 What is Panelization & A Panelized Home?
A panelized home is constructed out of individual walls, or wall sections, built in a climate controlled environment, prior to delivery to the home site. Unlike traditional "site-framing," which is done outdoors in the weather with rough lumber and other building materials that are normally dumped on the ground at the job site a panelized home is done indoors with the added efficiency of computer automation and quality control provided by state-of-the-art wall tables, production saws, forklifts and trained quality craftsmen.
Using a 90’ remote controlled crane, wall sections are assembled at the job site by our framing crew. The result is a weather-tight shell that is finished in days, as opposed to the many weeks required with "site framing."
Our open panel design is the most common. Exterior walls typically have sheathing applied and windows installed, further reducing job site labor requirements. Interior panels are open for wiring, plumbing, heating and on-site inspection. Open frame panels are well-suited to custom designs and accommodate on-site change orders issued during construction.
What are the advantages of a panelized home? 
There are numerous advantages to a panelized home, including:
Enhanced quality control - Because the walls of a panelized home are built in our state-of-the-art factory, we are able to avoid weather-related issues and framing errors that traditionally plague homebuilding in the Northeast.
Materials protected from the elements - By building in a controlled, indoor environment, we can protect materials from weather damage while maintaining aggressive building schedules.
Protection from theft or loss of materials - Our delivery & assembly mechanism insures that you do not experience a loss of materials due to theft that might occur when building materials are delivered to a traditional job site and left exposed.
Guaranteed quality of workforce - By building walls and framing for homes around the country, we can maintain year-round employment of a highly-skilled and committed work force with years of homebuilding experience.
Quicker cycle time - Our wall panels can be built during construction of the foundation. This leads to a more rapid cycle-time for the completion of the entire home.
Economies of scale - Because Forest Homes builds thousands of houses across the country, we have significant leverage and buying power over building suppliers, enabling us to negotiate volume discount purchases.
Less expensive labor market - With our principle factory located in Selinsgrove, PA, we can take advantage of a lower cost of living than in New York, enabling us to pay less in labor costs, passing savings on to the consumer.
Is panelized housing the same as "pre-fab" or modular housing?
Absolutely not! Our homes are essentially an “off-site” stick-built house, only with higher quality.
What type and size homes does RMS Builders build?
We use Forest Homes designs which supply all sizes, types and styles of homes: traditional, contemporary, colonial, secondary, vacation, etc. We will custom design the exterior and interior to suit your personal preferences.
Do we have to build one of the homes in your catalog?
No. However, our catalogs show a number of our proven designs, any of which, we can alter to your needs. If you have an existing house plan or idea, we can utilize that design to build your new home.
What does it cost per square foot to build a Forest home?
This commonly asked question has no correct answer for custom homes and is not recommended when shopping for price. Specifications, style and quality of material can vary widely which can impact the actual cost, making it almost impossible to provide a fair competitive analysis. Therefore, we price all of our homes on an individual basis, which insures a more accurate price quote.
What if we do not own a piece of land to build on?
We frequently work with prospective buyers who are in the process of buying a lot, or who may still be looking for that right lot. If you are looking for a lot to build on, we currently have a 6 lot subdivision in the Town of Horseheads in our land inventory. We are in the planning stages to develop additional lots at the same location.
Is there any financing available for my building lot and Forest Home?
Yes! We work with a local lender who can finance the construction loan and morgage loan for your new home.
What is the normal course to follow when making my decision to build with Forest Homes?
There are three phases we go through prior to expecting any type of decision from you.
1. Introductory meeting - The first phase is an informal meeting to exchange information and discuss specific goals and objectives.
2. Preliminary design meeting - The second phase is more in-depth design, oriented to insure that the home we are discussing is within your preferred budget guidelines.
3. Contract meeting - The third phase, which involves a contract with us, is a final clarification of the design, finishing amenities and on-site costs.
Regardless of how much time we need to finish each phase, we want you to be well-informed and completely comfortable with your decision.
How long does the building process take?
Typically, on a Forest Homes standard plan up to 2500 square feet, we can complete the project in 90 days from the time we begin to dig. Custom plans generally take four-to-six months from start of construction to finish. It may take longer for a larger or more complicated design. We can better determine construction milestones upon finalization of the design. Winter starts will take more time do to freezing conditions.
What about the quality of construction materials used in your homes?
In addition to the many benefits of panelized construction, we take great pride in the detail and quality of materials provided for in our standard specifications. We believe that once you familiarize yourself with them, you will find that that many of our standards are considered optional upgrades with other builders.
Are local building codes met?
Yes. Although our homes are built to our own, higher standard, these standards meet or exceed all local building requirements. All necessary local building codes are, however, factored into the design plans of your Forest Homes house.
What kind of warranty do you offer?
We offer a one-year limited warranty that your new home will be free of substantial defects in materials and workmanship.
Can we build the home or do some of the work ourselves? Yes, as with any project that I get involved with, I am very interested in the end result . You can build your own home or do some of the work yourself with the peace of mind that I am only a phone call away.
Can we just hire you to design a home for us?
Unfortunately no. We only offer this service to prospective clients who are seriously considering utilizing our services as their builder/supplier. |
