FAQ

What is a manufactured home? A manufactured home (also known as a factory-built home) is a home constructed in a factory and transported to a site and installed. These homes are built entirely in a controlled environment, under a federal building code administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It is becoming increasingly difficult to determine the difference between a manufactured home and a site-built home. They often feature the same appearances, such as roofs having the same height and pitch, exterior treatments, and add-ons. Due to sophisticated production processes, manufactured homes offer the best in efficiency, affordability, and innovative design options. How does the purchase price of a manufactured home compare to traditional construction? Manufactured homes are typically 20% to 50% less than comparable site built housing. Do manufactured homes pass any sort of inspection or are they held up to any standard? Unlike site-built homes, all manufactured homes are built to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Code, with each home going through a rigorous inspection process before being certified and sold. This Code regulates home design, construction, strength, durability, fire resistance, and energy efficiency. It also sets standards for heating, plumbing, air-conditioning, thermal, and electrical systems. Independent inspectors, actually monitor the design and construction of the homes as they are built in the factories. Does Fleetwood offer product warranties for international shipments? Fleetwood homes does not offer any warranties for homes shipped outside of the continental United States. However, homes may be inspected at the factory upon completion. Where can I place a manufactured home? There are two basic options: (1) You can place your home on land you own or intend to buy. If you choose this option, be sure to check zoning laws, restrictive covenants, and hook-up regulations. (2) You can place your manufactured home on a leased home site in a manufactured housing development. Do I need to have my own land? Your home can be placed on land that you already own or on a leased home site in a land-lease community. If you are placing your home on land you are buying or already own, check with your local community planning and land use department to verify that they do not have restrictions (or zoning ordinances) on manufactured homes. Will I need to arrange for site improvement if my home is going to be located on a private lot? Venmax recommends that you work with experienced and properly licensed companies to determine necessary site improvements prior to installing your home. What happens when the home arrives? It will be delivered by truck and Venmax can provide installation guidance, training, and possibly supervisors to assist your installation team. If it is a multi-section home, the sections will be joined at the site. Can I get a porch, garage or access ramp? Fleetwood homes do not automatically come with these features. Do all manufactured homes look alike? Definitely not. Manufactured homes are available in a variety of siding materials and colors, including metal, vinyl, wood or hardboard. You may select design features such as bay windows, a gable front, or a pitched roof with shingles. You can add awnings, enclosures around the crawl space, patio covers, decks, and steps to give your home the look you want. What is the role of Venmax International? Can I buy directly from Fleetwood? Fleetwood homes are only sold through authorized retailers. Venmax is the exclusive authorized distributor for international transactions. Any homes acquired for the purpose of shipping abroad or whose final intended destination is outside of the continental United States must be purchased from Venmax. Venmax will guide you through the home selection and purchase process. Do I have many options in floor plans, size and price? You can get just about anything you want in a Fleetwood home. Although different regions may have rules and regulations, Fleetwood has over 1,000 floor plans of manufactured homes, with multiple options for many of them. The size can vary from approximately 380 to 2,500 square feet, with varying floor plans that can include living rooms, dining rooms, family rooms, fully equipped kitchens, utility rooms, luxurious master baths, and one to five bedrooms. What sources are available for financing manufactured homes and will you help me to obtain it? Venmax and Fleetwood do not provide terms for its clients. However, Venmax may be able to provide assistance in locating various entities that specialize in financing international transactions. What interior options, features and extras are available? The many options you can usually select include cabinet and window designs, wall coverings, decorative wood-burning fireplaces, appliance packages, floor coverings, skylights, bay windows, custom cabinets, refrigerator, range, microwave ovens, trash compactors, garbage disposals, washer/dryer, and more. Optional features available to you will be dependent on the particular model of home you choose and import/export government guidelines. Do I have to order a home or can I buy one that is already built? Most international transactions are built to order. How do I ship the homes to my country? Most homes are shipped in the hull or on top of an ocean freighter. Fleetwood homes do not typically meet the dimensions of a standard shipping container. Therefore, a shipping quote is usually necessary. The shipping quote will be based upon overall shipping volume. Venmax can provide guidance regarding shipping solutions available for your purchase. All Fleetwood homes are sold FOB factory. Venmax may coordinate delivery to your freight forwarder at a regional port as a service. Local delivery charges to the port of embarkation, handling, documentation, and storage costs are the responsibility of the purchaser. Will I need to arrange for storage? Depending upon the volume of units ordered and the availability of the ship, temporary storage may be required. Venmax will work with you to secure storage until your ship is ready. How do I install the homes once they are delivered to their final destination? Fleetwood provides an installation manual for each home. In addition, Venmax can provide installation guidance, training, and possibly supervisors to assist your installation team. Can Fleetwood build homes other than those shown on this web site? Although Fleetwood Homes has over 1,000 different floor plans, Venmax realizes that occasionally clients may require something different. At the request of Venmax, Fleetwood may consider building new designs. Venmax can provide assistance in determining the best solution available from Fleetwood. I would like to become a distributor of Fleetwood products in my country. What can I do? Fleetwood does not enter into any distributor or authorized representative agreements outside of the United States. Venmax, as Fleetwood's exclusive, international distributor is authorized to select and appoint Venmax representatives who may offer Fleetwood products in various international regions. Venmax can assist in determining your specific interests and their geographic needs for representation.