Building Specs
American RTM Homes are built to International Residential Code or IRC standards which are the residential building standards needed for conventional new home mortgage financing in the United States.
American RTM Homes exceed all standard and advanced energy codes (like Energy Star®) for air tightness, insulation levels, and indoor air quality, and come with a one year Full House Warranty.
Our homes are also built to different quality levels and these allow a number of Customer Choices, including custom built kitchens designed with 3-D software and using high quality Superior Cabinets®.
Our Building Specs compare the three levels we offer, Quality, Deluxe, and Designer, and have been established to lower the cost of new home ownership by using quality products to reduce maintenance costs, and using advanced insulation techniques to lower energy bills.
American RTM Home Building Specs provided here are current as of June 2009 and are subject to ongoing revision.
Click on the tabs below to view additional web pages.
American RTM Home™ Structural Framing
- Special RTM Framing Techniques … provide a superior built & longer lasting home with a floor that will remain true, level, & squeak free for decades
- Elimination of Piece-Together Setup … for more efficient use of floor space & NO ‘stitch-together’ irregularities found in modular & trailer homes
- Special Energy Heel Trusses … eliminate interior mold in ceiling corners & exterior icing problems at the roof eaves
- Heavy Weight Architectural Shingles … are used for high wind conditions
Enviro System™ Insulation Package
- Sealed Air & Vapor Barriers … eliminate cold winter drafts, reduce heating & cooling costs, & quiet the home from outside noises
- R27 Dual Layer Wall & R50 Ceiling Insulation … exceeds all standard & advanced US Energy Codes to reduce current & future energy costs
- Energy Star® Rated Gienow Windows™ … built in Canada using U.S. made extrusions & glass units with an industry leading 20 year warranty
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| RTM Home Floor System |
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| RTM HOME FLOOR SYSTEM |
Modular/Trailer |
Quality |
Deluxe |
Designer |
| 2”x10” Fir Floor Joists 16” o/c |
varies |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Spans & Blocking per IRC Building Codes |
yes/no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| 3/4” T&G OSB Decking, Glued & Screwed |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| RTM Home Structural Enhancements for Moving |
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| Joists Center Lapped, Glued & Bolted |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Perimeter Structural Blocking & Gussets |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Wall Sheathing Tied to Floor System |
varies |
yes |
yes |
yes |
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| ENVIRO SYSTEM Exterior Walls |
| ENVIRO SYSTEM™ EXTERIOR WALLS |
Modular/Trailer |
Quality |
Deluxe |
Designer |
| Primary Wall 2”x6” Studs 24” o/c |
varies |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Double Top / Single Bottom Plates |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Studs FJS or #2 & Btr / Plates #2 Btr |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Structural Members per IRC Building Codes |
yes/no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| 7/16” OSB Sheathing on with H-clips |
Varies |
yes |
yes |
yes |
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| Enviro System™ Super Insulation Enhancements |
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| Secondary Floating Wall, 2”x3” Steel Studs |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Thermal Breaks for Plates & Openings |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Framing Techniques to Maximize Insulation |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Continuous & Sealed Exterior Air Barrier |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Continuous & Sealed 6 mil Vapor Barrier |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| R27 Dual Layer Fiberglass Wall Insulation |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
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| GIENOW Windows & Doors |
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| GIENOW® WINDOWS & DOORS |
Modular/Trailer |
Quality |
Deluxe |
Designer |
| Windows Energy Star® Rated - All States |
varies |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Energy Seal of all Windows & Doors |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Dual Low-E Glass with Argon Gas Fillr |
varies |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Window Seal Failure, 20-year Warranty |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Vinyl Extrusions, 20-year Warranty |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Egress Windows – All Bedrooms |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Insulated Steel Exterior Doors |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Premium Weatherstrip System for Doors |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Adjustable Striker Plates for Doors |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Metal Clad Wood Door Jambs |
no |
no |
yes |
yes |
| Doors, 10-year Warranty |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| 2 Year Full Replacement Warranty |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
Industry Leading Warranty by Gienow on all their Windows & Doors |
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| Interior Walls |
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| INTERIOR WALLS |
Modular/Trailer |
Quality |
Deluxe |
Designer |
| 2x4 Interior Walls 16” o/c nominal |
varies |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| 2x6 Plumbing Walls as required |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Studs FJS or #2 & Btr / Plates #2 Btr |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| OVE Framing (Reduces Lumber Wastage) |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Structural Interior Walls for Roof System |
yes |
no |
no |
no |
| Double Thickness Walls for Piece-Together |
yes |
no |
no |
no |
| Wasted Space for Piece-Together |
yes |
no |
no |
no |
American RTM Homes have no interior design restrictions from piece-together requirements |
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| ENVIRO SYSTEM Roof Package |
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| ENVIRO SYSTEM™ ROOF PACKAGE |
Modular/Trailer |
Quality |
Deluxe |
Designer |
| Engineered & Continuous Roof Trusses |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Girder Trusses & Hidden Beams |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Continuous 2”x6” Structural Fascia |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Continuous 7/16” OSB Roof Sheathing |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| After Delivery Piece-Together |
yes |
no |
no |
no |
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| Enviro System™ Super Insulation Enhancements |
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| Special Energy Heel Trusses |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| 2”x6” Truss Heel Blocking |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Attic Breathers @ All Soffit Overhangs |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Exterior Attic Access Door |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| 2”x4” Ceiling Strapping 19.2” o/c |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Continuous & Sealed 6 mil Vapor Barrier |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| R50 Blow-in Fiberglass Insulation |
varies |
yes |
yes |
yes |
All lumber used is minimally Stud Grade (FJS or finger jointed studs) or #2 & Better (#2 Btr)
Higher quality Select Structural or Manufactured Wood Products may be substituted |
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| Roof Finish Package |
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| ROOF FINISH PACKAGE |
Modular/Trailer |
Quality |
Deluxe |
Designer |
| Unlimited Optional Roof Designs |
no |
no |
yes |
yes |
| Continuous Shingle Installation |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Continuous Dupont Roofliner |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Ice & Water Shield for Eaves |
varies |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Vented Soffit for Eaves & Gables |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Continuous Roof Ridge Vents |
varies |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Architectural Shingles, high wind rated |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
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Indoor Air Quality & Mechanical Systems
- Whole House Ventilation System … provides indoor air quality exceeding current & meeting ‘next generation’ standards for new homes
- Electrical & Plumbing by Local Montana Contractors … allows for State inspections & certification on every American RTM Home
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| ENVIRO SYSTEM HVAC Setup |
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| ENVIRO SYSTEM™ HVAC SETUP |
Modular/Trailer |
Quality |
Deluxe |
Designer |
| Supply & Install Bathroom Fans |
yes |
no |
no |
no |
| Rough-in for Whole House Ventilation (HRV) |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) |
no |
no |
no |
no |
| Cut & Supply Hot & Return Air Grills |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Super Energy Efficient Standards |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Heating / Cooling System |
no/yes |
no |
no |
no |
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| Plumbing |
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| PLUMBING |
Modular/Trailer |
Quality |
Deluxe |
Designer |
| Plumbing to Montana Residential Codes |
yes/no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Plumbing by MT Licensed Contractor |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| 1-Piece Fiberglass Tub, Price Point) |
yes |
yes |
no |
no |
| 1-Piece Maxx Fiberglass Tub |
no |
no |
yes |
yes |
| Comparable 1-Piece Shower Units |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Price Point Fixtures & Taps |
yes |
no |
no |
no |
| Brand Name Fixtures & Taps |
no |
yes |
yes |
no |
| Upgraded Fixtures & Taps |
no |
no |
no |
yes |
| Garbage Disposer |
no |
no |
no |
yes |
Modular & RTM Homes require under floor HVAC & Plumbing hookups, including HRV
Trailers provide self contained & lower HUD standard systems on the main level |
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| Electrical |
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| ELECTRICAL |
Modular/Trailer |
Quality |
Deluxe |
Designer |
| Wiring to Montana Residential Codes |
yes/no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Wiring by MT Licensed Contractor |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| 200 amp / 42 Circuit Panel |
varies |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Expandable Electrical Panel |
yes/no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Convenience Electrical Package |
no |
no |
yes |
yes |
3-Way & Receptacle Switches, Extra Bath & Kitchen Receptacles, Garbage Disposer Receptacle |
| Phone, Cable, & Computer Drops |
no |
no |
yes |
yes |
| Central Vac Inlet Drops |
no |
no |
yes |
yes |
| Basic Light Fixture Package |
yes |
yes |
no |
no |
| Upgraded Light Fixture Package |
no |
no |
yes |
yes |
| Accent Lighting & Ceiling Fans |
no |
no |
no |
yes |
| Standard Switches & Plugs |
yes |
yes |
no |
no |
| Decora Switches & Plugs |
no |
no |
yes |
yes |
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Peace of Mind Finishing Packages & Customer Choices
- Finishing Materials chosen on Quality, Value, & Warranty … rather than price point used in trailer & modular homes
- High Quality Interior Finishes … feature glued drywall, premium primer & paint finish, & cabinet grade laminate closet shelving
- Custom Built Superior Cabinets™ …offer full access drawers & shelves, lifetime hardware warranty, & unlimited choices
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| Exterior Finish Package |
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| EXTERIOR FINISH PACKAGE |
Modular/Trailer |
Quality |
Deluxe |
Designer |
| Price Point Vinyl Siding |
yes |
no |
no |
no |
| Premium Vinyl Siding |
no |
yes |
no |
no |
| CanExel® Hardboard Siding |
no |
no |
yes |
yes |
| CanExel® 15-year Finish Warranty |
no |
no |
yes |
yes |
| Matching Hardboard Trim & Corners |
no |
no |
yes |
yes |
| Exterior Accent Areas |
no |
no |
no |
yes |
| Pre-finished Metal Soffit & Fascia |
varies |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Rain Gutters & Downspouts |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
Siding warranties vary by manufacturer & quality level for vinyl siding
Most vinyl siding comes in 3 weights or quality levels / Price Point being the cheapest |
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| Interior Drywall |
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| INTERIOR DRYWALL |
Modular/Trailer |
Quality |
Deluxe |
| ½” Drywall (Sheetrock) Walls & Ceiling |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Glued Drywall Application on Walls |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Round Drywall Corners |
no |
no |
yes |
yes |
| Custom Drywall Accent Areas |
no |
no |
no |
yes |
| Textured Drywall Finish |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Custom Drywall Finish |
no |
no |
no |
yes |
| Primer ONLY Finish on Drywall |
yes |
no |
no |
no |
| Premium Hi Build Drywall Primer |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Premium Paint (Sand & Back Roll), 1 Color |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| 2 Paint Color Choices (Walls & Ceiling) |
no |
no |
yes |
yes |
| Accent Paint Colors, 2 Additional Choices |
no |
no |
no |
yes |
Currently using premium grade Sherwin Williams paint products |
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| Closets & Accessories |
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| CLOSETS & ACCESSORIES |
Modular/Trailer |
Quality |
Deluxe |
Designer |
| Cabinet Grade Melamine Shelving |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Adjustable Closet & Pantry Shelving |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Dual Closet Rods Master Bedroom |
no |
no |
yes |
yes |
| Closet Organizer Upgrades |
no |
no |
no |
yes |
| Premium Flat Glass Mirrors |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Towel Bars & Toilet Paper Holders |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Accessory Choices based on Price Level |
no |
no |
yes |
yes |
| Tub & Shower Doors, Limited Choices |
no |
no |
no |
yes |
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| Interior Doors & Trim |
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| INTERIOR DOORS & TRIM |
Modular/Trailer |
Quality |
Deluxe |
Designer |
| Pre-finished Doors, Bifolds, Trim |
yes |
yes |
no |
no |
| Red Oak Doors, Bifolds, Trim |
no |
no |
yes |
yes |
| Painted Embossed Doors, Bifolds, Trim |
no |
no |
yes |
yes |
| Natural Lacquer or Paint or Combo Finish |
no |
no |
yes |
yes |
| Lacquer & Stain or Custom Paint Finish |
no |
no |
no |
yes |
All finishes are done in a paint room rather than in place, in the home |
| Price Point Door Hardware |
yes |
no |
no |
no |
| Brand Name Door Hardware, Knobs |
no |
yes |
yes |
no |
| Brand Name Door Hardware, Levers |
no |
no |
no |
yes |
| Customer Choices based on Price Level |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
Currently using Schlage Hardware |
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| Cabinets & Countertops |
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| CABINETS & COUNTERTOPS |
Modular/Trailer |
Quality |
Deluxe |
Designer |
| Price Point Factory Box Cabinets |
yes |
no |
no |
no |
| Custom Built Superior Cabinets® |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Over 100 Door & Finish Choices |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
Quality Doors @ Price Level 3 Oak, Deluxe @ Price Level 7 Oak, Designer per Customer Request |
| Door Pull Choices based on Price Level |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Personal 3-D Cabinet Design Services |
no |
no |
yes |
yes |
| Unlimited Cabinet & Accessory Choices* |
no |
no |
yes |
yes |
*Product Availability is Unlimited however Price Limitations Do Apply |
| 1 Year Warranty on Wood Components |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Lifetime Warranty on Cabinet Hardware |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
Warranty by Superior Cabinets / Hardware includes Hinges & Drawer Slides |
| Post Form Counter Tops, spliced joints |
yes |
yes |
no |
no |
| Custom Built Bevel Edge Counter Tops |
no |
no |
yes |
yes |
| Counter Tops per Customer Request |
no |
no |
no |
yes |
| Price Point Kitchen Appliances Included |
yes |
no |
no |
no |
| Kitchen Appliances as Customer Option |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
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| Floor Coverings |
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| FLOOR COVERINGS |
Modular/Trailer |
Quality |
Deluxe |
Designer |
| Product Limited Customer Choices |
yes |
yes |
no |
no |
| Allowance Limited Customer Choices |
no |
no |
yes |
yes |
| Price Point Window Coverings Included |
yes |
no |
no |
no |
| Window Coverings as Customer Option |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
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Trailer homes (or manufactured homes) ARE NOT built to the same standards but to much lower quality HUD Code standards that only trailer homes can be built to. In addition they typically allow fewer Customer Choices, especially for interior finishing and kitchen cabinets.
American RTM Homes are not price competitive with trailer homes because they are built to the higher IRC standard rather than HUD Code. They are, however, competitive with modular homes because these are also built to IRC standards but do not have the same advanced energy standards.
Many trailer (manufactured) home dealers confuse IRC and HUD standards so Customers who buy the lower priced and inferior quality HUD Code homes do not realize the difference. Too often, this difference only becomes obvious at re-sale because HUD Code trailer homes tend to lose value and are harder to get financed.
To help Customers understand the differences between American RTM Homes and trailer or modular homes our Building Specs also provide representative comparisons with modular and trailer building specifications. Please note that these are representative and will vary between manufacturers.
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