What to ask
24 questions to ask before you send a deposit.
The same questions we ask every manufacturer. Print them, paste them into an email, or read a model page to see how the answers stack up.
The Home
Design, construction, intended use and specification.
- 1.1
Is the home intended for year-round residential use, or seasonal / recreational use?
- 1.2
What is the structure made of, and how is it insulated?
- 1.3
What electrical and plumbing standard is it built to?
- 1.4
Are the specifications in writing, for this exact model and finish level?
The Price
What the factory price includes — and what it does not.
- 2.1
What is included in the quoted price, item by item?
- 2.2
Is the price ex-works, FOB or delivered — and to where?
- 2.3
What is the deposit, when is it due and under what terms is it refundable?
- 2.4
Which upgrades are needed to make the home usable where you live?
Documentation
Drawings, testing, certifications and supporting evidence.
- 3.1
What technical drawings are available, and in what units and language?
- 3.2
Are there third-party test reports for structure, fire, thermal or electrical?
- 3.3
Is there any model-specific U.S. approval — and for which program and state?
- 3.4
Can the manufacturer support a U.S. engineer's review?
Getting It Here
Production, shipping, ports and delivery.
- 4.1
How long is production, and when does the clock start?
- 4.2
How does it ship — container, flat-rack, break-bulk?
- 4.3
Who handles freight, insurance, customs brokerage and duties?
- 4.4
Can a truck and crane physically reach your site?
What Happens Locally
Foundation, utilities, installation, engineering and permits.
- 5.1
What must be engineered, permitted and completed locally?
- 5.2
What foundation does the home need, and who designs it?
- 5.3
Who connects water, power, sewer or septic?
- 5.4
Who sets the home, and who is responsible for the work on site?
Support
Warranty, parts, communication and responsibility after delivery.
- 6.1
What does the written warranty cover when the home is installed in the U.S.?
- 6.2
How are replacement parts sourced and shipped?
- 6.3
Who do you call when something breaks — and in what time zone?
- 6.4
Who is responsible if something goes wrong?
Worth pausing on
Red flags. Not proof of a scam — just reasons to slow down.
- The price is quoted, but the scope isn't written down.
- “U.S. certified” with no program, state or model named.
- Pressure to pay a large deposit before drawings or specifications exist.
- No U.S. references — or references who can't be reached.
- Payment requested to a personal account or a different company name.
- Warranty terms that only exist in a chat message.
This list is general guidance, not legal, engineering or financial advice. Your local building department is the authority on what can be installed on your site.
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So… what are we building?
Eight quick questions. Tell us the dream, the land, the budget and what’s making you nervous. A human reads every one.