1. What is a modular home?
2. Why should I buy a new home?
3. What are the advantages of modular construction?
4. How can you consistently beat your competitor's prices?
5. Are modular homes as strong as site built homes?
6. Is there a warranty on your modular homes?
7. Do you offer options on your modular homes?
8. What is a "drop off" modular home?
9. What is a "turnkey" modular home?
10. Can I make changes to your standard modular home floor plans?
11. Do you build additions?
12. How much of the modular home is completed in the factory?
13. What type of heating system is included in your modular homes?
14. Why do modular homes cost less?
15. Can modular homes be built in the winter?
16. Is it difficult to finance modular homes?
17. How long does it take to build a modular home?
18. Who obtains a building permit for a modular home?
19. What is the price of a modular home?
20. Do you charge for custom designing on a modular home?
21. Why do you get better prices from subcontractors than I would?
22. What is Green Building?
23. Do you offer zero down construction loans?
24. What is Universal Design?
25. Do you know of any loan or grant programs?

1. What is a modular home?
A modular home is built in a factory to meet or exceed state building codes. The modules are delivered to your site and set on the foundation. A modular home is not a mobile home or manufactured home. It can be erected on any building lot.

2. Why should I buy a new home?
There are many advantages in buying a new home:

• There are tax advantages since you can deduct interest payments and
  Real estate taxes on your income tax return.
• When you sell your home you don’t pay taxes on most or all of your capital appreciation.
• You gain wealth since each part of your mortgage payment gives you greater equity.
• New homes require less maintenance with windows, siding and trim that does not require painting.

3. What are the advantages of modular
 construction?
Modular homes are built stronger using glue and structural foam. Building in a factory affords the following advantages:

• No theft or vandalism.
• Kiln dried wood stays dry.
• Greater efficiency using assembly lines and material handling with forklifts and overhead cranes.
• No lost time due to weather.
• Site work can be completed while the house is being built in the factory.
• The price is guaranteed.

4. How can you consistently beat your competitor's prices?
There are several ways we keep our cost down:

• We have invested in several pieces of heavy equipment so that we can do the site work and install septic systems. This enables us to control costs and allows us to maintain tighter control while scheduling work on your home.
• When buying a modular home from Kozyra Modular you get more home for your dollar. You do not pay for high overhead.

5. Are modular homes as strong as site-built homes?
Modular homes are built stronger using glue and structural foam so that the modular home can be transported to the site and set on the foundation by a crane.

22. What is Green Building?
The goal of green building is to use our resources wisely so that we get the greatest amount of good, for the greatest number of people for the greatest amount of time.  The homebuilding industry can accomplish this in a number of ways.  

Start with the selection and development of the building site.

1. Build the house on the site that disturbs the environment the least. 
2. Do not remove all the trees from the site. 
• Trees take in carbon dioxide and produce oxygen 
• Deciduous trees provide shade in the summer which keeps the house cooler.  In the winter the leaves drop allowing the sun to heat the home. 
3. Orient the house so that the greatest amount of glass faces south. 
4. Utilize new technology for the septic system which requires less land clearing. 
5. Protect the sites existing plants. 
6. When bringing plants to the site look for plants that are drought tolerant, easily maintained and use mulch to conserve water. 
7. During construction. 
• Be careful to save all topsoil. 
• Do not allow material to erode into ecologically sensitive area or drainage facilities. 
• Utilize all parts of the trees cleared for construction including the stumps which can be ground and used for mulch. 
8. For driveways use hard pack which is made of recycled materials. 
9. Be sure to have proper drainage around the house.  This includes grading away from the foundation, foundation coating, and foundation drains. 

Another component to consider in Green Building is Energy Efficiency.

1. Use low E Energy Star rated windows. 
2. Install Energy Star rated appliances and tankless water heaters. 
3. Framing @ 24” O.C. allows more insulation in the walls and also uses less lumber. 
4. Insist on air infiltration wrap. 
5. Use an insulated exterior door. 
6. Programmable thermostats automatically reduce temperatures.  At night while your sleeping. 
7. Use high quality caulk to stop air infiltration. 
8. Install a high efficiency heating system. 

A third category would be efficient use of resources.   

1. The use of floor trusses permits greater spans, uses less dimensional lumber, and allow electrical and plumbing to be installed within the trusses leaving useable space below. 
2. Roof trusses provide the same benefits as the floor trusses and in addition there quick installation allows the house to be made weather tight much faster. 
3. Use precut lumber to eliminate waste. 
4. Use finger jointed wood whenever possible. 
5. Products such as OSB and LVL’s can provide a superior product without using our most valuable trees. 

A fourth category would be conserving water.        

1. Utilize low water consumption toilets. 
2. Use low flow shower heads. 
3. Use low water consuming appliances such as front loading washing machines. 
4. Run the dishwasher only when it is fully loaded. 

The top priority of green building should be the health, safety, and comfort of the occupants. 

To reduce the chances of mold in the attic: 

• Be sure the air from the propa vents at the eaves to the ridge vent are free flowing.  
• Vent dryer, kitchen, and bath fans to the exterior
• Insure that there are no air leaks or missing insulation between the living space and the attic.  Frequently overlooked is air leakage at the attic scuttle.
• To reduce the chance of mold on the basement: 
• Grade the yard away from the house. 
• If necessary install gutters. 
• Install 6 mil plastic under the concrete basement floor. 
• Install a door at the bottom of the hatchway stairs. 
• Install a dehumidifier. 
• Use windows for ventilation.  
• Do not store firewood in the basement. 
• Use low VOC paints  

In the living areas control moisture.

• Install and use a range hood that is vented to the outside (Do not use a ductless range hood or vent into the attic). 
• Vent the dryer to the outside. 
• Use the bath fan which is ducted to the outside or open a window.  

Another goal of green building should be easy or low maintenance. 

1. In the construction of the home you can use vinyl windows and siding. 
2. Exterior trim made of recycled plastic or aluminum is available. 

Lastly the homeowner should read and understand instruction sheets and manuals provided for components used on constructing the home.  Not following instructions may result in pre mature failure.  

23. Do you offer zero down construction
        loans?
Yes we build new modular homes which qualify for zero down construction loans. In addition to zero down construction loans, it is possible to get a loan for 1% interest (See subsidized home loans). 

24. What is Universal Design?
Universal designs are intended to remove barriers that would limit a persons full use and enjoyment of their home.  Some suggestions to implement this plan include: 

• Single level floor plan 
• Design an open floor plan 
• Wide hallways and 36” wide doors
• Use lever locks 
• Have a 5’0” turning radius in the bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom 
• If a home has two stories have a full bath, bedroom, and laundry on the first floor  
• No threshold in interior doorways and a low threshold on exterior doors 
• Use pocket doors
• Key pad at exterior doors in lieu of keyed lockset 
• Have a shelf or bench near the exterior doors 
• Intercom system 
• Keep house low to the ground so the walkway can lead to the door without stairs 
• Use smoke detectors with strobe light 
• Motion detector lights for walkways 
• Large easy to read thermostats 
• Rocker style light switches 
• Good task lighting 
• Well lighted stairs and halls 
• Instant light after dark at entrances and in hallways
• Shower stall at least 5’0” wide 
• Shower head with a flexible hose 
• Lever style faucets with anti scald protection
• ADA elongated raised toilets 
• Towel bar for use as a grab bar  
• Put blocking in wall for additional future grab bars 
• Pull out shelves in Kitchen cabinets 
• U shaped handles on cabinets and drawers 
• Lights under kitchen cabinets 
• Contrasting colors to define edge of counters 
• Drive under countertop 
• Range with controls to the front and easy access oven 
• Drive under sink in kitchen and bathroom
• Front loading washer and dryer 
• Phone in the bathroom and in the bedroom  
• Telephone with a strobe light for hearing impaired 
• Dishwasher that does not require bending or reaching to load. 

For additional information Contact US 

25. Do you know of any loan or grant
       programs?

Subsidized Remodeling Loans and Grants

The following is a description of the eligibility criteria for Remodeling and Repair Loans / Grants.  The purpose of this program is to provide necessary repairs and improvements to dwellings of qualified applicants.  The requirements are as follows:

Grants 

1. Applicant must live in an eligible town.
2. Applicant must be 62 years of age or older.
3. Applicant must own and occupy a modest dwelling.
   
4. Applicant must have a very low income and be unable to repay a loan at a 1% annual interest rate.
5. The repairs and improvements to be made must be necessary to make the dwelling safe and sanitary and/or remove health and safety hazards.*

A Grant can be approved for up to $7,500.  The applicant does not have to pay the grant back to the government, but will be required to remain in the dwelling for a period of three years after receiving the grant.

Loans

1. Applicant must live in an eligible town.
2. Applicant must be 18 years of age or older.
3. Applicant must own and occupy a dwelling.
4. Applicant must have a very low income and be able to repay a loan at a 1% annual interest rate.
5. The repairs and improvements to be made must be necessary to make the dwelling safe and sanitary and/or remove health and safety hazards.*

A loan can be approved for up to $20,000 at a 1% interest rate which is payable over 20 years.

The total assistance available is $27,500 which could consist of a combination loan and grant.

 1% Fixed Interest Rate

If you have good credit, we can build you a new modular home that can be subsidized by the Federal Government.  To qualify your income may not exceed the income limits shown on the chart below.

If you have any questions please call Kozyra Construction at 413-245-4402.  It may cost you less to own than to pay rent!       

For additional information Contact US