By now you have probably been through our Modular Photo Gallery and Modular Plans Portfolio and are wondering how to proceed. We have put together a very simple 6 step process to help you ask yourself some important questions and to find out the steps involved.

Step 1: Where do you want to live?
It sounds simple enough but there is a lot involved in this question. The answer is different for every family. If you have children, you want to live in an area with a good school system; a golfing family wants to be near a course; a boating family wants to be near water. Some want to be near their place of work or close to a city for the amenities there or near a college town for the availability of courses and cultural events. Once you have made this decision, the rest of the process will fall into place rather easily.

Step 2: How much are you going to be comfortable spending?
Each individual is unique so it is best to speak to your banker or Mortgage Company about your particular situation. Once you have been pre-qualified for a mortgage, you will know exactly what you can borrow based on your income and down payment.

At this point you know three things. First, you know where you want to live and probably have an idea what lots cost in the area you have chosen. Second, you also know what you can comfortably spend on the entire package- land and home. Third, you know that the difference between those two numbers is the amount available for the home and the site work required for completion.

Remember that when a banker or mortgage broker gives you an amount that they will lend, you are not required to take it all. Think it through and make sure it fits your comfort level- not theirs. You want to own your home; you don't want your home to own you.

Step 3: What do you want in your house?
This requires some thought about what exactly you want versus what you need. For those of you who have been involved with building a new home you already know that it helps to make a couple of lists. The first list is one for the things that you must have in your new home like kitchen and family areas or even a media room or garage. The second list is a wish list of those things that you would like to include if your budget allows like whirlpool tubs, granite countertops and hardwood flooring.

Many of the families we design and build for are amazed at the number of things we can incorporate from list number two. Because of our size and purchasing capabilities, we really do make building a high quality, energy efficient home, uncommonly affordable.

Step 4: Meet with a builder.
The next step is to meet with one of our independent builders. If you have thought about the above questions, your first meeting with a builder can be a very productive experience. Contact Us to get the name of a builder in your area.

It is a good idea to walk the building lot or lots that you are interested in with the local builder. By looking at the neighborhood, the topography of the land and with his experience in your geographic location, your builder can begin to formulate ideas that will facilitate the design process and to maximize your home building budget.

Step 5: Draw the plan.
At Patlin Enterprises, we design and build custom homes for individuals and families like yours. Based on your input and that of your builder, our design team can get to work on your plans. With the information you provide and the knowledge and experience of the builder, we can usually generate an initial plan in about a week. These plans include the floor plan, elevations and a suggested foundation plan.

At this stage, you and your builder will get together to discuss the completed plan and to make any alterations, additions or deletions to make the plan work perfectly for you, your family and your budget.

Step 6: Revise the plan.
If you have changes to your plans, it will come back to our Design Department where they will be incorporated and the final plan is sent back to you and your builder for review and signature. You're now ready to build! Remember, that the faster you can make changes or approve the plan, the sooner we can schedule the construction of your home in our factory and the sooner your home will be delivered.

That is how easy we make the process. We have been designing and building outstanding modular homes throughout New England for over two decades and we'd like to work with you. To get the ball rolling, simply Contact Us and we'll help you get started.