SYSTEM-BUILT CONSTRUCTION The Better, Stronger and Faster way to build. Here are some questions we are often asked: Are your homes built the same as site-built homes? We take great pride in answering, “Of course not, they’re much better.” What does the term “Systems-Built” mean? Every home is made up of systems.  The obvious ones are a heating and air conditioning system, a plumbing system or an electrical system.  We think in terms of floor, wall, and roof systems as well.  By engineering these components into one integrated system, we can achieve remarkable levels of precision and quality in our homes, thus the term Systems-Built. Is “Systems-Built” and Modular the same? Many people use the terms “modular” to describe our building methods.  While this term is technically correct it is a little dated.  However, it does not really matter what you call us, the important thing is that you do not confuse our homes with what is commonly thought of as manufactured housing. Manufactured housing is generally perceived as Mobile homes, Doublewides and Trailers and are built on steel frames to an entirely different code called HUD code. Some Manufactured housing is built on steel frames and called “Off Frame Modular”. This means after they set up the home the frames are removed. These are still considered HUD code and are not required to meet the same building codes as conventional construction. Don’t be fooled! This is not what we build at Virginia Craftsman Home Builders. Can your homes be built anywhere? Our homes are not restricted in any City or County. We meet all Local, State and National building codes. All of our homes meet BOCA and IRC codes just like any site-built home. In the building industry, specific codes govern the design and construction process.  These codes are enforced by inspections and if any home does not meet the code, it is written down and further construction stops until the problem is corrected. Every Virginia Craftsman home is built to meet or exceed all state and local building codes.  The same codes apply to site-built homes.  In addition, our homes undergo the most stringent inspections in the industry.  Inspections are made in the construction facility by independent inspectors as well as on-site by local building inspectors.  You can rest assured that your Virginia Craftsman home is well built and will stand the test of time.   What types of homes do you offer? At Virginia Craftsman, we build everything from the modest ranch, to the elegant two story homes.  We have dozens of models to choose from and hundreds of floor plans.  Each of these can be customized to your particular taste. Why “Systems-Built” instead of “Site Built” Construction? Although there are some of the best Craftsmen still building Site-Built homes. We feel our system offers some distinct advantages. Systems-Built homes are built in state-of-the-art construction facilities.  We use computerized saws for precision cuts.  Jig systems ensure that floors, walls, and roof trusses are straight and true. We use only the highest quality materials and as much as 30% more lumber to build your home. More lumber is needed to make the units strong enough to be transported to the building site. The result is a stronger, more rigid home. Site-Built homes don’t require as much lumber,which completes a stronger structure, does not require nearly as many in house inspections,cannot build as energy efficient,or as square as systems built,all this at a less expensive cost to you. Ask your local inspector what he thinks. Systems-Built homes are built indoors in a climate-controlled environment.  You never have to worry about your unfinished home being exposed to the elements during the construction process. All lumber used in the factory is tested for moisture content before the shipment is accepted. If the moisture content is too high it is sent back. Trapped moisture can lead to Mold. By moisture testing and building the living spaces inside, the chances of mold are greatly reduced. Site-Built homes are constructed outside and subjected to the elements before they can be closed up, possibly trapping moisture inside. Your average "stick built home on site" retains approximately 2000 gallons of water before the home is dried in. These are just a few of the many construction advantages we have over a site-built home Thank you for considering Virginia Craftsman Home Builders, Inc.  We look forward to working with you to build the new home of your dreams.