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The Advantage of Building a Custom Home

The main question first time home buyers ask themselves is whether they should buy or build their first home. While it’s tempting to buy, creating a custom modular home allows you to get your dream home in a matter of months, so you can start living the life you’ve always wanted.

Build a Home that’s 100% Yours

Every house has a history and story, made by the families who live there. Instead of sharing that journey, you and your family can create your own by building a custom home. Creating your own home means you’ll enjoy the unique amenities and features that fit your family.

Get Exactly What You Want in a Home

Even though it’s tempting to update an existing house, keep in mind renovations can take weeks or even months to finish, depending on the project. A “fixer-upper” may seem like a great deal, but it could be years before you get a house exactly the way you’d like. With a custom modular home, you get what you want the first time around.

No Maintenance Surprises

Buying an existing home always comes with risks. Even if it looks sublime on the outside, your new house could have hidden issues that lead to costly repairs or renovations down the line. A brand new home means you and your family can live with peace of mind.

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What is a
Modular Home?

A modular home is a fully customizable house that’s different from a traditional “stick-built” house in that it’s built off-site before being transferred to your land. Each ‘module’ is custom-made to your specifications and then delivered to your lot for assembly.

Stick Built Homes vs. Modular Homes

Other than the construction process, there are minimal differences between a modular home and a traditional “stick-built” home. Once it’s finished, you won’t be able to tell your home wasn’t built using traditional methods! You will, however, get to enjoy all the benefits that come with going modular. When we compare the benefits of building a stick-built home vs. a modular home, a modular home is the faster way to attain your dream home, and the results will be just as beautiful!

Shorter Construction Time

On average, modular home construction takes about 8-9 months to make once your floor plan has been finalized. Compare that to the average 12-15 months or more it takes to build a traditional stick-built house, and you’ll already be living in your new modular home!

Fewer Hassles

When building a traditional stick-built house, factors such as bad weather, late material deliveries, and even theft or vandalism on the construction site can cause delays. Modular homes are built off-site in a climate-controlled facility, which means these major setbacks aren’t a factor.

Stronger Framework

When comparing stick-built homes vs. modular homes, the answer is clear – modular homes are built to last. Not only are modular homes recommended by FEMA due to their safety in hurricanes and other storms, but they also receive inspections at every stage of construction for quality control.

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The Pros and Cons of Modular Homes

When comparing the pros and cons of modular homes to stick-built homes, plenty of people ask if there’s a downside to modular homes? The short answer – no! While there aren’t many differences between stick-built homes vs. modular homes, there are plenty of myths about building a modular home that can affect your decision.

Overall, when comparing the pros and cons of modular homes to stick-built homes, modular homes offer a variety of benefits, including:

Common Modular Home Myths

Usually, when homeowners ask us about the pro’s and con’s of modular homes, it’s because they’re under the impression that modular homes and stick-built homes are the same or that modular homes aren’t built to last. These modular home myths couldn’t be further from the truth! Don’t let your decision to create a custom modular home be held back by these common modular home misconceptions – we’re here to clear the air once and for all.

Do All Modular Homes Look the Same?

Many people are looking for something special in a new house and are concerned about building a “cookie-cutter” home. At Carolina Custom Homes, you have the freedom to design your own custom modular home! Our series of modular floor plans can fit any architectural style or layout you want. If you can dream it, we can do it.

Are Modular Homes and Stick Built the Same?

Not at all. Modular homes are safer, grow their value over time, and offer many more customization options such as multi-story floor plans, roof pitch, siding, and much more.

Are All Modular Homes Cheap?

While it’s true that modular homes are an affordable way to get the custom home you want, they can be built to accommodate any budget and style – even high-end custom homes can be modular. The modular home customization possibilities are endless during our design phase and allow you to create the perfect home for your family.

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Wondering how long it takes to build a modular home? Find out the answers in our free guide!

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The Cost of Building a Custom Modular Home

Like any custom home, the cost of a modular home will vary based on the floor plan and upgrades you choose. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, it might surprise you to learn that building an affordable custom home is easier than you think.

Costs to Take into Consideration

Your Home “Must Haves”

It’s usually recommended to have at least 10-20% of your total house cost as a down payment, but some lenders will accept as little as 3-5% for first-time homebuyers. The larger your down payment, the lower your monthly mortgage cost.

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What are some home features you just can’t live without? The cost of home upgrades can add up, but including those features in the building plan will save you from the cost and hassle of renovating your house later.

Your Monthly Budget

The amount your lender offers might not necessarily be what you can afford. Don’t let yourself be overwhelmed by a monthly mortgage payment. Remember to consider additional costs such as taxes, insurance, and utility bills.

Cost of Land

What’s the use in being able to afford to build a house if you don’t have land to build it on? The cost of your lot will depend on the size and location. Don’t forget to include utility hookup costs, grading, and other factors.

How customizable are Modular Homes?

Many of Our Models are 100% Customizable

As a potential homeowner, you might be curious just how customizable a modular home is. Well, we have good news – a modular home is 100% customizable! From the layout and appliances to finishes, flooring, colors, and everything in between, you can get what you want from your custom modular home. You can now create the perfect floorplan for you and your family, with our team of designers by your side. Start with a floor plan you like, then make it your own with various customizations and add-ons.

  • Flooring
  • Decking
  • Wall & Floor Tile
  • Ceiling height
  • Siding
  • Lighting
  • Porches
  • Roof pitch
  • Exterior & Interior Finishes
  • Cabinets
  • Garages
  • Countertops
  • Appliances
  • Shelving
  • Floorplan
  • Home Warranties

At Carolina Custom Homes of Burlington, our modular home customization process is very straightforward. If you’re ready to build your dream home, our team of designers will help you every step of the way! All you have to do is complete the following steps.

The Modular Home Customization Process

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Select & Submit Floor Plan

After approving the quote, your design request will go straight to the manufacturer so they can begin construction.

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Submit Design

Once you’ve found a floor plan suitable for your family, we can move forward with the design process. From there we’ll be able to discuss home construction, timeline, and the base price of your home.

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Customization Meeting

Once you’ve reviewed the initial quote, you’ll meet with your designer to select your custom home finishes.

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On-Site Visit

Our team will conduct an on-site visit of your land, which provides us with an accurate estimate of potential construction costs (foundation, clearing, shrub removal, etc.).

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Final Quote

Your designer will send you a turn-key quote that includes your custom features in the final price.

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Sign your Contract

Once everything has been reviewed and you’ve submitted a good faith deposit, we can get to work! Your deposit is fully refundable after being held for six months.

Ready to get started with your custom modular home?.

Tips for First-Time Home Buyers

Don’t Settle

Many people are tempted to jump into building a house that doesn’t fit their needs due to their budget. Don’t get caught with buyer’s remorse–it’s worth it to hold out until you can afford all those “must-haves” on your list.

Factor in All Costs

The cost of building a house includes several costs you might not think to consider compared to buying an existing home, such as building permits, equipment rental, and other fees. Talk to your builder about these extra costs while determining your budget.

We can help you figure out exactly what you need to take into account for your custom modular home cost.

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Building an affordable custom home is easier than you think! Acess our free guide to help you determine your budget.

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Building Your Custom Home

The process of building a custom home can be an exciting and daunting time. There are a lot of steps to follow, so it’s important to find the right builder to guide you through the process from start to finish.

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Find the Right Custom Home Builder

Building a custom home is a huge investment. You want to be sure you’ve chosen the right builder who can provide the quality and customization you’re looking for. Here are our tips for selecting a builder.

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Do Your Research

Check out online reviews for local home builders in your area, or ask a friend or family member for referrals.

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Tour Homes

Take a tour of their model homes to check the quality of their work, and to get a feel for certain floor plans!

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Ask Questions

Ask lots of questions so you can be sure you and your builder are on the same page when it comes to your new home.

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Choosing the Right Floor Plan

Choosing a custom modular home floor plan can be one of the most exciting parts of building a custom home, but it can also be quite stressful. With so many floor plans available, plus the ability to customize each one, how do you choose the right floor plan for your family?

Floor Plan Design

Questions to Ask Yourself

  • How many bedrooms do I need?
  • What’s my price range?
  • What style do I want?
  • Will the floor plan fit the size and shape of my lot?
  • What are my “must-haves”?
  • What are the pros and cons of the floor plans I’m considering?

Still not sure which floorplan is right for you? Try talking to your builder. They’ll listen to your needs and will be able to make recommendations.

White House and Brown Roof Custom Modular Home

Our Custom Modular Home Floor Plans

Carolina custom homes of Burlington, NC offers hundreds of floor plans to fit any budget or style, including open concept floor plans, multi-story plans, and much more. Browse all of our available floor plans or check out our signature series collections below.

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Preferred

With many home plans starting below $130,000, our Preferred Series contains a variety of floor plans which are perfect starter homes. Browse our collection of single story 2- and 3-bedroom floor plans and find the perfect home for your family.

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Novel Series

Browse our available floor plans in our Novel Series for a gorgeous selection of single family homes in a variety of styles and layouts, including open concept floor plans.

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Heartland Series

Our Heartland Series floor plans showcase all the possibilities building a custom modular home has to offer. Browse a variety of mid-sized floor plans in different styles, including craftsman homes, ranch homes, traditional homes, and much more.

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What’s the process of building
a custom modular home?

Building a custom home is a huge investment. You want to be sure you’ve chosen the right builder who can provide the quality and customization you’re looking for. Here are our tips for selecting a builder.

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Purchase a Lot

Start with your lot. If you don’t already own land, it’s a good idea to find a suitable lot before you start the building process.

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Choose Your Floor Plan

Choose your floor plan. Your builder can help you find the right fit for your lot and your lifestyle.

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Submit Plans to Builder

Once you’ve decided on a floor plan, your next step is to finalize your finances and submit your plans to your builder.

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Construction of Home

Next, your modular home will be constructed in pieces off-site in a climate-controlled setting, then transported to your lot.

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Assembly & Inspections

Your home’s modules will be assembled on-site, with multiple inspections at each stage to ensure quality.

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Finishing Touches

After assembly, we finish by hooking up utilities, adding additional siding, and installing any appliances and fixtures.

Want to learn more? Check out our answers to some
common questions about the home building process.

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What’s the true cost of building a home? Get the breakdown of your quote here..

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With So Many Customization Options, How Do You Choose?

Top Areas That Influence Resale Value

You probably aren’t putting too much thought into selling your home before it’s even been built, but when choosing your home upgrades and features it’s important to think about how your decisions might affect the resale value of your home in the future.

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Upgrades

If you have extra room in your budget, consider putting it toward some value-adding upgrades, such as an updated kitchen.

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Layout

Does your home have a good flow? Are the bedrooms separate from the living spaces? 
A good layout is a huge selling point.

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Layout

Does your home have a good flow? Are the bedrooms separate from the living spaces? 
A good layout is a huge selling point.

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Style

Shag carpets and elaborate columns might fit your style, but be prepared to remove them in the future if you plan to sell.

Which Home Upgrades Should I Prioritize?

Major home renovations can be costly, time consuming, and can leave you and your family struggling to live comfortably in a construction zone for weeks or even months. Most home additions are worth the added cost because they’re easier (and cheaper) to add during the construction process.

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Layout Upgrades

Structural and layout upgrades such as ceiling height and room additions are generally much more expensive when added to an existing house.

Kitchen and Bath
Kitchen & Bath

Energy efficient upgrades to your windows, roof, HVAC system, and insulation will reduce your monthly energy bills and save you money.

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Energy Efficiency

Energy efficient upgrades to your windows, roof, HVAC system, and insulation will reduce your monthly energy bills and save you money.

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Storage Space

Extra storage space is never a bad thing. Make sure you have plenty of closets and storage for each room of the house.

Other Details to Consider

Think about how you use your current living space. What little things about your home or apartment do you take for granted, and what would you change if you could? Make a list to help yourself remember those small changes that will make your custom home even better.

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Outlet Placement

The placement and availability of outlets. Where will you need to plug in electronics?

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Window Placement

Will each room have enough natural light during the day? Will window placement affect how you arrange your furniture?

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Lighting Fixtures

Where will your lighting fixtures be? Will you want any extras such as ceiling fans or dimmer switches for certain rooms?

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Exterior Outlets & Spiggots

Do you have enough exterior access to outlets and water spigots? Where will you need to set up a hose or plug in your holiday lights?

Want to learn more? Check out our answers to some common questions about the home building process.

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How do you get started buying land? Download our free guide on how to budget for and find the perfect lot.

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North Carolina Custom Homes

If you’re ready to start planning your dream home, our home experts are ready to help!

Building an affordable custom home requires careful planning and consideration, but your planning will pay off when it’s time to build your dream home. Carolina Custom Homes of Burlington, NC builds custom homes for homeowners across North Carolina, including these areas:

Want to make sure we build in your area? Click below to check your zip code.

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