FAQ's
 
 

Q: What kind of pre-fab houses does XtremeHomes supply?
A: We focus on two types of pre-fab:
Modular – the home arrives preassembled as large boxes, crane lifted off of large trailers and pieced together within a day or two.
Panelized – Walls, roofs and floors show up as a series of panels that are fastened together section by section over the course of a few days.

Q: Is an XtremeHome energy efficient?
A: Yes.  XtremeHomes is an ENERGY STAR® partner and committed to using green, energy efficient building methods and materials.  Our homes are built using Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) for our exterior walls that provide R-26 insulation.  For our roofing system, we build with SIPs roofs or sprayed in foam which provides R-40 insulation.  All of exterior doors and windows are ENERGY STAR® rated.  Overall, our houses are approximately 35-40% more efficient than a standard site-built house.

Q: How green are XtremeHomes?
A: XtremeHomes was founded from the beginning as a green off-site builder.  We demonstrated how green we are when we built the 2007 West Coast Green show house, one  greenest houses in American.  Building green means that all of the paint, adhesives and caulk that we use are no or low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds).  The shell of our house is Energy Star rated.  Whenever possible, we use formaldehyde free products, energy saving products and more items than we have space to mention.  In the factory reuse and recycling is a major focus.  We are green . . . and getting more green every day.     

Q: Will an XtremeHome appreciate like a site-built home?
A: Our off-site built homes appreciate just like any other site-built houses in the neighborhood. This provides our customers with an excellent building alternative and results in similar appreciation in value over the years.

Q: Can my architect work with XtremeHomes?
A: Our company works with many architects.  In fact our signature series has been developed by some of the better known architects in the industry. 

Q: My lender said that they cannot finance off-site built homes - is this true?
A: Usually it is a matter of educating the lender.  Once we explain that the house is built according to the International Residential Code (IRC) and that the house is not personal property (which depreciates) like a HUD code built house is, then they are OK with lending.  An off-site built house finances and appraises just like a site-built houses.  In fact, it does not even need to be disclosed.  Actually, we think that they should be appraised higher because ours are better quality than the majority of site-built houses.

Q: How long does it take to complete an XtremeHome?
A: In most cases, you can move into your new XtremeHome two to twelve months of the time it takes for conventional construction techniques.  In locations where inclement weather is a factor, we can drastically reduce the construction schedule.  Our biggest time savings comes from being able to do both the site and foundation work while the home is being constructed in the factory while building in climate controlled conditions.

Q: Are your houses backed by any kind of warranty?
A: We offer one of the best warranties in the business — a 10-year limited structural warranty underwritten by an A+ rated insurance company.

Q: Are there any limitations on the size of a house that you can build?
A: XtremeHomes has built houses ranging from one box to ten box houses.  A modular box averages anywhere from 400 to 750 square foot boxes in size.  As for the number of modules, the largest project built from modules by any company is 1,420 modules which resulted in a 60% savings in construction time.  

Q: Do you build houses with a multi-story design?
A: Yes. XtremeHomes currently has houses in various phases of production that are two and three story in height. Once on-site, we use a crane to lift the various modules into place.

Q: Can I build a custom plan of my own design?
A: Yes. XtremeHomes uses computer aided drafting (CAD) which allows for precision customization of your floor plan design.  However, shipping restrictions and production constraints can affect the design.  If you have a plan picked out, we suggest that you work with our team to come up with a design that will work with our systems and meet your requirements.  Our goal is to turn your dream home into a reality.

Q: Do you build homes over basements?
A: Yes. A home can be placed over a basement.  When we are not building over basements, our houses are set on stem-walls which is no different than a basement - just shorter.  We have projects that are full and walk-out basements.

Q: I've never done something like this before. How do I get the necessary permits?
A: XtremeHomes has a client services team that handles the permitting process.  We work with the State agencies throughout the West Coast and the local architect, general contractor or the home owner for the permits in your local jurisdiction.  Every building has different zoning, seismic, fire code, wind and snow loads and we make sure that the buildings match these requirements.

Q: Can I customize my home or add upgrades?
A: Yes, XtremeHomes builds several styles of houses - from ultra-modern to mountain rustic to unique craftsman.  Let your imagination go.  Our architecture and interior design team will  go out of our way to get you exactly the home you want. The process starts with our design team sitting down with you and capturing the style of house and level of finishes that meet your budget.  Before this design session, we ask you to collect pictures of houses that represent the style that you are looking for and the finishes that will make your house a home.

Q: Can I save money buying an XtremeHome?
A: Because our homes are built at our Oroville, CA off-site built production center, you receive the benefits of the economy of scale and proven relationships with suppliers and our vertically integrated production team.  We also give you a guaranteed price, once we have agreed on a plan. We think you will find our homes to be highly competitive cost-wise, as well as saving you time and stress.

Q: In what areas do you deliver and complete your homes?
A: We operate throughout the Western States of California, Oregon, Nevada, Washington and Hawaii.

OUR GREEN COMMITMENT:
  Architects        Developers

  Consumers        Builders
RECENT NEWS:

Tour West Coast Green's Eco-Prefab 
FineHomebuilding.com | Posted December 11, 2007

Propeller Sustainability Series: "SHELTER, Part 4"
Netscape NewsQuake! | Posted December 3, 2007

XtremeHomes featured in December 2007 issue of Sunset Magazine.  Sustainable With Style
Sunset Magazine | Posted November 26, 2007   

Home Director and XtremeHomes Form Exclusive Partnership
PRIME NEWSWIRE | Posted Oct 15, 2007