Frequently Asked Questions
Q) People think that a park home is like a Caravan. Can you help me explain the difference?
A) Most people only realise the difference when they see one and can appreciate the fact that a park home is more like a full sized modern bungalow than a caravan. Although in law, park homes are regarded as mobile homes, in reality they provide a comfortable and spacious single storey home which is very similar in appearance to any built by traditional methods. Park homes are designed for year round residence. Whereas a caravan's lighter weight construction is intended for intermittent use.
Q) How soon can I have one?
A) If you are ordering a new home to be built to your specification we try very hard to fit in with your scheduling but high demand (at the time of writing) sometimes makes it difficult to give a firm time schedule. Your park owner will keep you advised about the delivery date. Some parks will have show homes available to be occupied immediately, so if urgency is a greater 'priority than personal choice in design and finish this can be the best and quickest answer.
Q) How long does a park home last?
A) As the oldest manufacturer in Europe we know that some Stately homes built over 40 years ago are still going strong today. As with any home, good maintenance plays a part in helping to ensure long life. Park Homes built nowadays use greatly improved materials designed for better performance, durability and minimum maintenance. These modern homes also have the benefit of improved timber treatments, UPVC windows, better roof tiles and exterior render, so there is every reason to suppose they will last even longer than the earlier models.
Q) What is 'siting'?
A) It is the work undertaken by the site or park owner and includes: transporting the finished home from the factory to your chosen site, preparing the base, (i.e. making foundations and groundwork) unloading and joining up the two halves on site. It also includes interior finishing to the carpets and walls, connecting up the mains services (water, electricity and gas), adding the exterior skirting and steps and possibly some landscaping.
Q) Does a park home keep its value?
A) Values follow closely to those of the conventional housing market at the time. They will often increase in value in the same way as a well kept home of similar size in the same part of the country.
Q) What is the NCC Gold Shield Warranty?
A) The National Caravan Council administers a scheme with participating residential parks which offers a 10 year warranty covering structural problems. All Stately homes are built to comply with this scheme, and we strongly advise people to talk to the Park Manager about the scheme.
Q) What guarantees do I get with a park home?
A) All Stately homes are currently guaranteed for one year against manufacturing defects. That includes fittings and furnishings as well as the structure.
Q) Can I put a park home in my own land?
A) Yes, but you would need to get planning permission from the local authority and you would also have to provide connections to the mains services.
Q) Why do prices vary so much around the country?
A) For the same reason that traditional house prices vary around the country. Some areas are highly sought after and therefore expensive, and others less so. It's not like buying a new car, which you would expect to be the same price, more or less, wherever you buy. A substantial part of the cost of a park home is the siting cost and these vary considerably, reflecting the housing values of the locality.