It sure looks like a standard home, but is it a modular home? Could be. But it could also be called an RTM. (Gosh, I love acronyms).

(Photo: Hugh Cairns)

Finish the attached garage, install the upper deck and place the outdoor fireplace and all that is left to do is the landscaping.

What is an RTM?

RTM stands for Ready To Move. This home was built and finished in the lower mainland. Typically RTM’s are built in a controlled environment and shipped to site when completed. In the case of this home, a local company prepared and poured the foundation. The homes components were built in the lower mainland.

This house consists of six pieces. Three on the bottom, three on the top. Each piece was shipped up by transport truck, plucked off and craned into place. It took a day to set it up. Connect the in-place plumbing fixtures and electrical panels and finish the transitions and trim and you are ready to move in the appliances.

Add a garage to the side of the house and a traditional looking roof structure and you are good to go.

This home is built tough. If anything, this home could be considered stronger than a stick built home because it has to be able to undergo a move that may be hundreds of miles. It is made from the same quality materials that builders use and to government standards.

If time is a factor for you, an RTM might be the solution. While your home is being built, the site preparation and foundation work can be completed. Once this home is delivered , it will have 2 men on site taking them 2 months to complete it. Typical on site builds can take up to 12 months to complete. RTM onsite work can be advanced faster by adding additional personnel, homes can easily be finished in a month.

RTM homes offer cost control. They are built in a controlled environment minimizing material delays and travel time costs. Most of the materials used bypass the retail level. Cost overruns and surprise charges are eliminated.

If you think that you may have seen this house before, maybe you have. It’s the 2011 PNE Prize Home and is nestled amongst million dollar homes up in Kettle Valley.