowners' land and in sub-divisions; our homes are accepted all over the state because they are built to the same building code as traditional "stick-built on-site" construction.
Are ENERGY STAR PARTNER and Ritz-Craft System-Built Homes energy efficient?
Yes. Ritz-Craft is an ENERGY STAR® partner and committed to using energy efficient building methods and materials. Our homes are built standard with 2” x 6” exterior walls and R-19 insulation, R-30 ceiling insulation, warm edge thermopane low-e glass windows, and insulated exterior doors. Ritz-Craft also offers an optional florescent lighting package that meets the requirements of ENERGY STAR®.
I hear a lot about "Green" building. Are System-Built Homes green?
Green building is a practice of using sustainable materials and designs in new construction. Yes, System-Built Homes are by their very nature green. Assembly in an enclosed indoor enviornment contributes to reduced waste of material at the factory and at the job site, lessens the enviornmental impact on the land and the community where the house is being delivered, and allows for a tighter built structure to maximize energy efficiency - all of which are key components to green building standards. For more information, visit www.nahb.org/greenbuilding.
Can I build a custom plan of my own design?
At our new home design center, Carolina System-Built Homes will help you customize any of our floor plans by use of Chief Architect, which allows for precision customization of your floor plan design. However, shipping restrictions and production constraints can affect the design. CSBH & Ritz-Craft also have a complete portfolio of floor plans, designs and elevations that can be modified. Modifications are normally less expensive than a custom built design. Our goal is to turn your dream home into a reality.
How long does it take to build a System-Built home?
The time it takes to build your System-Built home varies by season and CSBH and Ritz-Craft’s building schedule. That being said, one of the advantages of building a system-built home is speed of construction. When CSBH places your order with Ritz-Craft, your home is released into the production schedule, which typically runs 4 to 7 weeks. While your home is in production at Ritz-Craft, CSBH is executing (as per contract) the on-site improvements, i.e. footers, foundation. After delivery to the site and setting the home on the foundation, CSBH then completes the home. Our time frame as your builder depends on the amount of additional site work, such as garages, porches, decks, screened porches, basements, and/or landscaping; and the builders construction schedule of prior scheduled homes to finish. You can move into your new system-built home much quicker than a typical site-built home.
Are Ritz-Craft system-built "modular" homes covered by a warranty?
Yes. Every Ritz-Craft home comes with a full one year limited warranty and a 10-year structural warranty. Ritz-Craft has a dedicated service department that works with CSBH as your builder to provide professional service. In addition, many of the brand name components, such as appliances, shingles and siding used in your home, are covered by separate manufacturer warranties. In addition, CSBH as your General Contractor, structurally warrants your home according to the SC state guidelines. CSBH also provides a One Year Cosmetic Warrenty.
How do I finance a modular home?
Mortgage lenders treat our system-built homes the same as homes built on-site and offer the same mortgage options. System-Built homes are also treated the same as site-built homes when it comes to appraisals and insurance. In addition, System-Built homes appreciate in value at the same rate as comparable site built homes in your area.