FAQs

Below are some of our most frequently asked questions. Let us know if your questions aren’t in here!

What is the difference between a mobile home, a manufactured home and a modular home?

Mobile Homes and Manufactured Homes

The terms “mobile homes,” “doublewides,” “trailers” and “manufactured homes” all mean the same thing. They refer to homes that are built in a manufacturing facility and transported to your homesite. They are built to a building code established by the Federal government and often exceed local building requirements.

PMH has specific building standards including 2″x6″ exterior walls with 16″ OC framing with OSB-wrapping under the exterior siding. Additionally, we are the only VA retailer offering mobile homes with walk-up attics! We also offer many of the same features as “stick-built” and modular homes including drywall, central a/c and 9′ ceilings.

Mobile homes offer the most home for your dollar averaging $120-150 per finished square foot.

Modular Homes and “Mods”

Modular homes are also built in a manufacturing facility and transported to your homesite. However, they are removed from their frame with a crane and placed on a foundation. They are built according to building codes established by your local community and subject to inspections by your local building inspectors.

Like our mobile home building specifications, PMH orders modular homes to have 2″x6″ exterior walls, 16″ OC framing and OSB wrapping under the exterior siding. Two-story homes are available in modular homes as well as vaulted ceilings and many other customizations.

The cost of a modular home depends upon the level of finish you want. That said, you can budget an average of $170-190 per finished square foot as a reasonable price range.

What’s the difference between PMH and Clayton?

40 years of experience: PMH, Inc. is a locally owned and operated retailer. We’ve been in business since 1986 and are the only independant retailer to survive the great recession and the pandemic. Being in business for nearly 40 years means that we have tons of experience, credibility and plenty of homes throughout VA where you can see the quality of our work for yourself.

We’re in charge of the entire building process: PMH, is a Class A contractor. What this means to you is that we have absolute control over our pricing structure and our schedule outside of weather. You’ll never come to your closing appointment and be surprised about the price you see or the timeframe. You’ll receive regular project updates from the beginning of your project to the very end.

PMH’s building specifications: You want a home that’s going to last and you know that you get what you pay for. Our standard building specifications include 2″x6″ exterior walls, 16″ OC framing and OSB-wrap under your exterior siding and “Energy-Star” standards.

Do I have to have my own land?

No, we often have lots that we’ve purchased. You can choose what house you want and we can build it.

I’ve never purchased a home. Where do I start?

  1. Getting prequalified with a lender if you’re not paying cash is a great first step. There are many lenders who will do loans on mobile and modular homes. We have some terrific lending partners. Click here to find out more.
  2. Once you’re pre-qualified and know how much you can spend, the next step is to figure out where you want to put your new home. Whether you purchase a piece of property or want to live in a mobile home park, there are certain things that will be dictated by where you choose to live. Parks have requirements and limitations on home sizes and availability. If you’re purchasing property, your budget will certainly be impacted by the price of the land and your well and septic requirements. Having this basic information will give you a good idea of how much you’ll have to build your home.
  3. Grab your honey by the hand … come on down to Pat’s! We’d love to show you all of our model homes and help you figure out which home is best for you and your family.

Can I have a basement?

YES! Both mobile homes and modular homes can go on basements!

Can I make changes or am I stuck with the floorplan I see?

We work with great building partners who are passionate about building a home that meets all of your needs. If you see something you’d like to change let us know and we’ll check into it for you.

What comes with your homes?

Typically, all of our homes come 90%-95% finished, with appliances, flooring, light fixtures, and even towel rods in your bathrooms. If you have your own appliances or have special finishes you prefer, just let us know and we can omit them from your home so you can finish them just the way you want on site.