FAQ

FAQ:

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Question: What is the Difference between On-Site and Off-Site construction? A home constructed with the On-Site method means that we build the house on your lot. We start with a slab of concrete and build up, just like any other builder.A home constructed with the Off-Site method means that we build the house at our facility and then transport it to your lot. The home will be approximately 97% complete when it is shipped. Once we get it to the location we finish it up and add on any porches or garages that are on the plans.

1. Question: What determines if my house is built using the On-Site or Off-Site method?We always build in the way that makes the most sense. The Off-Site method of construction is truly a unique way of building that lends itself to our rural customers. It can be difficult to find a builder willing to build in a remote location. We can and do build anywhere in New Mexico, but it can become costly for us to build on your lot if you are 200 + miles away from our facility. It will be more cost effective for us to ship a house to you.If you live 20 miles away from our facility there will be no difference in cost if we build directly on your lot or on ours, in this case it makes more sense to build on your lot.Each case will be unique and it is necessary to perform a site visit to your lot before a final determination is made.

1. Do I have to build using the On-Site method if I am close to your facility?No, we have built houses within 75 miles using the Off-Site method. Some customers want to have the ability to move the house in the future; others have wanted to have a crawl space under their home. There are many reasons to construct using the Off-Site method. Ultimately the choice is yours.

1. Question: Are these Off-Site homes manufactured homes? What is the difference?These are not manufactured homes; they are built to meet the International Building Code and are inspected by the State Construction Industries Division, the same as a traditionally built house would be. Manufactured homes are built to a different set of standards. Your ABS Home will appreciate in value as opposed to a manufactured home that will lose value over the years or as soon as you drive it off the lot. Your ABS Home will finance and be insured at the lower rates available for conventionally constructed homes. Your ABS Home will not have a steel frame, axles, and brakes or be registered with the Motor Vehicle Department. The listed price for your ABS home includes the transportation (up to 75 miles), foundation, concrete stoops at each exterior door, complete plumbing (water, sewer, gas) under home, plumbing stubbed 5′ out from foundation, and complete electrical including panel and meter on exterior of home. The listed price for a manufactured home will not include any of these items.

1. Question: How does the quality of an Off-Site home compare to manufactured homes?We try to build a high quality home and so many of the standards in our homes are considered upgrades in a manufactured home. Our exterior walls are 2×6 with R-21 insulation. We use R-38 insulation in the celling and R-21 in the floors. Our end walls are 8’. Our homes use engineered trusses, which allows us to run our ducting up top which is more energy efficient. The pitch of our roofs is 4:12. We use engineered I-joists for our flooring system, with ¾” tongue and groove decking that is glued and screwed down. Our standard exterior siding is stucco. Our homes feature bull nose corners and skip trowel texture. We use marble shower surrounds and counter tops in our bathrooms. Our homes feature real ceramic tile standard.

1. Question: How does the quality of an On-Site home compare to other builders?Every builder uses different standards when building their homes. Just make sure when you are comparing homes that you are comparing apples to apples. Take a look at our standards and compare them with other builder standards. We strive to use high quality products in our homes, and we do offer some things standards that other builders do consider upgrades.

1. Question: What kind of foundations do these homes have?If it is an On-Site home ABS will pour a traditional slab of concrete and build your home up from there.If it is an Off-Site home ABS will construct your home and place it on a permanent foundation on your lot. This foundation consists of a conventional spread footing with CMU stem-walls that are steel-reinforced and filled with solid concrete. To keep your home securely adhered to this foundation, Simpson Strong Tie strap ties are imbedded in these concrete footings and are attached to the flooring of your home.

1. Question: What if you can’t deliver a house to our site because of physical restrictions?If access to your site is too narrow for one of our homes, we are able to construct your home using our “split” method where it is constructed in two halves that are transported separately and then merged at your site. If this doesn’t work but your land is close enough to our facility, we may be able to build it on your site for a minimal to no cost difference. If you are farther away, we may still be able to construct on your site but costs will be more dependent on local availability of materials like concrete and the costs of travel for our crews. Come by and discuss your needs with one of our consultants and he would be more than happy to provide pricing for you.

1. Question: Do you provide land and home packages?ABS does not offer lots for sale, however, we do work with real-estate agents who can help you find a lot and bundle your new lot and our home into one financial transaction.

1. Question: Can you move interior walls?Yes, we can absolutely work with you to modify room sizes, add bedrooms, eliminate walls, or make any other changes to suit your needs.

1. Question: Can we make changes to the floor plans? What if we like the kitchen in one plan and want to move it into another floor plan?Yes, we will work with you to see what is possible and will do our best to make a home that is uniquely yours

1. Question: Can I see the homes under construction?Of course! , if we are building homes in our yard, please come by and we will be happy to give you a tour. If we are busy building site-built homes, come-in and talk to a consultant who will be happy to take you to a site that is nearby.

1. Question: Do you provide financing?No, ABS does not have an in-house financing arm, but we do partner with local banks that are well-versed in construction and permanent loan packages.

1. Question: Can we change the exterior look of the house? Yes, our standard exterior features a pitched roof, but we can give a house a southwestern look with a flat roof, vigas and lentils on the windows, or we make it look like a log cabin with a faux log exterior and faux stone.

1. Question: I’m not sure how to go about getting my utilities installed. Can you help me? Of course, while our standard pricing does not include the installation of any utilities that are more than 5’ from the perimeter of the home, ABS will be happy to help you find the right contacts for your area. If want us to do it all, we will be happy to provide you with pricing for a complete “turn-key” experience.

1. Question: How long does it take to build a home?Our contract states we have 120 days from the day we receive the permit to build your house. There are many factors that can affect this schedule like, inspections, weather, and installation of utilities, but we generally are able to keep very close to the 120 days.

1. Question: Can I do my own plumbing, tile-work, foundation, etc.? Or, leave the home unfinished and finish it myself including the sheetrock and painting?ABS will work with you to plan the level of completion you want us to perform on your home. Please consider that that our licensed and insured subcontractors provide us very competitive pricing which allows us to pass-on the savings to you. Also consider that building a home requires close coordination and safety and quality related inspections as required by the building permit rules for your area. Any coordination or quality snafus may cause time delays and add extra costs. Come in and let us know what you would like to do and we would be more than happy to discuss what is possible.

1. Question: What zoning and covenant restrictions may affect these homes? Can you put these houses anywhere?Often in rural areas, covenant restrictions are few. However, in more developed areas, lots are often sold with covenant restrictions that place limits on the types of structures that can be placed on them. Our homes are fully conventional homes that should not be affected my most limits. If you think you want one of our homes, but are unsure if it is allowed, bring your covenants and come-in and talk to one of our consultants. They will review them with you and even attend any architectural control committee meetings necessary to get an approval. We can even construct your home with a conventional slab-on-grade foundation if that’s what it takes. You might be surprised to find that one of our homes may already be in your neighborhood.

1. Question: Do you do “Custom” Homes or Re-models?Yes, ABS can construct any home you can obtain plans for. Have an idea for a home but want a ground-up design? ABS can work with your architect or can recommend a designer to help you flesh out your ideas while we turn them into reality. Have an existing home you want to add-on to or want a kitchen or bathroom remodel? Come by our show room today and see and touch our samples and talk to one of our home consultants about your dreams and needs.

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Floor Plans 1000-1499sq ft

Floor Plans 1500-1999sq ft

Floor Plans 2000sq ft and above

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