FAQs

The flowchart below outlines the general steps from breaking ground to moving into your new home. The colored bubbles show stages in which there are customizable options. For a list of these options look at the materials and finishes section.

The slideshow below shows the construction process up through the end of 'drying in'. (kit 06)

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All wall panels, floor trusses and roof trusses of each ZH product are manufactured in climate and quality controlled factories across the U.S., flat-packed on a truck, and shipped to your site for assembly. This process speeds up the construction time significantly and increases quality. Choosing a factory close to your site lowers shipping costs and time. Modular homes are normally manufactured in complete sections at a single factory location. Unless your site is close to this factory, the shipping costs for these modules can be outrageous. Once the modules arrive at your site significant finishing must still be done to complete the homes, stretching the total length of the construction process past that of a ZH house. Because they are not constructed on site, many modular homes may not be available in your state. Furthermore, modular designs are inherently "boxy" and limited by shipping restrictions.

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ZH currently offers six home models. Although the floor plans are not customizable (KIT_05 is the only plan that will adjust in depth depending on # of bedrooms and baths), buyers may modify many components of their home to add their personal touch to the final product. There are three packages offered for each of the following: exterior siding, flooring, countertops, cabinetry, plumbing fixtures, appliances, fixtures and accessories.

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After choosing the KIT home with options, ZH will calculate a base price. By entering information about your site and choosing a construction plan, you receive a personalized budget estimate sheet that serves as a guide for all costs associated with the home, excluding land and taxes. Pre-construction, construction, and shipping costs are estimated based on your indicated location. This is an estimate, and your personal ZH consultant will work with you to get firm pricing once the home buying process is formally begun. The estimate (Houston, TX) price for the homes excluding land, shipping and tax is around $112 / sq. ft.. The final cost/sq.ft. varies on location of construction. Several variables that affect costs are site preparation, permit fees, foundation, engineering fees, supervision and labor, shipping distance, and construction loan fees. Foundation costs will vary depending on location and costs of labor and materials. ZH provides 3 foundation options of which the best structural design will be chosen depending on the location and soil. If ZH acts as builder, ZH will require an engineer. Buyer is at their own risk if they decide to build a ZH kit on their own and not use an engineer in the design the foundation.

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There are two construction options:

construction option 1

ZH takes responsibility of supplying a completely constructed home. Site preparation to clear the lot and financing are still the responsibility of the buyer, although assistance from ZH is available for an additional fee. ZH performs the procurement of all materials, coordinates logistics of delivery, and takes responsibility for all subcontractors and the construction process.

construction option 2

Work falls in the customer’s scope, including site preparation, local and state permits, foundation work, and all construction. ZH coordinates with all suppliers and ensures delivery of all materials to site according to schedule. ZH’s scope is completed after the arrival of final materials as shown in Figure 5.2.

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Site feasibility must be performed at your site early in the purchase process to ensure that your site is suitable for the construction of a ZH home. Each site must be evaluated for its unique topography, utility availability, construction restrictions, permit requirements, etc. ZH will discuss the feasibility requirements with you. ZH is available to assist you with the full process for a fee.

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A representative of ZH will visit your site probably a few times throughout the process. Visits begin once the site feasibility has started. If the full construction plan is chosen, ZH will be more involved on site and will be there for the official turnover of your new home.

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ZH offers an option to let you build your home on your own. This would require you to hire your own labor. ZH can refer a select list of builders. Please refer to the Construction Plans section of the ZH website for details.

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After a purchase order is signed and the home foundation is complete at the site, your new ZH home can typically be completed within 16 weeks. Be aware that securing home financing, permits, and other external factors may impact this timing.

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If ZH acts as builder, a one-year warranty on all the construction of your house is offered from the day of completion. This includes repairing and replacing any defects that arise due to construction and or problems that arise with materials and or craftsmanship. ZH does not assume any liability if buyer has chosen to build their own ZH home. Fixtures and Appliances are warranted per manufacturer. Extensions of warranties on appliances and fixtures can be purchased.

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ZH has set up a system that reduces problems that would most likely arise in the field if the buyer were to purchase fixtures and appliances on his own. If the buyer decides that the packages for fixtures and appliances are not what they want, an allowance package is offered. The buyer can select a new list of fixtures and appliances through our supplier. The supplier will make sure that all the fixtures and appliances will fit the KIT home as designed and also that they arrive on time to the house with appropriate rough-in materials as required for installation.

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Three options will be offered for the cabinets. If the buyer is not happy with the options, an allowance will be offered and the buyer can choose a different cabinet face through our supplier. The manufacturer will remain the same.

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The design and construction of our homes are incredibly efficient. Designed to incorporate an economy of construction, the kit-of-parts construction system is made up of standard wood members such as the 4'x8' sheet of plywood. The wood structure is prefabricated offsite and is shipped to site for construction. This minimizes construction costs, waste at the job site and creates less waste at the landfill. Levels of light, air and circulation can be regulated according the changing demands of both climate and inhabitant. The narrow house, elevated from the ground to provide ventilation beneath the house, is well suited for harsh climates, by promoting cross ventilation both laterally and longitudinally. The home acts like a self-mechanized air conditioning system. In colder climates, the house sits on an exterior wall foundation creating a basement condition that keeps the floor warm in the winter and cool in summer. The homes have an extremely flexible ventilation system that can be adjusted via windows and ceiling fans at front and rear of the homes, for sunlight, prevailing winds and seasonal shifts. Galvanized metal roofing is selected for its longevity and also to reflect the harsh heat of the summer. Non-formaldehyde products are chosen such as the insulation. Options are given for green products such as energy star rated appliances and fixtures and bamboo flooring are offered. All doors and windows, manufactured by a well-respected national company, will meet and exceed all state and local energy efficiency requirements. Savings on energy costs with a ZH home will far exceed any developer home or stick frame home that is built today.

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The financing required is the same as that for any new home construction. In fact, due to a quick construction time most buyers will save on the interest paid for the construction loan compared to a traditional site built home.

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The payments follow the following schedule and may change due to financing: 5% upon signed purchase agreement 20% prior to production start and local jurisdiction approval 50% upon first delivery of major components to the job site 25% upon completion and turnover of home (payment schedule may differ depending on financing)

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Because wall panels and floor and roof trusses arrive at the job site pre-assembled from the factory, there is little security risk with these components. All smaller and more expensive components are securely stored in a Portable On-Demand Storage unit that is delivered to site as a part of the contract.

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ZH operates one office in Houston, TX that is available for visits. Model homes will become available as they are constructed.

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