Building a custom-designed home is a big investment. It is important that you choose the right partner to help design and build your dream home. Before we can assist you, we ask that you take some time to read some of our the frequently asked questions below and then provide us with a little more information so we understand your project.
Post Frame Home FAQS
Is a Post Frame Home Cheaper?
Maybe.
Post Frame design has been around for over a hundred years. It is a fully engineered solution to meet all the required building codes - but uses heavier "posts" every 8' or so instead of a traditional Stick Frame home with studs 16" on center. But, that only makes the framing of the house more economical. The excavating, plumbing, electrical, insulation and finish work all will cost the same. You are not going to match your Pinterest board dreams for $150,000.
Building a home is very expensive. There are Pros and Cons to a Post Frame Home.
Can I get a Mortgage on a Post Frame Home?
Yes. But not always.
In order to get a good rate on your mortgage, you will want mortgage that is backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. While they do not provide loans directly, they buy and guarantee the loans on the secondary mortgage market. Post Frame homes are eligible for Fannie Mae backed mortgages - but many banks will not write up a post frame mortgage.
A project will not be eligible for a mortgage if more than 50% of the space is storage/shop instead of living area.
Many banks are leery about loaning funds on a post frame home because they worry about the resale value of the home. As many post frame projects have been uniquely designed in the past - they do not always hold their value when someone else is looking to buy your house years from now.
Does Walters build the "shell" or entire home?
As a post frame builder for almost 70 years, our expertise is in building the "post frame" shell of the project. This usually includes the concrete, building, doors and windows and insulation.
For many of our customers, this is exactly what they are looking for as they hope to finish the interior of the building themselves.
If you are a Do-It-Yourselfer and hope to finish the entire interior, you will may not be able to obtain a mortgage as many banks require a General Contractor for the entire project. Building codes are also different for a residential building. Be sure to talk to an engineer before you convert an old pole shed to a home.
Who is the ideal candidate for a post frame home?
The ideal candidate for a post frame home is someone who can answer "Yes" to the following questions
- Do you have cash to pay for the project or a mortgage pre-approval?
- Have you talked to your Town/County about the required permits?
- Are you going to do the interior yourself or have your own General Contractor?
- Are you choosing a post frame home for the looks and functionality instead of affordability?