TERMINOLOGY

At Rochester Homes, we focus on modular construction and custom home building, where each home is designed to meet local building codes and set on a permanent foundation, just like a traditional house. With a wide range of customizable floor plans and the ability to work with trusted custom home builders through scattered site building, we help families build a new home near me without the limitations of manufactured housing or the challenges of do-it-yourself home building.

Core Housing Types & Construction Methods

Modular Home – A home built indoors in factory-controlled conditions, then transported in sections and assembled on-site. Modular homes meet or exceed local building codes. Modular Homes are NOT Mobile Homes.
Manufactured Home – A factory-built home constructed under federal HUD standards, usually on a permanent steel chassis. Different from modular homes.
Mobile Home – A type of prefabricated housing built on a chassis with wheels. Often confused with modular homes but built to different standards.
Single-Wide – A prefabricated home built on a chassis with wheels. The home is set on piers, blocks, or a foundation system. The steel frame stays in place permanently — it is part of the home’s structure.
Double-Wide – A mobile home built in two sections and joined on-site for more living space.
Prefab (Prefabricated) – General term for homes or building components built in a factory before being transported for assembly on-site.
Site-Built Home – A traditional house constructed entirely at its permanent location.
On-Site Construction – The process of building directly on the property rather than in a factory.
Scattered Site Building – Constructing homes on multiple, non-contiguous lots across a community instead of one concentrated development.

Construction Process & Features

Crawl Space – A narrow space beneath the first floor used for plumbing, wiring, or HVAC access.
Conditioned Crawl Space – A sealed, insulated crawl space kept within the home’s conditioned air envelope.
Factory Construction – Building home sections indoors in a climate-controlled facility.
Controlled Environment – A weather-proof, climate-regulated factory setting for consistent quality.
Permanent Foundation – The structural base where a modular home is placed (slab, crawl space, or basement).
Home Set – The on-site process of placing factory-built modules on the foundation and finishing assembly.
Flatwork – On-site concrete work such as foundations, driveways, or patios.
Roof Pitch – The slope or angle of a roof.
Gables & Dormers – Architectural features that add style and depth to a roofline.
Windows & Doors – Customizable options in size, style, and function.

Design, Customization & Styles

Custom Home Building – Designing and constructing a home tailored to a buyer’s preferences.
    • Personalized Design – Unique floor plans, layouts, and finishes chosen by the buyer.
    • Choice of Materials & Features – Options for flooring, cabinetry, fixtures, and more.
    • Flexibility & Control – Full control over design decisions.

Customization Options – Choices available to personalize a home, such as finishes, cabinetry, or layouts.

Home Styles:

    • Ranch Style – One-story, open floor plan, wide profile.
    • Cape Cod Style – Steep roof, dormers, symmetrical layout.
    • Multi-Level Style – Split-level or two-story layouts.
    • Split Bedroom Floor Plan – Bedrooms separated by living space for privacy.

Codes, Standards & Quality

Compliance with Building Codes – Modular homes must meet the same local/state codes as site-built homes.
HUD Codes – Federal building standards for manufactured homes.
IRC Codes – International Code Council standards for safety and durability.
Energy Star Standards – Guidelines ensuring energy efficiency.
Energy Efficiency – Design and construction that reduces energy use.
Quality Assurance – Inspections and processes that ensure high standards.

Financing & Legal

Appraisal – Professional valuation of a home for mortgage approval.
Financing – Obtaining a mortgage or loan to purchase a home.
Financial Research – The process of comparing lenders, loan types, and interest rates before securing financing.
Purchase Agreement – Legally binding contract between buyer and manufacturer/dealer.
    • Change-Order Policy – Rules for making modifications after signing.
Warranty – Builder/manufacturer guarantee covering workmanship and materials.
    • Warranty Periods – Typical coverage: 1 year materials, 10 years structural.

Buying Process & Support

Manufacturer – The company that builds the modular home in a factory setting. Rochester Homes is the builder or manufacturer.
Local General Contractor (LGC) – Partner managing site prep, foundation, and finishing.
Production Tour(s) – Factory visit to see modular construction in action.
Build Time – Timeline from contract to move-in (typically 60–120 days).
Delivery & Set – Transport and assembly of modules on-site.