How are the houses priced?
Houses are priced according to the design, materials used, and labor costs. The specifications of each plan in our plan books have been carefully calculated and accurately priced. A custom plan does not cost more because it is custom. All custom homes are individually priced.

What is included in the base price?
The base price includes the items listed in our standard specifications. Standard specs are a way of packaging items included in a base price.

Do you build garages?
Of course! However, garages are built on site by GreenCrest Homes, not at the Dickinson Homes factory.

Are these homes like Mobile Homes?
This question is best answered by defining the different types of house construction. Three terms best describe home construction: "Stick" (or "site built") homes, Manufactured homes, & Modular homes.

"Stick" or "site built" homes
Very seldom does a residential general contractor employ all the necessary trades. Consequently, various sub-contractors construct a "site built" home on the owner's property. Before construction begins, a set of plans or specifications are completed & estimated. A designer, engineer or architect usually provides the plans & specs. Most prices are "estimates" or "allowances" based upon the site builders past experience. Not usually a firm price or quote.

"Manufactured" (Also known as, HUD code, sectional, or double wide)
Manufactured homes are built according to Manufactured housing construction and safety standards, commonly referred to as the HUD code, the only national building code for housing, which governs factory construction of manufactured housing. HUD codes are far less stringent than the code stick builders or modular home manufacturers have to follow. A HUD code home is typically constructed of less expensive materials. Plans and changes are limited. Appraisals are less and a metal frame, by law, must remain on the structure.

"Modular"
A modular home is constructed in a factory, under controlled conditions by trained personnel employed by the company. The company can draw custom plans and specifications, or a plan with standard specifications can be chosen from plan books. Prices are usually "quotes" and are firm throughout the building process.
Homes are built to the same codes as a custom site built home. Dickinson Homes builds to the International Residential Code (IRC), which was newly adopted by the state of Michigan in July of 2001. Homes delivered to the state of Wisconsin are built to their state code. Each home design is certified by the respective state department or a third party agency representing the state.
Unlike manufactured homes, modular homes do not have wheels for delivery, but instead are delivered on trailers and lifted onto a permanent foundation and anchored in place.

How long does it take to build a home in the factory?
Factory construction typically takes 4-5 weeks. The home can be set on the foundation in one day. On site finishing will depend upon the design.

How do you get the house to my property?
Houses are delivered to your site by specially designed & fabricated trailers. These trailers reduce the stress on a house as it is being delivered.

Are there limitations as to the design and size of a house?
Homes can be built to any size you would like. Special design details are considered as to their being able to be transported efficiently and safely.

Is it possible to do our own finishing work? Such as drywall, cabinets, etc.
An unfinished modular home, referred to, as a "shell" home, is not available through Dickinson Homes. Their building process, which saves buyers time and money, does not allow for a shell house. However, a buyer can arrange for all site work to be self-completed or by hiring their own local trade professional. The buyer can do such things as siding, floor coverings and painting.

How much are these homes per square foot?
Square foot pricing is the worst and most inaccurate way of comparing builders & housing value. There are thousands of items in a house and hundreds of hours labor. Something as simple as the finish on a faucet, or the type of wood used in the bath vanity cabinet can raise the price of the bathroom. Also, window design and configuration, whether or not the home has a fireplace, etc. all affect the square foot price. Comparing items, workmanship, service, checking references and viewing the factory are the best way to determine value.