Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pre-engineered home?
Pre-engineered houses are constructed in a controlled factory setting. This method of construction offers several advantages including precise assembly and uninterrupted timelines—both of which decrease labor and waste—resulting in an overall cost savings to the homeowner. From the factory, the pre-engineered components are delivered to the home's site and assembled by an experienced carpentry crew to ensure proper setting, fitting, insulating and finishing steps.
Is a pre-engineered home different from a manufactured or mobile home?
Yes. Like pre-engineered homes, manufactured or mobile homes are also assembled in a controlled factory environment. However, there are some important differences. Manufactured or mobile home units rest on a steel chassis as opposed to a poured foundation pre-engineered houses are set on. Custom designs are not readily available. Instead, the manufacturer will offer various styles from which to select. And although manufactured homes do tend to cost less, they have other important drawbacks. Because they are not set on a foundation they are difficult to finance. Some communities also place restrictions on manufactured homes being placed on certain lots or neighborhoods. The longevity of these homes can be less than comparable site-built homes. Furthermore, these homes tend to depreciate over time; so earning equity is difficult—if not impossible. These characteristics contrast sharply with a pre-engineered home. Pre-engineered homes are also built in a factory, but are assembled by local contractors. You can choose from a host of designs or use a custom plan of your choice. Pre-engineered homes have the same longevity and value as traditional stick-built homes and even surpass traditional stick-built homes in energy efficiency. Once on site, they are set on a traditional foundation. Side by side with a traditional home, it would be nearly impossible to tell the difference.
Why should I buy an Ambient home?
Because it's Better: Climate-controlled manufacturing facilities, precise measurements, accurate craftsmanship and dry, unweathered materials make our pre-engineered homes better. All of our homes pass numerous internal and third party building inspections at all phases of production. Because it's Faster: With our efficient indoor building process, your home gently travels through various workstations as its components are being put together (framing, electric, plumbing, etc.). Work is never delayed by weather, subcontractor no-shows or missing materials. Because it's Smarter: We are able to purchase quality, name brand materials from suppliers in bulk and pass the savings on to you. Our specially trained finishing crew works with the greatest attention to detail and home efficiency.
Do Ambient homes come with a warranty?
Yes. All of our homes come with a one-year warranty. Materials such as windows and siding may have additional manufacturer warranties.
How much will my pre-engineered home cost?
There are several factors to consider before determining the actual cost of your pre-engineered home. The cost of the land, septic system, site preparation and foundation can all add to the overall cost of your home. It is important to set a budget and make sure you are factoring in these costs before deciding a specific budget range for a home. At that point, we will sit down with you to calculate a more accurate price for your new Ambient home.
How will I finance my pre-engineered home?
Because pre-engineered homes and traditional stick-built homes are both permanent structures that will appreciate in value over time, the financing process is the same. In fact, financing a pre-engineered home may even be easier considering the shorter construction time. Both adjustable-rate mortgages and fixed interest rate loans can be issued for pre-engineered homes.
Can I customize my floor plan?
Yes, Ambient homes can be customized. In fact, we encourage you to bring in a floor plan that you think suits your lifestyle and we can sit down and discuss your options with you.
