Frequently Asked Questions

"We are writing again to thank you for the exemplary service we received from Winton Homes and Cottages." - Gerry Doering, Kimberly, BC

What is included in a Winton package? How long will it take for my package to arrive? How is a Winton Home different than a Modular home? Review our FAQ section and find the answers to commonly asked questions. Building a prefabricated house raises many questions during the course of your planning and build. Find the most common questions and answers from Winton here.

How are Winton Homes & Cottages different from a Modular home?

There are significant differences between Modular homes and factory-framed home packages as produced by Winton Homes. Understandably, some confusion arises because both styles of home are categorized under "Pre-fab" or "Prefabricated" or "manufactured" homes. Modular houses are prefinished in a factory. The electrical is done, plumbing done, insulation installed, drywall on, paint finished and cabinets hung before delivery. This is not the case with the "panelized" home packages or a factory-framed homes as produced by Winton Homes. We pre-cut your floor system, pre-build your wall panel (c/w sheathing) in roughly 10 ft. sections, then we lay those wall panels down flat, stack them up in construction order and load them on a truck for delivery to site. We also supply your engineered roof trusses, roofing material, siding, windows, doors, fascia, soffit, deck members, decking and fasteners. When your Winton Homes or Cottage package arrives at your build site, it can then be built to lock-up 40% faster than by building with traditional "stick-framing" methods. It speeds up construction dramatically, saving your time and money while also giving you higher quality because your framing is done in a controlled factory environment. Often confused for "mobile homes", Modular houses can be just fine for some applications. But typically, they have not been found to maintain their re-sale value as strongly as panelized or factory-framed homes – or even traditionally stick-framed homes, for that matter.

What is included in a Winton package?

A Winton lock-up package includes all the materials and supplies you'll need to bring your new home to a weather tight, locked up condition. This includes all exterior finishing and zone rated doors & windows.

What kind of foundation should I use?

Depending on your plan, you can use a slab-on-grade, a crawl space or a full basement. You can use Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF's – the Styrofoam block style foundation) or even, in some cases, you can use a pillar or piling (pier and beam) style foundation as well. Our team can help suggest a foundation type that suits your specific plan. Note: Not all foundation types are acceptable in all regions so, please refer to your local building authority for more information.

Can I make changes to the Plan?

Absolutley, we can modify our plans (or your plan) to suit your exact needs and requirements. Once your Preliminary Draft is completed, we can make changes until we arrive at the perfect final plan for your new home.

How is my package delivered?

Winton Homes packages are delivered on 53 ft. drop deck (low bed) trailers to maximize volumes and keep freight costs low. We will want to discuss access to your building site. If it is not possible to get a semi and a 53 ft. drop deck trailer onto your site, we will work with you and help coordinate breaking bulk onto smaller trailers at a convenient location as required.

Does my package get delivered all at once?

Depending on the size of your new home, it will take between 1 and 3 loads. A general rule of thumb is that we can fit an entire 1,100 to 1,200 sq. ft. lock-up packaged home onto a single truck.

How long will it take for my package to arrive?

From date of order, you should allow 6 weeks to 8 weeks. Feel free to check with your Senior Design Consultant for current production lead times.

How long will it take to build my package?

Depending on the size and complexity of your package and the skill of your crew, you should be able to erect our package materials to the lock-up stage within 1 - 2 weeks.

Are shipping costs included?

Yes, your new home package Estimate includes freight.

Do I need a Building Permit?

Absolutely. We always recommend that you check with your local building authority before beginning any new construction. Your home will be built to meet or exceed the National Building Code of Canada and /or International Building Code Standards for your area.

How do I unload my package?

The customer or their Contractor is responsible to have sufficient crew and/or off load equipment present at the delivery site to off load the package. We recommend 4 to 6 strong, able bodied people and/or machinery like a crane, a hiab or a zoom-boom capable of lifting 5,000 lbs. or a forklift with 8 ft. fork extensions. Off-loads usually go very well and they take normally between 1½ hrs. to 4 hrs.

What are your terms of sale?

Please contact your sales representative for further information on terms of sale.