Conventional Home

Definition

A conventional home is a type of residential property built directly on the site where it will remain permanently. Unlike mobile homes or modular housing, which are often prefabricated in factories and transported to the site, conventional homes are constructed from the ground up at their permanent location. This process typically adheres strictly to local building codes and regulations.

Examples

Traditional Single-Family Home: These homes are built from scratch on individual lots and are customized according to the owner’s preferences. For example, a single-story ranch house constructed in a suburban neighborhood.
Colonial-Style House: A two-story, brick-clad residential building constructed on a plot within an urban area, abiding by local zoning laws and construction regulations.
Custom Built Home: An architecturally unique home designed and built on-site, offering bespoke features and high-end materials tailored to the owner’s specifications and tastes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the advantages of a conventional home over factory-built homes? A: Conventional homes generally offer more customization options, better integration with local building codes, and often have higher resale values. They also allow for adjustments and modifications during the construction process.

Q: Are conventional homes more expensive than modular homes? A: Yes, conventional homes are generally 10-20% more expensive due to higher labor costs, greater material wastage, and stringent adherence to local building codes.

Q: Can construction of a conventional home be delayed? A: Yes, construction can be delayed due to various factors like weather conditions, availability of materials, and scheduling with different contractors and vendors.

Q: Do conventional homes comply with local building codes? A: Yes, since conventional homes are built on-site, they must adhere to all local building codes and regulations to ensure safety and compliance.

Q: How does the construction time for conventional homes compare to factory-built homes? A: The construction process for conventional homes is typically longer, often taking several months to a year, whereas factory-built homes can be completed in a matter of weeks.

Mobile Home: A prefabricated home that is built in a factory and then transported to a site where it is set up. It is designed to be movable rather than permanently fixed.
Modular Housing: A type of prefabricated building that consists of separate sections or modules which are constructed off-site and transported to the site for assembly.
Factory-Built Home: Homes that are manufactured in a factory setting and transported to the home site; encompasses both mobile and modular homes.
Building Codes: Regulations stipulating the standards for construction, maintenance, and occupancy of buildings to ensure safety and structural integrity.

Online Resources

National Association of Home Builders (NAHB): Provides information, news, and resources on home building, including conventional homes.
Energy.gov: Guidelines and tips for energy-efficient home design, which apply to conventional homes.
HUD.gov: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development resource focused on housing regulations and fair housing practices.

References

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (n.d.). “Constructing a New Home”. Retrieved from HUD.gov
Webster, C. (2021). “Real Estate Terminology: Understanding the Basics”. Real Estate Journal.
National Association of Home Builders. (2020). “The Advantage of Built-On-Site Homes”. Building Better Homes.

Suggested Books for Further Studies

“Revised Builder’s Guide to Modular Construction” by William G. Scheffers: Explores different aspects of home construction, including site-built homes.
“The House Builder’s Bible: An Insider’s Guide to Making Home Building Costs More Effective” by Mark Brinkley: A comprehensive guide through the conventional home building process.
“Residential Construction Academy: House Wiring” by Gregory W. Fletcher: Covers traditional on-site electrical wiring systems for homes.

Real Estate Basics: Conventional Home Fundamentals Quiz

### What distinguishes a conventional home from a mobile home? - [x] A conventional home is built on-site. - [ ] A conventional home is always smaller. - [ ] A conventional home can be moved. - [ ] A conventional home is built in a factory. > **Explanation:** A conventional home is constructed directly at the site where it will remain permanently, unlike mobile homes, which are prefabricated and movable. ### What typically makes conventional homes more expensive? - [ ] They are smaller in size. - [x] Higher labor costs and material waste. - [ ] They lack customization options. - [ ] They are constructed faster. > **Explanation:** Conventional homes are generally more expensive due to the higher labor costs, material waste, and adherence to local building codes. ### How do construction times of conventional homes compare to factory-built ones? - [ ] Conventional homes are always constructed faster. - [x] Conventional homes typically take longer to construct. - [ ] Both take the same amount of time. - [ ] Factory-built homes take longer to construct. > **Explanation:** Conventional homes usually take several months to a year to construct because they are built on-site, while factory-built homes can be completed in weeks. ### Which factor commonly delays the construction of a conventional home? - [ ] Factory scheduling. - [ ] Instant modular placement. - [ ] Lack of local building codes. - [x] Weather conditions. > **Explanation:** Weather conditions can significantly delay the construction process of a conventional home since it is built on-site. ### Are conventional homes required to comply with local building codes? - [x] Yes - [ ] No > **Explanation:** Conventional homes must adhere to all local building codes and regulations to ensure safety and compliance during and after construction. ### Why might conventional homes have higher resale values than factory-built homes? - [ ] They are built in a factory. - [ ] They are not customizable. - [x] They offer greater customization and meet local codes. - [ ] They can be moved. > **Explanation:** Conventional homes often have higher resale values due to their greater customization options and adherence to local building codes. ### What type of housing is constructed from separate sections created off-site? - [ ] A conventional home - [ ] A mobile home - [x] Modular housing - [ ] A factory-built home > **Explanation:** Modular housing consists of different sections or modules that are built off-site and transported to the home site for assembly. ### What must happen during the construction process of a conventional home? - [ ] The home gets inspected only after it's completed. - [x] The home must continuously meet local building codes. - [ ] The home is built without an external contractor. - [ ] The home is moved before the final inspection. > **Explanation:** A conventional home must continuously meet local building codes at every construction phase to ensure safety and regulatory compliance. ### Which term describes rules that conventional homes must adhere to during construction? - [ ] Zoning Laws - [x] Building Codes - [ ] Development Regulations - [ ] Property Deeds > **Explanation:** Building codes are the regulations that conventional homes must adhere to during the building process to meet safety standards. ### Which housing type is known for being prefabricated and transported to a permanent location? - [ ] Traditional Single-Family Home - [ ] Colonial-Style House - [ ] Custom Built Home - [x] Mobile Home > **Explanation:** Mobile homes are prefabricated in factories and transported to the site where they are set up permanently.