7452 Peregrine Ct.
Missoula, MT 59808
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does a Stratford Home appraise and finance like a site-built home?
A: Yes. Factory-built, or systems-built structures
appraise and finance as site-built homes. Actually, lenders often prefer this system
of building as completion dates are accelerated and risk-periods are shorter.
Q: How long does it take to build a home?
A: Typically it will take about 90 days from ordering to
completion, depending on the size and complexity of the structure.
Q: Is a modular custom home less costly than a site built custom home?
A: Not always, but often this is true. Recent cost comparisons have indicated
that we are about 15% or more below the costs for similar structures. Why? Stratford Building Corporation
buys large volumes of materials and receives a discount on materials. We pass this savings on to the customer.
Additionally, we don’t waste time in the factory. We don’t “run for parts” in the middle of the day as often
happens on–site. We don’t re-arrange our construction schedule because a critical trade is delayed due to
other commitments (illness, previous projects, hunting season…). All of our tradesmen are on-the-job every day.
We can build more houses (volume) in a given year and therefore can keep our prices down (value),
while still operating a profitable operation.
Q: Can I design my own home or adapt a plan to fit my needs?
A: You bet. Stratford homes are true custom homes. Each and every
home is built to its own individual blueprints. Keep in mind that maximizing the systems under
which we build will minimize your end-costs.
Q: What is the primary benefit of modular construction over site built construction?
A: We think that we are better-built, faster and less expensive than
conventional means of construction.
Q: What about building standards and codes?
A: Our homes are engineered to meet or exceed the current standards of site-built
homes and are constructed to the same codes. All of our homes meet or exceed the UBC code.
Q Are your homes just manufactured houses on a foundation?
A No. Modular homes are often mistakenly compared to manufactured homes because
of the method of delivery. Manufactured homes are built to a lower level of building codes, the HUD code.
They are often built with inferior components. Manufactured homes are constructed with a steel chassis
integrated into the frame. Manufactured homes are motor vehicles and are titled as such. Factory-built
Stratford Homes are real houses, they’re just built off-site. Think of it this way: all houses come in by truck.
Ours just happen to be done when they arrive.
Q: Who is River’s Edge Homes?
A: River’s Edge Homes is a locally-owned, Missoula-based general construction company.
We are the authorized Builder/Dealer for Stratford Homes in this area.
Q: Where are the homes built?
A: Stratford Homes are built in the Stratford Building Corporation plant in Rathdrum, Idaho.
River’s Edge Homes can set up plant tours for your convenience.
Q: How does my house arrive?
A: Contract haulers will bring the modules to the site on hydraulically-controlled
flatbed trailers. We will crane the house modules directly from the flatbeds onto the mudsills of the foundation.
Q: How big can the modules be?
A: Highway restrictions limit module width to 15’ 8”. We can haul units up
to about 70’ in length.
Q: Does Stratford finance?
A: No. We do have several excellent lenders with whom we have worked that we
would refer to you
Q: What is the warranty on my new home?
A: River’s Edge Homes offers a bumper-to-bumper warranty for one-full year. Stratford offers a full
ten-year limited warranty on the structure of the home. The individual components contained in the home
have their own specific warranties, e.g. 30 year shingles, lifetime windows and plumbing fixtures,
50 year siding, 5 year furnace and hot water heater, etc.
Q: Do you have land home packages?
A: Sometimes. If we do not have a property of our own we have a Realtor staff that can help
you find that parcel on which to build.
Q: Can I go to the plant and see what I’m getting?
A: Absolutely! The Stratford Homes plant is located
nearby in Rathdrum Idaho. It is just 6 miles north the first Post Falls exit of I-90.
They are open for tours most workdays and appointments can be made on weekends if needed.
Call us and we’ll set up a tour for you!
- 1996 Stratford Homes Builder of the Year
- 2003 Stratford Homes Horizon Award
- 2004 Stratford Homes Builder of the Year
- 2005 Stratford Homes Horizon Award
- 2006 Stratford Homes Builder of the Year
- 2007 Stratford Homes Builder of the Year
This is no easy accomplishment as the Stratford Homes Builder/Dealer network stretches from Alaska to Wyoming, Colorado to Oregon. The Horizon Award recognizes the company with the greatest vision for the future.
