** What is your telephone number? **
In the past we openly listed our telephone numbers, but we no longer do so. Why? The average telephone conversation for an initial inquiry lasts 42 minutes and thanks to the internet our potential owner-builder customers have a growing knowledge base, typically asking construction specific questions that our general office staff is not qualified or capable of answering. If you would like to speak with Castle Gate Homes, please complete one of our Feedback Forms and we will 'assign' your potential project to a Castle Gate Homes Regional Construction Consultant or "RCC." A Castle Gate RCC will contact you directly via telephone and when they call they will provide you with their direct telephone contact information. A Castle Gate RCC is competent to answer your general AND technical construction related questions and inquiries.
1. Can you mail me a brochure and catalog of your homes?
NO. Due to this extensive website (now over 130 pages; larger than 98% of all internet websites) we no longer use print media. This website contains much more information in greater detail than any of the marketing brochures and catalogs previously used.
2. What makes Castle Gate different than other panel kit company's?
If you've spent any time looking at other panelized home companies you've probably already noticed several key differences. Although these differences may not be unique to Castle Gate, we are the only company to offer these COMBINED 'features' to every customer:
- Open and upfront PRICING policy. Our home package prices are listed on our website; the price you see is the price you will pay for that model. There are no surprises when it comes time to complete the purchase.
- Open and fully disclosed package materials list; have you noticed that very few companies provide a written list of "what is included" in the home package? It is easy to leave things out when full disclosure is not provided.
- Castle Gate uses superior quality materials; most OTHER panelizing companies use only #2 grade lumber, minimum 2x6" headers, and flakeboard (O.S.B.) sheathing.
- Enclosed weather protected delivery; Castle Gate delivers our home packages in fully enclosed 53' trucks for weather protection. Most companies use open flatbed trucks for delivery.
- Our owner builder, "Builder Assisted" program; Many companies claim they have an owner builder program, but that simply means they provide a panelized shell to an owner builder. Castle Gate provides the panelized shell (built with higher quality materials) but also provides a complete owner-builder program with instructional videos, construction manuals, editable Word document contracts, etc. For more information please see questions # 24 and 25 below. Finally, your Castle Gate construction consultant will be available to you throughout construction to guide you through every step of your building project... not just to sell you the panelized kit.
- Direct financing options via the largest construction to permanent financing lender in the United States. Castle Gate can put you in direct contact with a lending agent that is FAMILIAR with our products and the owner builder process. This direct lending option expedites financing procedures.
- FREE BLUEPRINTS!!! We are the ONLY company that provides FREE blueprints to our customers, saving you $800 to $1200 on average.
- World-wide shipping capability; Many companies will only ship within a particular region of the U.S. or Canada. We can ship world-wide.
- Custom Blueprint building. Many companies can only panelize their pre-existing models. We can build your dream.
- Attention to details and strong knowledge base. We've had many customers share with us their frustration with other panelizing companies for their lack of answers, conflicting answers, or general 'secrecy' regarding their pricing, products and procedures. Our answers are honest, direct, and based in fact because we need our customers to have a positive experience with the products we provide... when our customers are happy, we eventually end up with new customers through future referrals.
3. What is a panelized home?
A panelized home is sometimes called a "pre-fab" or pre-fabricated home. They are also referred to as a "package", a "shell", a "panel home", kit homes, or component built systems. A panelized home is NOT a modular home. A panelized or kit home is considered a 'stick-built' home; built in a controlled, automated factory environment and shipped in sections to your local building site to be fully assembled. For more detailed information please CLICK HERE. The panelized process allows the average person with NO BUILDING KNOWLEDGE or experience to build their own custom dream home without doing any of the physical labor. In addition, professional builders (contractors) and developers often use our efficient kits providing the opportunity to build more, in less time and with less cost, waste and man-power.
4. Do Castle Gate Homes appreciate in value?
YES! Our component built panelized home packages appreciate in value just like any traditional 'stick-built' home in your community. Do NOT confuse a panelized home with a modular or mobile home.
5. Why don't you show many INTERIOR pictures?
We do not show many INTERIOR pictures because the interior layout, quality of finish, and materials used are determined by the customer and NOT provided through Castle Gate Homes. Again, the interior craftsmanship and materials used is not an aspect of the panelized package provided by Castle Gate, but is determined by the skills of your local tradesman and your choice in materials (flooring, type of trim, cabinets, colors, etc.). Numerous exterior images (mostly front view only) are provided to display the variety of style and "anything can be done" reality of panelization. If you plan to build a wood-structured building, regardless of size, shape, or complexity we can panelize it.
6. Will the home package meet our State building code requirements?
Absolutely. Every panelized home we build is built to meet or exceed the specific Building Code requirements in your State/County. Regardless of your location, from seismic shift (earthquake) requirements in California or high wind loading requirements in Florida to large snow load requirements in Maine... your panelized home WILL BE BUILT TO MEET OR EXCEED THE CODE REQUIREMENTS for your location.
7. Can I talk to a former customer about their experiences?
We are contractually obligated to our customers to maintain their privacy according to their Home Package Contract and our Privacy Policy. We will NOT give out the contact information of our previous customers. This assures our customers that they will NEVER be solicited by our current potential customers for recommendations, referrals, 'walk-through' or drive-by visits for the benefit of our future business; we recognize the value of personal time and private residence and we will NOT infringe upon that value to enhance our business profit.
8. Can I visit a Castle Gate Home?
YES... and no. Generally, if you're asking this question you may be on the wrong website. Castle Gate Homes provides a panelized home package (and other "materials") to an "owner-builder" to simplify and expedite the process to custom home ownership without using a local professional home-builder. Building your own home may ultimately save you money. If you want to "see" a finished home before you purchase you should consider visiting a local professional turn-key builder's model home and hiring them to build your home from start to finish. They will then be able to guaranty that your finished home will be comparable to the model that you visited. Although there may be a home near you that was built with our panelized home package, it would be of little value to visit it because the ONLY aspect of the home provided by Castle Gate is hidden beneath the exterior and interior finish (the "framing" that we provide is hidden beneath siding and drywall). Again, the craftsmanship and materials used to finish a Castle Gate Home is dependent on the homeowner choice and the skills of the local contractors that were hired to complete the panelized home package. If for some reason you must see a finished home built with a Castle Gate panelized home package, you are more than welcome to visit any of our 'turn-key' home projects here in Upstate N.Y. prior to it's sale or closing. We welcome your visit to any of those job-sites.
9. What warranty or protections do you offer?
Unlike most other panelizing companies, Castle Gate Homes can't make empty promises. WHY? Our legal responsibilities and obligations are explicitly enumerated in the Home Package Contract prior to the sale. The Contract protects our customer from 'empty promises' and guarantees payment in full to Castle Gate Homes for services rendered. If we ever breached the Contract we risk expensive litigation; and if we are at fault, the cost of that litigation becomes exorbitant... something we can't afford and certainly would never want to happen. Not to mention the negative PR! Most owner-builders (the majority of our customers) recognize what Castle Gate Homes provides: the panelized home "shell" or frame kit, our Builder Assisted materials and a streamlined lending option, along with the inherent protections to the customer through our contract and an independent third party bank. Our services and panelized home kits allow for an easier (although not easy) path to custom built home ownership at reduced cost. Please keep in mind: if you are using a third party lender to finance the cost of your custom home, the bank will have a vested interest in the project too and thus provides additional protections to you as you move forward with your Castle Gate home package purchase.
10. Are you a member of the Better Business Bureau?
NO. Castle Gate Homes is not a dues paying member of the Better Business Bureau or BBB. The BBB is NOT a consumer protection organization; it is a business organization funded by businesses. When consumers see a Better Business Bureau plaque or BBB Online logo the consumer is given a false sense of security. All you need to do to become a BBB member in GOOD standing is to pay the annual dues and respond to any complaint allegations. Please take a few minutes to review information about the BBB: Click HERE. Castle Gate does support other organizations and consumer advocacy groups such as these.
11. Will you come to my State to assemble the package?
Yes... and NO. Please READ carefully: Any home built with a panelized home package from Castle Gate Homes is an 'owner-builder' project (unless it is a turn-key, ready for occupancy home built by a Castle Gate RCC, if available in your local area). You, the customer are responsible for unloading the delivery trucks and assembling the kit, using locally hired sub-contractors. It is a relatively simple procedure: Panel A connects to Panel B, which connects to Panel C, etc. Although many owner-builders will assemble the kit with friends and family, most kits are assembled by local contractors... and yes- it is easy to find them. Read the next two questions: but don't start talking to potential contractors to assemble the kit until you've received our materials and assistance! Remember- we guide you through this process using our owner-builder program.
Castle Gate offers you the additional option of an experienced ON-site RCC available per independent contract to visit your construction site on a limited time basis. You pay time and travel expenses directly to the RCC based upon pre-arranged agreements. Generally, the RCC will assist with Phase 1 and 2 of the Construction Agreement (assembly of the panelized shell), guiding you or your local contractor with the panelized kit assembly.
12. How do I find a local contractor to assemble the kit?
It is usually very easy to find a local contractor to assemble the panelized home. A quick Yellow Pages, 'penny-saver' paper, or even internet search for general contractors, carpenters or even remodelers will give you an extensive list. Although some contractors may be reluctant at first, once they understand what you're hiring them to do, they often consider the job as quick, easy "gravy-money." Even contractors that have NEVER assembled a panelized package (or even seen one!) find the process elementary in comparison to their normal contracting jobs. On the very rare occasion that a customer has several reluctant contractors considering taking the job, a brief but informative conversation with us at Castle Gate dispels their concerns and answers their common questions. We are always happy to discuss our product with your (potential) locally hired professional contractors.
13. What should I expect to pay to have the kit assembled?
We will always give you a specific recommendation based upon the complexity of your home design choice for kit assembly cost. Generally, depending on the complexity of the design, we suggest a kit assembly payment to your contractor of $1.75 to $2.50 per square foot. For example; a very simple home design such as our Manor model should be closer to $1.75 per square foot for assembly cost, but the complicated Country French model should be closer to $2.50 per square foot for assembly cost. Please keep in mind the cost per sq.ft. is based upon total dry-in, which means all of the walls are assembled together, roof is completed with felt paper on and ready for shingles, and all windows and exterior doors are in and locked with everything plumb and level. The home package is now assembled and ready for finishing.
Castle Gate is aware that other panelized homes are assembled by local professional crews at prices as high as $4 to $5 per sq. ft., however- that is NOT an apples to apples comparison. WHY? There are multiple differences between the work load required to assemble a Castle Gate kit compared to others on the market. For example- contractors assembling a panelized kit getting paid $4 per sq.ft. are typically installing ALL of the windows (if the Castle Gate window option is ordered- they are already installed at the factory!), they are assembling the first floor system (although the first floor system is optional, most Castle Gate customers already have the first floor decking built on-site to expedite the assembly of the rest of the kit), and they are fabricating internal partitions (we do not ship internal partitions to save on shipping costs and because our kits generally have no internal load bearing walls allowing for countless variations of floor plan layouts) In the end, after comparing the original price of the complete kit and the assembly of that kit, in a fair apples to apples comparison with other panelized options- the Castle Gate choice provides the best financial position for BOTH the home-owner AND the assembly contractor in most every situation.
14. How much is the shipping cost?
Shipping cost is currently $2.25 per LOADED mile (one way) per container from our shipping distribution center in Virginia. Generally, a complete 1800 sq.ft. ranch home package will fit on ONE container. Once the truck(s) is unloaded at your building site, you do NOT pay for the return trip. If you would like an initial estimate on the shipping cost of your panelized home simply email us with the address of your building site, and the total square footage (including garage) of the structure. In addition to our standard $2.25 per loaded mile shipping cost, there is also a variable rate fuel surcharge to cover the increased cost of rising diesel fuel. The CURRENT fuel surcharge is $.33 (33 cents) per loaded mile.
15. Should I get a loan for just the home package?
You can... but it may cost you more in the end due to additional closing fees with your bank. Most customers will take a construction loan and finance EVERYTHING; including the lot/land cost, the driveway, septic system, the home kit, the cabinets... everything. Yes- even the kitchen sink!
16. What will the TOTAL cost of my new home be?
The exact answer to the this question depends on your location, and the quality (expense) of the finishing materials you intend to use. But this is a general guide: you can expect the total cost of your custom home (ready for occupancy) to be 15-25% or more BELOW the finished appraised market value of COMPARABLE homes in your area. It is possible to see a completed finished per square foot cost as low as $65 to as high as... well, the "sky is the limit." A fair average falls in the $80 to $95 per square foot range using quality materials such as ceramic tile (not linoleoum) genuine 5/8" Oak hardwoods (not laminate Pergo), Low E thermal double pane windows, architectual shingles, solid hardwood cabinets, etc. etc. However, if you choose to import Italian Marble for your custom kitchen floor and insist on 10' ceiling heights with tray ceilings throughout your home, your finishing cost will certainly be more than the average $80 to $95 per sq. ft. Again, the total cost to build is based upon your location (local contractor labor rates) and your choice of materials purchased locally to finish the kit provided by Castle Gate Homes.
17. What will my custom plan kit package cost?
To estimate the TOTAL cost of your completed custom home please read the answer to the question above and this link.
If you want to know the EXACT cost (provided by Contract) of ONLY the shell or kit provided by Castle Gate (from your custom blueprints) you'll need to follow the process provided HERE.
For a general estimate: most of our custom homes range from $15 to $23 per square foot (similar pricing per sq.ft. for our pre-existing models) dependent upon the complexity of the design. Simple rectangular ranch or two story Colonial style homes generally fall in the lower cost spectrum, while more ornate and architecturally complex homes fall on the higher end of the cost spectrum.
18. How do I pay for the home package?
The vast majority of our customers finance the ENTIRE cost of construction (including their land/lot cost) using our affiliate lenders. Many of our customers have financed their projects through the largest construction to permanent financing lenders for residential construction in the United States, while others choose to utilize their local bank.
We will initiate construction of your home package as soon as we receive a "Letter of Credit" available through several of our lending affiliates, thus construction begins immediately. We will be paid directly by the lender from funds allocated for the Castle Gate home package in your construction loan.
If you choose to use a lender other than our lending affiliates or you are not using financing, we will begin construction of your home package once we receive the package price PAID IN FULL. Be sure to verify that your potential lender will advance funds in full prior to delivery before you sign with them for your construction loan. Please speak to your RCC about this, if you have questions or concerns. Generally this has not been a problem for most banks we've worked with in the past, however their policy may have changed.
Your home package construction begins with an affiliate lenders Letter of Credit or cleared funds from any bank/source via personal check, cashiers check, money order, or bank wire.
19. How long will it take for delivery?
From the date that you place the order it will take 6 to 8 weeks for the panelized home kit to be delivered to your building site. During that time period you should be completing the driveway (stone), foundation (full basement, slab, or crawl space), and arranging temporary power if possible.
20. Who is Castle Gate Homes?
Castle Gate Homes is an International (residential and light commercial) panelized building company engaged in the design, construction and marketing of quality component built houses and commercial buildings. Since the factory inception in 1983, there has been an excellent and solid growth rate with representation extending Internationally into 17 Countries and every State in the U.S. including Hawaii and Alaska.
21. What are my building options?
You can build the home (assemble the kit) yourself -OR- you can have the home completely built for you and just move in -OR- you can do a little bit of both. Most can be constructed:
A. As a package to be erected by the owner. In this case the owner-builder is the General Contractor and is responsible for every aspect of the home construction. Many times, the owner will NOT do any physical labor but will interview, hire and schedule (intellectual management) local professional contractors to finish every aspect of the home.
B. As an assembled kit up to 'dry-in' with the shell ready for the interior completion. In this case the owner contracts with a local professional General Contractor (GC) to oversee the entire project up to the dry-in stage. The GC will be responsible for site-work, driveway, temporary power, foundation and kit assembly to dry-in. Once dry-in is completed the home-owner takes over with the intellectual management of the project and finishes the home from there, by either doing the work themselves or by hiring other sub-contractors to do the work (plumber, electrician, drywall, etc.).
C. As a complete turnkey finished home (owner places order for home, along with choice of colors, cabinets etc.; owner chooses to have NO involvement in homes physical construction or intellectual management and waits for home to be completed and moves in). "Turn-key" finished homes are only available if a Castle Gate Regional Construction Consultant is available in your U.S. location OR through a local independent professional General Contractor of your choice privately hired by you, with Castle Gate Homes assistance.
22. How difficult is it to assemble the kit?
An average Castle Gate house kit can be completely ready for interior finishing in as little as five days, after site work (grading, excavation) and foundation (basement, crawl space or a slab). Because of the Castle Gate houses' unique design, many models have no interior load bearing walls. This allows for the interior partition walls to be arranged to suit the individual needs and tastes, offering the buyer a truly custom designed house.
23. Can you build from my custom blueprints?
YES. Please CLICK HERE for more information.
24. What is the free owner-builder (OB) program?
The OB program is provided free to all of our customers; to assist them in managing the construction of their new home. This unique program provides you the opportunity to move into your new home with substantial equity. For more information, please CLICK HERE.
25. What is included in the OB program?
In addition to your free consultations with your Castle Gate RCC via phone or email, Castle Gate has assembled a collection of materials to assist you with your knowledge base and construction preparation. These materials are NOT intended to be memorized, nor should you try. The materials are provided to you as an additional reference source to move you from an undeveloped building site, to a beautiful finished home. The materials include (but are not limited to) our two part DVD owner-builder video, owner-builder book, construction manuals, editable Word documents of three owner-builder contracts stored on a ZIP drive, line item breakdown sheets, cost estimation sheets, simplified illustration of construction stages 'map', a Castle Gate LOGIN to access our internal website resources and our Castle Gate customer message board, multiple cash back incentives and your free blueprints of any Castle Gate pre-existing model. Remember- these program materials and RCC construction consultation is free to our customers.
26. How do I become a Castle Gate customer?
There are two options to become a Castle Gate Homes customer?
- After signing a Purchase Order Agreement (contract) to purchase a specific model or accepting a custom quote (from your custom blueprints), along with an attached affiliate lender/bank Letter of Credit (showing proof of available funds) or payment in full from a bank/lender of your choice. Fabrication of your home will then commence.
- After signing your Fabrication Deposit Agreement (contract) along with your $500 non-refundable home deposit. The deposit is valid for ONE FULL YEAR and will lock-in current prices for that time period. Once your deposit is received Castle Gate will forward the Owner-builder package and blueprints of your choice of any pre-existing Castle Gate model.
We encourage potential customers to use option 2. Option 2 provides you with the opportunity to plan, research, and seek guidance on your upcoming project well in advance. Statistically, most customers will spend a minimum of THREE months of planning using our OB materials/program BEFORE the Purchase Order Agreement (to begin fabrication of your home) is completed. We recommend at least TWO months of planning before you make the final decisions on your home. You should also plan on (at least) a one month time period to pull multiple bids from local professional contractors that you anticipate hiring to work on your project. This information is provided in greater detail in the OB materials.
27. What is an RCC?
After your initial contact with Castle Gate Homes you will be assigned to an RCC or a Castle Gate Regional Construction Consultant. Your assigned RCC will continue to work with you as you explore the possibility of using a Castle Gate panelized kit for your project. Once you become a contracted customer, your RCC will continue to work with you throughout the construction stage providing guidance and assistance as needed in conjuction with our owner-builder program and contract. As a contracted customer you will be given DIRECT telephone contact information for your RCC and in many cases they will voluntarily provide their private home telephone number for your convenience. Our Castle Gate staff is dedicated to your success througout the project.
29. Are Castle Gate Homes energy efficient?
Absolutely. Our STANDARD 2 x 6" walls have Energy Efficiency Ratings of R-23 with typical R-19 BATT insulation by using our R-Max thermal board insulation! Our optional 2 x 4" walls have Energy Efficiency Ratings of R-17 with typical R-13 BATT insulation with the R-Max board! Ceiling insulation R values can be as high as you need to meet your Energy Calculations dictated by your Building Code requirements. All of our homes can EASILY MEET THE ENERGY STAR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS; in fact our panelized homes outperform comparable homes (size and mechanicals) in thermal efficiency because of our standard use of the R-Max thermal board insulation.
30. WHY are the first floor materials not included?
You have the OPTION of ordering the materials for the FIRST floor (our 'round' kits offer a pre-built panelized floor system). On a TWO-STORY home the second floor IS INCLUDED. We do not include the first floor materials for several reasons: we suggest that you purchase materials locally and have the first floor 'cap' or 'decking' (the wood floor over your crawl space or full basement) completely finished PRIOR to the arrival of the panelized kit. Not only does this potentially save on shipping costs, but it speeds up the kit assembly, because the factory built wall panels can be placed directly onto the first floor with roof trusses and roof sheathing placed near the perimeter of the structure on the day of delivery. In addition, competent excavators do NOT want to backfill your foundation (full basement or crawl space) UNTIL the cap is on. The cap provides structural support to the foundation walls and helps prevent them from buckling under the weight of the back-fill. This also helps speed up the unloading and assembly of the Castle Gate kit, because you can walk right up to the foundation and first floor- instead of having to deal with open, un-filled trenches around your foundation perimeter. Finally- dependent on the season (i.e.- winter) or local weather, having the first floor cap on prior to the Castle Gate kit delivery may help with the flat-work concrete floor mason because he can finish the floor in most any inclement weather (because the cap is, in essence a 'roof' over head).
Please NOTE: Castle Gate offers a factory built panelized "stress-skin" floor system for all of our 'round' home models. The floor system is also insulated. The round house panelized floor system OPTION is a convenient method of building the FIRST floor decking. Like ALL other Castle Gate models, the SECOND floor system on any TWO-story home is included in the kit price.
