It’s often thought that choosing a modular house means you won’t be able to customize it at all. In fact, many modular home builders do allow for some degree of customization. At Shorten Homes, however, we take it to the next level. We offer an incredible degree of customization for every single home we build, with a dizzying array of options and features to choose from at our large design center. As a result, when you choose Shorten Homes, your customization options are almost limitless.
Customizing the Exterior of Your Shorten Home
When customizing a modular home, it’s typically best to start with the big picture and then to hone in on the smaller details. When we meet a new home buyer, we’ll typically explore the exterior customization options first. The most pressing item on the agenda is to nail down the structural elements, such as the floorplan and number of stories.
Start by choosing one of our model home plans that is closest to the home you want. Then, consider whether you’d like to turn a one-story ranch into a two-story Cape Cod-style home, or vice versa. Next, you’ll need to figure out your ideal layout for your home, as well as other structural elements. We can build to any specifications, provided they meet your state and local code requirements. We can add or reduce square footage and rooms, and change the dimensions.
Then, take a look at the roof. If you want a classy roof that stands out, consider adding a few dormers (which can also be customized). Shorten Homes can build roofs with pitches ranging from 5/12 to 12/12. You can choose from metal or shingle roofs, both of which offer multiple color options.
Next, choose the siding you want for your new home. Our expert craftsmen can install batten board siding, multiple types of vinyl siding, or shake siding. Shake siding in particular will give your home a luxurious look, while batten board provides an aesthetically appealing alternative to traditional vinyl. Vinyl is usually best for budget-minded homeowners, yet this material also offers an eye-pleasing range of colors to choose from.
After determining which type of siding you would like, choose your windows and doors. We work with multiple product vendors to give our home buyers an incredible range of choices, including several types of window grill formats. For doors, you can choose from various colors, sizes, window designs, and sidelight designs. While you’re choosing your windows, consider your shutter options. Choose from linear, louvered, and raised panel shutters in various color palettes.
Next, it’s time to plan your outdoor spaces. Adding a deck in the back and a porch in the front will give your home greater curb appeal. We hand build these at our factory. Lastly, choose from a variety of exterior lighting styles and colors to illuminate your property.
Customizing the Interior of Your Shorten Home
Many home buyers like to begin customizing their interiors by considering their flooring choices, as the flooring can set the ambience for an entire room. You can choose from various styles of carpeting, linoleum, laminate, and vinyl flooring, along with ceramic tile. Frankly, we have too many flooring options to list here. If you wish, we can also ship your home without the flooring installed so that you can have a custom hardwood installed on site.
Next, the “big ticket” interior items are the kitchen and bathrooms. For your kitchen, you can choose from a range of countertops (Formica, Corian, granite, quartz, cultured marble, cultured granite, etc.) and backsplash options (glass or ceramic materials), as well as sink options (single or double bowl, stainless steel, ceramic, farmhouse style, and limitless faucet options). The cabinetry is an exciting feature to select, with a vast range of styles, colors, and grades. After choosing your kitchen cabinetry, consider selecting complementary floor to ceiling pantries, oven cabinets, and linen closets. (Our team will handle all of the prep work for your appliances.)
Similarly, there are loads of options to choose from for your bathrooms, including multiple shower options (walk-in, waterfall, and tub designs such as standalone with customizable aprons, tops, and fixtures). We can even build custom showers and tubs. You can choose from a practically endless assortment of vanities, medicine cabinets, lighting options, and mirror sizes and designs.
Another customizable interior item is your HVAC system. You can choose from a wide range of heating and cooling options, including environmentally responsible choices that will help keep your utility bills down. While you’re choosing your HVAC system, take a look at your fireplace options. We offer a variety of types of gas and electric fireplaces. Plus, you can choose how you would like to vent your fireplace, as well as the range.
Interior doors can be fully customized (widths, heights, and designs), as can locksets and handles. Lastly, you can choose from multiple edging styles. We can install crown molding, under-cabinet molding (and under-cabinet lighting), and all moldings are upgradable with a range of designs, sizes, and styles to choose from.
As you can see, Shorten Homes are indeed vastly customizable. In the unlikely event that you don’t see a particular option you like in our design center, we can ship your home without that particular feature and install your preferred product from a third-party vendor. No matter what you’re looking for in your new home, we’ll be there to help you design a truly customized home that suits your preferences and lifestyle.
At Shorten Homes, we’re building the American Dream for our valued customers one beautifully designed home at a time. With a worry-free warranty, an amazing array of options and features, and exceptional customer service from start to finish, it’s no wonder why Shorten Homes has become the modular home builder of choice for discerning home buyers. Contact us today at info@ShortenHomes.com or stop by our main office in Scranton, PA to take a peek at our design center.