When making plans for the future there is often a lag between what you want and the reality of the time it will take to get there. There is no exception to this when it comes to building a brand new custom home.

There are a few different paths you can take to build your custom dream home, the two most popular choices being RTM and on-site construction in Saskatchewan.

Whether you are considering the RTM process or building on site, weighing the pros and cons can help you make an informed decision about which direction to go in.

Project management, length of time to do the project and cost are all considerations that must be made when deciding to go stick or RTM build.

Here are a few other key considerations below:

Do You Want To Be the General Contractor/Project Manager?

It can be challenging to find reliable trades that value quality craftsmanship in some rural communities. When building on-site you have the option to be the general contractor of the build. Knowing your own capabilities and the local expertise will help you determine if you are quipped for the job with the right team that will deliver a home you know you will be satisfied with.

Knowing the availability and delivery of supplies to your location and
security are considerations to factor in when deciding whether or not it is more convenient or practical to do on site.

Timing, Now or Later?

Building onsite is a seasonal endeavour. When exploring the RTM process, know that timing can be a huge factor if you are ready to go. RTM’s can be built during winter months and ready to be set when the frost thaws in spring with a new home up as early as summer.  Fluctuations in weather and timelines are more controlled when you start early with an RTM build for tighter project turnaround.

When building an RTM, your foundation work and home build can be completed in parallel making the overall build only a 5-6 month project in most cases.

Cost and Convenience

Comparably it is similar if you already own the land. When researching, look for a builder that has the appropriate qualifications and certifications as these are important indicators for what will be the overall quality of the project. Experienced builders bring the latest in technology and resources that can assist in managing the potential stresses of the project with efficiency. They can also offer additional services that allow you to make environmentally friendly decisions about using solar energy and other renewable resources.

B&B Homes delivers RTM homes to communities throughout Saskatchewan in partnership with a reputable, insured, moving company.

Regardless of the approach you decide to take, checking the builder’s references and getting proper warranty work in place should be an integral part of your decision in which route to go.

Evaluating your options and the pro’s and con’s of each process will help you make a decision with confidence. The team at B&B Homes is here to answer any questions you have about building a custom designed RTM home.

Hear more about the B&B Home’s RTM building process from past B&B Home’s clients here.

One of the steps in the process of getting a brand new RTM home project underway is sourcing a mortgage. It is not too dissimilar, but getting financing for an RTM home can follow a slightly different process than other types of mortgages. Some local lenders, such as Affinity Credit Unions, are more RTM project friendly than some others.

Below are some typical requirements that will come up in the process so you know what to prepare for when financing an RTM project.

Typical Mortgage Requirements for an RTM Include:

• The lender will need to release funds before the home is delivered on-site.
• You often must own the land you plan to build on or need to coordinate the mortgage around this purchase. Changing land titles can delay a project so start asap if you know this will be required.
• The home must be anchored to a foundation.
• You will need a contract or purchase of sale with terms spelled out by the builder including obligations for each party
• Home owners will need to purchase insurance.
• RTM homeowners will require a building permit to ensure your project complies with local and national code.
• A water test is often a requirement.

Check with your local bank or lender as some Credit Unions offer a specific percentage of building funds that are advanced based on approved inspections. B&B Homes finds that mortgage brokers may offer more flexible options with favorable rates, but rarely meet the requirements made by us. However, if they cannot meet the terms required for RTMs, Credit Unions’ may be good alternatives. If you would like an introduction to an institution or bank we have successfully worked with, please contact us with your request for an introduction.