F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions):

Does Aloha Homes represent any other manufacturer other than Guildcrest and SUN?

Currently we are offering homes from SUN Building Systems only. Due to the crash of the dollar’s value against the Canadian dollar Guildcrest homes have gone up in cost approximately 40% from their low.

We looked long and hard before going with Guildcrest, mostly due to their superior energy efficiency. When the dollar started crashing we had to look again at the US manufacturers and SUN Building Systems expressed a willingness to work on their energy efficiency techniques, long before any other builder seemed interested.

We’re now happy with the improvements that SUN has and continues to make, making them a leader in the industry with some of the most energy efficient options available.  


What do the terms “Factory Built”, “Modular Home”, and “Manufactured Home” mean?

Factory Built or Modular Home are synonymous and mean that your new home is built in a climate-controlled factory. In the case of SUN – that is in Taylor, PA 18517 and for Guildcrest – it is in Morewood, Ontario. As much work as possible is completed prior to shipping; including the electrical, plumbing, and ventilation systems. This ensures better quality control and a more intact air barrier than contractors can achieve when they construct a home on the building site. Modular Homes are constructed to the same state and local building codes and are subject to the same zoning regulations as site-built homes. In contrast, Manufactured Homes comply with the Federal Construction Safety Standards Act (HUD/CODE), which requires homes to be constructed on a non-removable steel chassis; these are also called Mobile Homes & Double Wides. However many people, even in the industry, do use the terms interchangeably. SUN & Guildcrest produce the finest quality custom “Factory Built – Modular” Homes, exceeding most standard building codes and all are “Energy Star” rated.

Do Modular Homes give greater value for my money?
When you add up all the labor, material and time savings inherent in the modular building process, you will find that the price of a modular home is generally lower than a site built home of comparable size. Plus you will keep saving money year after year, as your energy efficient home keeps your heating and cooling bills low.

How long will it take to have my home built?
Construction times vary depending on the time of year you order your home - some seasons are busier than others. When the factory is busy, we can usually ship your new home in no more than three months. At other times, your home may be ready to ship in eight weeks or less. Once your home is delivered, your time to completion will vary tremendously with the amount of labor you can apply to the project. One month is possible, could take four, it’s up to you.

Can I see my home being built or take a factory tour?
SUN Building Systems is proud of their facilities and craftspeople, so they love having guests. If you're interested in visiting the factory you can call them at 570-562-0110 to make an appointment. You can also see them online here: SUN Factory Tour

Can I have a brick home?
Sure. Basically you order your home with no-siding and have your bricklayer apply a brick façade. Allowance for this must be made in your foundation design but it’s very doable.

What kind of floors, fixtures and finishes can I have?
You have many options to choose from in customizing your home. Select hardwood floors, tile, vinyl or carpet flooring; upgrade fixtures in the kitchen and bath; chose premium interior trims and many other options. Aloha Homes and SUN will be happy to accommodate you.

Say I wanted upgrades such as a thicker sub-floor...
Many upgrade options are available to suit your needs.

What about shipping and delivery?
Costs vary with the exact location and terrain of your home site. Your home will be shipped on SUN’s specially designed flatbed trucks and we'll arrange for the crane that will offload and assemble the modules.

What am I responsible for at the site?
You’ll need to have the foundation up and “cured” to SUN’s specs. Additionally the site needs to be accessible, solid and level enough for the crane to get in position to set the modules and for the modules to be jockeyed into the right spot so the crane can “pick” them. We’ll work with you and your excavator to be sure all is within spec.

How steep a roof can I have?
Choose the roof pitch that best suits your dream home. SUN's unique hinged-roof system allows us to transport homes of any design without worrying about clearance issues. 12x12 is doable.

How much does a SUN Building Systems home cost?
Modular homes are often more affordable than comparable homes built entirely on-site. The final cost will naturally depend on your home's style, features and location. Local building requirements may also affect the final cost. A rule of thumb is the larger the home, the lower the cost per square foot. Choose a SUN home or two that satisfies your basic requirements and we’ll get started designing and pricing out your next home!

Can I alter or provide plans?
You may change many aspects of your home's layout so that it better suits your family. Move an interior wall, remove a wall to combine two rooms, add a sliding door, stretch or shrink the basic footprint or even let us build a home based on your own plans

How much of my home is "finished "?
As much construction as possible is completed in our climate-controlled factory prior to delivery. This includes most electrical, plumbing and ventilation work, as well as insulation, drywall, and the installation of doors and windows, interior trim, kitchen cabinets and bathroom fixtures. How much is left to do on-site depends in part on your home's design. Brick or stone cladding, for instance, is completed after delivery. Contact us and we can tell you more.

Can I be my own general contractor?
YES. This is our new business model. We no longer offer General Contracting services but are happy to work either with you as your own GC or with a GC of your choosing.

Is my home covered by a warranty?
All SUN Building Systems homes are covered by a 10-year limited manufacturer's warranty. Warranties provided on products such as shingles, fixtures and floor coverings are assigned to the homeowner. SUN’s warranty includes ten years of protection against major structural failure, limited protection for electrical, plumbing, heating and ventilation systems, and a comprehensive one-year warranty on all factory work.

More questions? Please contact us, and we'll be happy to help you.

 

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Aloha Modular Homes
186 Circular Street
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 852-2812