Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Modular Home?

Like manufactured homes, modular homes are constructed in the controlled environment of a manufacturing facility.  However, modular homes must be built to conform to state and local building codes. And unlike manufactured homes that are built on a frame, sections of the modular home are built and transported to the building site on removable carriers and are typically placed on a frost wall or foundation.

Modular homes are not restricted to single-family dwellings and they can be single- or multi-story.  Modular construction is also widely used in commercial construction projects.

What is a Manufactured Home?

Manufactured homes are built in the controlled environment of a manufacturing facility to Federal building standards outlined by the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (HUD Code). This code is written and enforced by Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Manufactured or HUD homes are single-family dwellings that are single-section or multi-sectional. Manufactured homes are constructed on a permanent chassis system and are typically placed on a cement slab. HUD inspectors are responsible for approving all home designs and to inspect the manufacturing facilities for building code compliance.

Are Manufactured Homes Safe?

Manufactured homes are safe. For example, the HUD building code requires smoke alarms (hard-wired with battery back-up) and egress windows in all bedrooms, carbon monoxide alarms, and the use of non-combustible materials in potentially unsafe areas like the furnace and kitchen.

Manufactured homes are also designed to withstand very high wind speeds from 80MPH to 110MPH (in coastal regions) minimum. The requirements of strongly enforced building codes ensure that modern manufactured homes are as safe as possible.

Does State Manufactured Homes Sell Modular Homes?

Yes. We have an L-shaped ranch on display at our sales center plus several ranch models available for viewing in our retirement community. We offer ranches, Cape Cods, and colonial style modular homes. Customization is also available.

Does State Manufactured Homes Sell Gable Entry Homes?

Yes, State Manufactured Homes offers modular and manufactured home single and multi-section gable entry homes. Gable entry homes are ideal for narrow land sites and provide unique exterior designs such as offsets and covered porches. Gable entry homes have the front door entrance on the width of the home rather than on length of the home.

What are Gable Entry Homes?

A gable entry home, or gablefront house, has the front door on the width (the narrow end) of the home. Gable entry homes can also come with a covered front porch. Gable entry homes are perfect for narrow land sites and a unique exterior design.

Do You Offer Handicap Accessible Homes?

Yes! State Manufactured Homes can offer special options to make your home handicap accessible. We often include wider passage doors and comfort height toilets in our new homes.  Other available options include shower stalls, roll-in showers, grab bars, lowered counter tops, pedestal sinks, and ramp entrances. Please feel free to speak with our sales people about the particular customization you require and we will make every effort to accommodate your specifications.

Are Modular and Manufactured Homes Available in Different Floor Plans?

There are virtually hundreds of different sizes and floor plans available to buyers.  Each manufacturer has its own standard floor plan list, offering home types for almost every lifestyle. Many manufacturers offer customization of their standard layouts as well.  In addition to the standard floor plans available, State Manufactured Homes has several model homes in stock that can be customized and/or replicated for lots within our communities (where possible) or for placement on private land.  View our current model home floor plans on our website under homes for sale.

Do You Offer Modular and Manufactured Homes With Custom Options?

Yes, you can order any of our manufactured and modular homes from the factory with custom options. Manufacturers have many options and upgrades to choose from and these items can be added, as the manufacturer allows, into almost any home they build. Popular options include but are not limited to Corian counters; hardwood, laminate, or ceramic tile flooring; Energy Star Program features; composite decking and vinyl railings at covered porches; handicap accessibility features; recessed lighting; upgrade sinks and faucets; appliance packages; ceiling fans; fireplaces; 7/12 attic storage trusses; attached garages; and much more.

You will also be able to select from a variety of colors for the carpet, cabinets, linoleum, counter tops, shutters, roofing and siding.

MAY 2022 UPDATE:  DUE TO  CURRENT MANUFACTURER LEAD TIMES (12 MONTHS +) AND MARKET CONDITIONS (VOLATILE MATERIAL PRICING AND AVAILABILITY), CUSTOMIZATION IS NOT AVAILABLE.

Do You Have a Service Department?

Yes, State Manufactured Homes has a team of knowledgeable and experienced service people who perform general warranty work on new homes. Factory service teams also perform warranty repairs on new homes. State Manufactured Homes offers other services within our communities as well: mowing, plowing, shoveling, winter checkups, winterizations and a variety of non-warranty service work.

Do Homes Come With a Warranty?

Yes, all new modular and manufactured homes come with a one year retailer and manufacturer warranty. This one year warranty covers items such as adjustments to interior doors, exterior doors, windows, and cabinet drawers/doors; wall and ceiling sheet-rock repair; plumbing systems; electrical systems; drain systems; sinks; faucets; moldings, floor defects caused during the manufacturing process; and interior finish touch-ups. When you purchase a new home you are also receiving a separate warranty on the kitchen appliances, furnace, water heater, roof shingles and siding.

We also offer a 10 year structural warranty on new homes. This warranty covers any major structural defects that affect the load-bearing function of the home.

How Long Has State Manufactured Homes Been in Business?

For the last 80 years, State Manufactured Homes in Scarborough has been a fixture along Route 1, providing an affordable place for people to call home. The company was founded by Bob and Agnes Desfosses in 1944. The business is currently operated by the founders’ daughter Theresa Desfosses and her daughter Tina, son-in-law Gordon Smith and their son Jacob Smith. The Desfosses family has worked to build up their business, along with reputation, for being honest, hardworking people who sell well-built factory made homes and who stand behind their product.

Can You Provide References?

Our past customers and current residents of Hillcrest Retirement Community and Pinecrest Manufactured Housing Community are our best advertising! While driving through our communities or visiting our office, please ask folks about their experiences and living in our communities!

Are Pets Allowed?

Because of the many benefits pets bring to peoples lives, pets are permitted in both Hillcrest Retirement Community and Pinecrest Manufactured Housing Community. We allow two pets per household, those pets may be either cats or dogs*.

*The following dog breeds are not permitted (unless they are certified service animals): Pit Bulls, Rotweilers, Chow Chows, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Akitas, American Staffordshire Terriers, Boxers, Great Danes, Wolf-Hybrids, Perro de Presa Canarios, or any dog that has any of the above breeds in their lineage.

Is There Transportation Available?

The communities boast a program director and 14 passenger wheelchair accessible bus. The bus is scheduled for weekly grocery shopping, trips to department stores, the farmer’s market, lunches, breakfasts, the Oxford Casino, the Ogunquit Playhouse, Portland Stage, museums, Kittery shopping, Freeport shopping, movies, bowling, Sea Dogs games and much, much more! There is also convenient, quick access to the public bus directly on Route 1.