Years ago, modular homes were a mystery to many people. They were not that common and myths were common.

These days, modular construction is mainstream and commonplace. There are probably homes right in your neighborhood that are modulars, even if you don’t realize it.

If you want to learn more about Union Beach modular homes, consider these interesting facts:

• You Can’t Tell Them Apart From Other Homes – If you think you can tell a modular home from any other, think again. These days, modular homes are practically invisible. They will have all the same features as any other home. Dormers, front porches, awnings, adornments, architectural flair – a modular home is just like any other.
• They Can Be More Affordable – On average, modular homes in Union Beach costs about 10 to 20% less than a similar home built in a traditional fashion. Those savings are significant. Yes, the numbers can differ depending on the options chose, the lot, and many other factors, but as a general rule of thumb expect to save about that much.
• They Can Be Built In Just A Few Weeks – Depending on the design and the manufacturer, some Union Beach modular homes can be built in the factory in just two weeks or so. Most take a little longer, but not much. Once work begins, it progresses fast, especially with no weather to delay things.
• On-Site Finishing Takes A Few More Weeks – Once your home has arrived on site and is assembled, all the finishing touches on average about two to four weeks, depending on a host of factors. That includes finishing up the electric and a load of other small but important items. When things go smoothly, however, they go very quick.
• They Don’t All Look Alike – This is one of those pernicious myths that won’t seem to go away. The fact is that no, all modular homes in Union Beach NJ do not look alike. They can differ wildly from one another, and are often built based on designs and specifications you come up with together with your planners. While it’s true that some modular homes have that “permanent double wide” look, that’s the choice of the homeowner. In the vast majority of cases, you cannot tell a modular home from a traditionally built home, and modulars themselves look quite different from one another, just like any other house.
• You’ll Pay More Than Just The Base Price – Beware of getting lulled by a low base price. The base price may be for a basic, prefabbed home with no customizations. Even then there will be additional on-site fees for site work and other items. When you start to customize, the price adjusts, too. Modular homes remain a more affordable option than a stick built, but just remember that base prices are starting points, not final prices.

As you can see, the modular home has come a long way since they first appeared on the scene. Now they are one of the most affordable, desirable ways to build a new home. Thousands of happy New Jersey homeowners can’t be wrong!

A RREM Contractor Shakes a Homeowner’s Hand

If you are a New Jersey homeowner who has been impacted by Hurricane Sandy, chances are you’ve considered taking part in the RREM Program, which provides funding for repairs or upgrades to prevent future damage.

If you have talked with a RREM Contactor and are considering your options, you may want to know how the process works. It’s a six-step process that unfolds like this.

The RREM Contractor Process Revealed

1) Notice of Funding

After submitting your application to the RREM Program, the State will begin reviewing your application to ensure you meet the requirements. At some point, you will receive a Notice of Funding letter. This is not a guarantee of approval! The State still needs to confirm your eligibility, get federal clearance to improve your property, and assess the damage done to your home.

Not that homeowners CAN apply for funding even after they have completed repair or improvement work with their RREM Contactor. This may impact the grant they received, but regardless, they may be eligible for money.

2) Site Inspection & Environmental Review

Next comes inspection and site review. An inspector from the RREM Program will help determine the approximate cost of rehabbing or elevating your home. Note that there may be more than one inspector assigned to your case.

Environmental review will also take place, as per federal law, which mandates that whenever CDBG Disaster Recovery funds are used, they are used in strict compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). In the case of your RREM grant, these reviews will be conducted by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

3) Verify Eligibility

Your Housing Advisor will work with you to guide you through the RREM application process. This will include gathering the appropriate documents and meeting deadlines. Eligibility requirements include the home being your primary residence at the time of Hurricane Sandy, the home being located in Atlantic, Bergen, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, or Union counties, and the residence having Sandy damage with a Full Verified Loss (FVL) of at least $8,000 or had more than one foot of water on the first floor.

4) Meet With Housing Advisor

After your eligibility for a RREM contractor is confirmed, you’ll have a meeting with your Housing Advisor. This meeting is mandatory and is designed to go over your grant award, sign documents (such as the Declaration of Covenants, which says you agree to meet RREM Program requirements), and so on. Your Housing Advisor will assist you with submitting the proper paperwork so payment can be issued.

During this time, you can request an Advance Payment Request. If you are already are under contract with a builder, an Advance Payment Request can be issued to help your RREM Contactor get construction started. The advance payment can be up to 50 percent of your total reward. You will need to have an signed legal contract between you and your contractor in order to qualify for advance payment.

5) Meet With RREM Project Manager

Your next meeting will be with your RREM Project Manager, who will ensure your project meets federal standards. He or she will also review and approve payment requests, timelines, estimated costs, and other factors.

6) Construction

During this important step, you’ll remain in contact with your RREM Project Manager, who will make sure the construction work being done by your RREM Contactor is in compliance with RREM Program requirements. You’ll submit construction payment requests to the project manager. When construction is completed, they will perform a final inspection. When inspection is passed, the Restrictive Covenant placed on your property will be released.

For more information, reach out to the NJ Department of Community Affairs or your local RREM Contactor.