Open topic with table of contents
Use the Edit Building Information dialog to add sections or wings. The Section (or wing) feature of RCT offers the ability to capture unique parts of a home that may differ from the Main Home. Sections often account for but are not limited to additions, differences in the number of stories or unique floor plans. RCT allows you to divide the home into the Main Home and section areas. Only use a section to account for additions if the addition has significant differences in age, material type or methods of construction. Sections may also be used for homes that have a different number of stories, whether an addition or not, when the portion is clearly identifiable from the main home and contains differing attributes. This can apply when the home has a significant difference in style between the Main Home and the Section or a difference in construction, such as slab versus basement. While sometimes subjective, the use of sections should be justifiable as a result of a characteristic being substantially different.
To add a section or wing:
A new section is added with the fields available for editing. The main home section collapses at the top of the screen and the new section opens below. Click to plus sign ( 
) to reopen the main home section. (When the main home reopens, the other sections will collapse at the bottom of the screen. One section will remain open at all times. The only way to close a section is to open a collapsed section or create a new one.)
Advanced Entry
The advanced entry method is especially designed to be used by field estimating and inspection professionals assigned to evaluate truly unique mansion-grade homes. Advanced entry enables field professionals to estimate even the most complex floor plans and designs including vertical or horizontal sections, multiple level basements, garages with finished living area, servant’s quarters, and guest houses. Additional features include:
To use advanced entry select the Advanced Entry check box on the Dashboard, Main.
Section Name
For the main home this defaults to "Main Home" and is not editable. If you add sections, each section can have a unique name.
Number of Families
This is the number of family units (1 through 4 for the U.S. or 1 through 6 for Canada) in the residence. The number of families (along with the ZIP/postal code, year built, style and home size) is used in the cost calculations and to set the default material selections for the home.
Select the appropriate number of families from the drop-down list. The default is 1 family.
Site Access
Select the type of access available to the home’s location from the following choices:
Year Built
Enter the year this section of the residence was built, using a full four-digit year between 1799 and the current year plus 1 (for example, if the current year is 2015, you can enter 2016).
Note: If the year built is before 1940, you must also select Construction Type (Standard, Vintage, or Standard/Vintage combo).
Roof Age
Roof age data is provided by RCT or may be user entered. The roof age is displayed in the Building Information pane on the valuation screen and on the Edit Building Information dialog. When a valuation is created RCT will provide the roof age and the roof age confidence score. This requires a complete address and the year built information.
You may manually enter the roof age on the Edit Building Information dialog. If the roof age is manually entered, the roof age confidence score does not display.
The roof age and confidence score may be updated by selecting Options > Refresh Roof Age on the valuation screen.
Roof age and roof age confidence score are displayed on the Standard and Detailed reports.
Roof Age Confidence Score
Roof age lookups are address-specific lookups that return both a roof age and a roof age confidence score. The confidence score is a calculated score (low, medium, high, or modeled) used to indicate the confidence in the roof age that is being provided. Confidence levels are determined by the presence or absence of a roof permit or the greater of year built/permit coverage start date within a jurisdiction and the level of rigor of the jurisdiction that enforces roof permits.
The roof age confidence score is displayed on the Edit Building Information dialog.
The roof age and confidence score may be updated by selecting Options > Refresh Roof Age on the valuation screen.
Roof age and roof age confidence score are displayed on the Standard and Detailed reports.
Overall Score
The Overall Score is a confidence interval score measuring levels of accuracy for the InterChange data for a given property record compared to a baseline set of data. The overall score is for the property record in its entirety. The confidence score is available for the main home only and only for U.S. addresses.
Administrators are able to set a threshold for the score. If the score is less than the defined threshold, an alert will be displayed on the RCT Alerts panel. The alert message will display "Verify with the home owner the pre-populated data in the valuation."
The score will indicate a confidence interval score of low, medium,or high.
Total Living Area Score
The Total Living Area Score is a confidence interval score measuring levels of accuracy for the InterChange data for a given property record compared to a baseline set of data. The total living area score is for the total living area value of the property record. The confidence score is available for the main home only and only for U.S. addresses.
Administrators are able to set a threshold for the score. If the score is less than the defined threshold, an alert will be displayed on the RCT Alerts panel. The alert message will display "Verify with the home owner the pre-populated data in the valuation."
If a user changes the total living area on the Edit Building Information screen, the total living area score will no longer appear.
The score will indicate a confidence interval score of low, medium,or high.
Year Built Score
The Year Built Score is a confidence interval score measuring levels of accuracy for the InterChange data for a given property record compared to a baseline set of data. The year built score is for the year built value in the property record. The confidence score is available for the main home only and only for U.S. addresses.
Administrators are able to set a threshold for the score. If the score is less than the defined threshold, an alert will be displayed on the RCT Alerts panel. The alert message will display "Verify with the home owner the pre-populated data in the valuation."
If a user changes the year built value in the Edit Building Information screen, the year built score will no longer appear.
The score will indicate a confidence interval score of low, medium,or high.
Number of Stories Score
The Number of Stories Score is a confidence interval score measuring levels of accuracy for the InterChange data for a given property record compared to a baseline set of data. The number of stories score is for the number of stories value in the property record. The confidence score is available for the main home only and only for U.S. addresses.
Administrators are able to set a threshold for the score. If the score is less than the defined threshold, an alert will be displayed on the RCT Alerts panel. The alert message will display "Verify with the home owner the pre-populated data in the valuation."
If a user changes the number of stories on the Edit Building Information screen, the number of stories score will no longer be displayed.
The score will indicate a confidence interval score of low, medium,or high.
Construction Type
To select the construction type for each section of the home, click the drop-down arrow and select the appropriate option from the following choices:
Characteristics for each of the construction types are listed below.
| Standard Construction Type: (Homes built from 1940 to present) | |
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Ceiling Height |
8 feet |
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Wall Framing |
2" x 4" standard wood |
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Roof Framing |
Standard wood |
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Sheathing (walls and roof) |
Plywood, 4' x 8' |
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Interior Walls and Ceiling |
Sheetrock |
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Other features |
Softwood interior stairs |
| Vintage Construction Type: (Homes built in 1939 and earlier) | |
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Ceiling Height |
10 feet |
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Wall Framing |
Rough lumber |
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Roof Framing |
Rough lumber |
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Sheathing (walls and roof) |
Tongue and groove |
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Interior Walls and Ceiling |
Wood lath, gypsum plaster, hardwood crown and base molding |
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Other features |
Hardwood interior stairs |
| Standard/Vintage Combination Construction Type: | |
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Ceiling Height |
8 feet |
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Wall Framing |
2" x 4" standard wood |
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Roof Framing |
Standard wood |
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Sheathing (walls and roof) |
Plywood, 4' x 8' |
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Interior Walls and Ceiling |
Wood lath, gypsum plaster |
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Other features |
Softwood interior stairs |
The Standard/Vintage Combo construction type option in RCT combines the standard construction type engineering and structural framing specifications with the vintage interior finish material characteristics of the vintage construction type. For example:
Note: This option is not available in the Advanced Entry Method.
Number of Stories
This is the total number of stories for the home.
Enter the number of floors above ground. You can change the number of stories for some styles, in which case the Number of Stories field is enabled. For other styles, the number of stories cannot be changed, so the field remains disabled.
Note: For styles such as bi-level, tri-level, split level and raised ranch, the number of stories will automatically be set during calculation.
If there is a fraction of a story, enter it as a decimal, not as a fraction (for a 1-1/2 story home enter 1.5, not 1 1/2). For a Cape Cod with an upper floor smaller than the first floor, enter 1.5 or 1.75, depending on the amount of finished area on the upper floor.
Finished Living Area
Finished living area is the total finished floor area of the main home or section. Do not include any built-in garage area and any finished basement area, or bi-level unfinished lower level area. Finished living area is used to calculate the total living area. Finished living area is entered individually for the main home and for each section or wing that may be added.
Example 1:
If you have a 2,400 sq. ft. 2-story home with no built-in garage and no unfinished lower level area (home is not a Bi-level, Raised Ranch or Split-Foyer), you have 2,400 sq. ft. of finished living area.
2,400 sq. ft. total living area minus 0 sq. ft. built-in garage, minus 0 sq. ft. of lower level unfinished area equals 2,400 sq. ft. of finished living area.
Example 2:
If you have a 2,400 sq. ft. Bi-level home with a 400 sq. ft. built-in garage, you have 2,000 sq. ft. of finished living area.
2,400 sq. ft. total living area minus 400 sq. ft. built-in garage equals 2,000 sq. ft. of finished living area.
Example 3:
If you have a 2,400 sq. ft. Bi-level home with 420 sq. ft. unfinished lower level (35% unfinished lower level), you have 1,980 sq. ft. of finished living area.
1200 sq. ft per level, so 1,200 minus 420 sq. ft. of lower level unfinished equals 780 sq. ft. of lower level finished.
1,200 sq. ft. upper level total living area plus 780 sq. ft. of lower level total living area (finished), equals 1,980 sq. ft. of finished living area finished living area.
Example 4:
If you have a 2,400 sq. ft. Bi-level home with a 400 sq. ft. built-in garage and 400 sq. ft. of unfinished lower level (50% unfinished lower level), you have 1,600 sq. ft. of finished living area.
1200 sq. ft per level, so 1,200 minus 400 sq. ft. built-in garage = 800 sq. ft. of lower level. 800 sq. ft. of lower level times 50% unfinished lower level = 400 sq. ft. of lower level unfinished area and 400 sq. ft. of lower level finished area.
1,200 sq. ft. upper level total living area plus 400 sq. ft. of lower level total living area (finished), equals 1,600 sq. ft. of finished living area finished living area.
Calculated Total Living Area
The calculated total living area is calculated by the system based on the Finished Living Area you entered. If you add a built-in garage the system will automatically adjust the Total Living Area appropriately.
Wall Height
The vertical distance from the finished floor surface to the ceiling above it. This is also known as floor-to-ceiling height. Enter the percentage of the home (or section of the home if it has wings or is sectioned) that are between 7’ and 40’ high walls.
Note: Measuring from the top of a finished floor to the ceiling above it, will give you the wall height or floor-to-ceiling height. RCT automatically accounts for the joist area (joist height/dimensions) to set the story height or floor-to-floor height, which will get the exterior wall size and area correct.
First you must enter the percentage of the home that the wall height applies to, and then enter the actual wall height in feet between 7.0 and 40.0. The total percentages must equal 100%.
Example: If the home is a 2-story, 2000 square feet, and the first floor wall height or floor-to-ceiling height of the home is 10’ high and the second floor is 8’ high, the entries would be:
Example: In a 2000 square foot home, 500 square feet (25%) is a great room with a 16 foot ceiling (not a cathedral ceiling) and the remaining 1500 square feet (75%) has a 10 foot ceiling. In the Wall Height fields enter 25% for the 16 foot portion, and 75% for the 10 foot portion.
Note: The total of all wall height percentages should equal 100%.
Perimeter
Use this option to enter the perimeter or select the shape of the home.
Using the option buttons, click a perimeter option then either select the applicable shape or enter a linear footage. The options are:
When using Measured Perimeter It is important to account for the perimeter of the home when you are breaking the home into Main Home and Wings to ensure that any shared walls between the main home and the wing are not counted twice Always account for all the walls of the perimeter of the main home and only the additional walls of the wing.
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Square |
Rectangular |
Slightly Irregular |
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Irregular |
Very Irregular |
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Section Type (if Advanced Entry is selected)
In addition to being able to divide the home into the main home and one or more sections, you can also specify the section type (for example, whole house, vertical or horizontal, basement, garage, and so on). By using the horizontal section choices, you can identify whether or not a section includes the ground floor of the building (this means that the foundation, roof area, and perimeter can be calculated based upon the ground floor area of the specific section).
Example: For a 3 story house with a horizontal section for each floor, enter the following section types:
Main Home: Horizontal Ground Floor
Section 1 (Second Floor): Horizontal Upper Floor
Section 2 (Third Floor): Horizontal Upper Floor
Use the drop-down list to select the applicable section type option. Note: This option is only available in the Advanced Entry method.
Coverage Type (if Advanced Entry is selected)
For individual sections, you can specify whether the cost for that section is part of coverage A or coverage B in the policy.
When applicable, use the drop-down list to select a coverage option.
For the main home this defaults to "Main Home" and is not editable. If you add sections, each section can have a unique name.
This is the number of family units (1 through 4 for the U.S. or 1 through 6 for Canada) in the residence. The number of families (along with the ZIP/postal code, year built, style and home size) is used in the cost calculations and to set the default material selections for the home.
Select the appropriate number of families from the drop-down list. The default is 1 family.
Select the type of access available to the home’s location from the following choices:
Click a home style graphic to display a popup description. Click the name of a home style to go to a full page description of the home style.
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A 1 story is a home with one story of living area. The roof structure typically has a medium slope. The attic space is limited and is not intended for living area. |
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A 1.5 story is a residence with two levels of living area characterized by a steep roof slope and dormers (which project from the roof and have windows on their fronts). Because of the roof design, the area of the second floor is usually 40% to 70% of the ground floor area. |
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A 1.75 story is a residence with one full level of living area and a second level that is characterized by a steep roof slope and dormers (which project from the roof and have windows on their fronts). Because of the roof design, the area of the second floor is usually 80% of the ground floor area. Sometimes referred to as a "salt box". |
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A 2 story is a residence with finished living area on two floors. The area of each floor is approximately the same. The roof structure has a medium slope. The attic space is limited and is not intended for living area. |
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A 2.5 story is a residence with three levels of living area characterized by a steep roof slope and dormers (which project from the roof and have windows on their fronts). Because of the roof design, the area of the third floor is usually 40% to 70% of the ground floor area. |
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A 2.75 story is a residence with two full levels of living area and a third level that is characterized by a steep roof slope and dormers (which project from the roof and have windows on their fronts). Because of the roof design, the area of the third floor is usually 80% of the ground floor area. |
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A 3 story is a residence with finished living area on three floors. The area of each floor is approximately the same. The roof structure has a medium slope. The attic space is limited and is not intended for living area. |
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A Cape Cod is a residence with two levels of living area characterized by a steep roof slope and dormers which project from the roof and have windows on their fronts. Because of the roof design, the area of the second floor is usually 40% to 70% of the ground floor area. |
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A contemporary home is a residence designed from combinations of square and rectangular geometric patterns blending both interiors and exteriors. Contemporary residences typically contain multiple roof lines where roofs are flat or flat with a slight pitch (shed roof). Exteriors are often plain with little or no ornate trim, typically with extensive use of glass. The designs of these residences are more modern and less traditional. They typically have wide open interiors with fewer partitions than other traditional home styles. |
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A Federal Colonial is typically a 2 story home that is generally found in the Eastern part of the United States. It is characterized by its flat roof and ornate wood trim along the exterior roof line. It is generally square in design and is typically an early 20th century or older structure. Exterior walls are normally painted wood. Also known as Union Colonial. |
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A Mediterranean style home, including stucco exterior walls, typically pastel or white in color, red tile roof, arched openings and considerable use of wrought iron. Often found with arched windows and balconies. |
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An ornate Victorian is a residence with 2-1/2 or 3 stories of living area, typical of the architectural style in the late 19th century. Ornate Victorians typically have extensive use of elaborate exterior and interior finishes and trims including 36" of gingerbread on at least three lines of the house. They also include bay windows, turrets, tall chimneys and extensive porches. Use the Victorian style for less extensive use of finishes and trim including, typically, 18" gingerbread. |
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A rambler is a home with one story of living area. The roof structure typically has a medium slope. The attic space is limited and is not intended for living area. |
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A southwest adobe style is a home that is made of adobe brick, found mainly in the southwest region of the United States. Decidedly Western in presentation with various wood beams for both support and ornamentation. Roofs are typically flat and made of brick and are usually coated with stucco. |
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A Victorian is a residence with 2-1/2 or 3 stories of living area, typical of the architectural style in the late 19th century. Victorians typically have elaborate exterior and interior finishes and trims including 18" of gingerbread on at least three lines of the house. They also include bay windows, turrets, tall chimneys and extensive porches. For Victorians with extensive use of finishes and trims, use the ornate Victorian style, which typically has 36" gingerbread. |
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A Colonial is a residence with finished living area on two floors. The area of each floor is approximately the same. The roof structure has a medium slope. The attic space is limited and is not intended for living area. |
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A ranch is a home with one story of living area. The roof structure typically has a medium slope. The attic space is limited and is not intended for living area. |
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A bungalow is a small, one-story house popular in the early 20th century typically with a front porch (either open or enclosed). The most common bungalows, including California bungalows, have wood siding or wood shingle exterior walls and wood shingle roofs. Large roof overhangs are common and walls flow front to back. |
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A Queen Anne is a traditional 2-1/2-story home usually of pre-1940 construction. Generous use of wood trim and interior and exterior finishes with high partition density inside. Also known as Cape Anne. |
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Subsidized or substandard is housing that resembles barracks or other low-grade habitational structures found more often as part of a government facility or government subsidized facility. These homes have limited trim, if any, and minimal partitions. They typically comply with federal government codes but not necessarily standard building codes. |
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A cottage is a small, one story cabin-like home, typically used as a seasonal home or a second dwelling on a property. |
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A bi-level or split foyer is a residence with two levels of living area, with the lower level being completely finished and normally partially below grade (with no basement below it). The entrance is a split-foyer entrance. Note: Bi-level, raised ranch, and split foyer styles could have a portion or the entire lower level unfinished. To account for this, enter the Percentage (%) of Lower Level Unfinished, using a percentage between 0 and 100%. |
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A back split is a residence that is divided front to back with three levels of finished living area: lower level, intermediate level, and upper level. The lower level is immediately below the upper level as in a two-story residence. The intermediate level, adjacent to the other levels, is built on a grade approximately one-half story higher than the lower level. Back split homes have a split roof design. Use the Split level style for homes that are divided side to side. |
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A raised ranch is a residence with two levels of living area, with the lower level being completely finished and normally partially below grade (with no basement below it). The entrance is a split-foyer entrance. Note: Bi-level, raised ranch, and split foyer styles could have a portion or the entire lower level unfinished. To account for this, enter the Percentage (%) of Lower Level Unfinished, using a percentage between 0 and 100%. |
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A split level or tri-level is a residence that is divided side to side with three levels of finished living area: lower level, intermediate level, and upper level. The lower level is immediately below the upper level as in a two-story residence. The intermediate level, adjacent to the other levels, is built on a grade approximately one-half story higher than the lower level. Split-level residences have a split roof design. Use the Back Split style for homes that are divided front to back. |
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A row house is an attached single-family residence. Each row house unit is one of a group of two or more units adjoined by common walls. Such units never have units above or below, always have individual exterior walls, and never have more than two walls common with adjacent units. An end unit is at the end of a row with only one other unit adjacent to it. |
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A row house is an attached single-family residence. Each row house unit is one of a group of two or more units adjoined by common walls. Such units never have units above or below, always have individual exterior walls, and never have more than two walls common with adjacent units. A center unit is inside a row with other units on either side. |
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A town house is an attached single-family residence. Each town house unit is one of a group of two or more units adjoined by common walls. Such units never have units above or below, always have individual exterior walls, and never have more than two walls common with adjacent units. An end unit is at the end of a row with only one other unit adjacent to it.
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A town house is an attached, single-family residence. Each town house unit is one of a group of two or more units adjoined by common walls. Such units never have units above or below, always have individual exterior walls, and never have more than two walls common with adjacent units. A center unit is inside a row with other units on either side.
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This style is used to calculate the costs typically covered by a condo or co-op policy. The costs include the inside features like partition material (for example, drywall, plaster, and so on), wall, floor and ceiling coverings, kitchen, and baths. It does not and should not include the foundation, exterior walls, roof, framing, or detached structures. Note: If you choose this style, do not enter any information on the exterior wall, roofing, or foundation pages. The only exception to this would be if you have a finished basement. Enter a finished basement on the Materials panel. |
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A bi-level/row end is an attached single-family residence with two levels of living area, with the lower level being fully finished and normally partially below grade (with no basement below it). The entrance is a split-foyer entrance. Each bi-level rowhouse unit is one of a group of two or more units joined by common walls. Such units never have units above or below, always have individual exterior walls and never have more than two walls common with adjacent units. An end unit is at the end of a row, with only one other unit adjacent to it. This style is especially common throughout Canada. |
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A bi-level/row center is an attached single-family residence with two levels of living area, with the lower level being fully finished and normally partially below grade (with no basement below it). The entrance is a split-foyer entrance. Each bi-level rowhouse unit is one of a group of two or more units joined by common walls. Such units never have units above or below, always have individual exterior walls and never have more than two walls common with adjacent units. A center unit is inside a row with other units on either side. This style is especially common throughout Canada. |
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A tri-level/row end is an attached single-family residence with three levels of finished living area: lower level, intermediate level, and upper level. The lower level is immediately below the upper level as in a two-story residence. The intermediate level, adjacent to the other levels, is built on a grade approximately one-half story higher than the lower level. Each tri-level rowhouse unit is one of a group of two or more units joined by common walls. Such units never have units above or below, always have individual exterior walls, and never have more than two walls common with adjacent units. An end unit is at the end of a row, with only one other unit adjacent to it. This style is especially common throughout Canada. |
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A tri-level/row center is an attached single-family residence with three levels of finished living area: lower level, intermediate level, and upper level. The lower level is immediately below the upper level as in a two-story residence. The intermediate level, adjacent to the other levels, is built on a grade approximately one-half story higher than the lower level. Each tri-level rowhouse unit is one of a group of two or more units joined by common walls. Such units never have units above or below, always have individual exterior walls, and never have more than two walls common with adjacent units. A center unit is inside a row, with other units on either side. This style is especially common throughout Canada. |
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A 3.5 story is a residence with four levels of living area characterized by a steep roof slope and dormers (which project from the roof and have windows on their fronts). Because of the roof design, the area of the fourth floor is usually 40% to 70% of the ground floor area. |
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A 3.75 story is a residence with three full levels of living area and a fourth level that is characterized by a steep roof slope and dormers (which project from the roof and have windows on their fronts). Because of the roof design, the area of the fourth floor is usually 80% of the ground floor area. |
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A residence with finished living area on four floors. The area of each floor is approximately the same. The roof structure has a medium slope. The attic space is limited and is not intended for living area. |
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A 4.5 story is a residence with five levels of living area characterized by a steep roof slope and dormers (which project from the roof and have windows on their fronts). Because of the roof design, the area of the fifth floor is usually 40% to 70% of the ground floor area. |
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A 4.75 story is a residence with four full levels of living area and a fifth level that is characterized by a steep roof slope and dormers (which project from the roof and have windows on their fronts). Because of the roof design, the area of the fifth floor is usually 80% of the ground floor area. |
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A 5 story is a residence with finished living area on five floors. The area of each floor is approximately the same. The roof structure has a medium slope. The attic space is limited and is not intended for living area. |
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A manufactured home is a single-family house constructed entirely in a controlled factory environment and built to the federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (better known as the HUD Code). Single-wide manufactured homes are residential structures that consist of one unit that is 8 to 18 feet wide and up to 80 feet long, built and towed to the site. These units are delivered complete with little to do before they can be inhabited. The homes simply need to be set on piers or a basement and have the water, sewer, and electrical connected. Additional services are often done when the home is first set, such as installing skirting connecting the air conditioner, and removing the hitch. If more than one story, a crane is used to stack one unit on top of the other. They are built on steel undercarriages with necessary wheel assemblies for transporting to permanent or semi-permanent sites. The wheel assembly and hitch can be removed once the home has been set. The steel undercarriage, however, will remain intact since it is incorporated into the framing of the home. A red, permanently attached, HUD label must be attached to each transportable section of the home. The label is found on what would be considered the rear exterior of the home when in transit. Note: Setup, delivery, and installation fees are not included in the costs. They must be added using the appropriate Setup Fees material selection under Exterior Features. Mobile Manufactured Housing is not:
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A manufactured home is a single-family house constructed entirely in a controlled factory environment and built to the federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (better known as the HUD Code). Multi-wide homes are residential structures that consist of two or more single units that are joined together at the site to make one living unit. The assembled homes are typically 24, 28 or 32' wide and can be as long as 80' however 42' and 50' are typical. Once delivered, the homes need to be bolted together, set on piers or a basement and have the water, sewer, and electrical connected. If more than one story, a crane is used to stack one unit on top of the other. Additional services are often done when the home is first set such as installing skirting, connecting the air conditioner, and removing the hitch and wheel assemblies. They are built on steel undercarriages with necessary wheel assemblies for transporting to permanent or semi-permanent sites. The wheel assembly and hitch can be removed once the home has been set. The steel undercarriage, however, will remain intact since it is incorporated into the framing of the home. A red permanently attached HUD label must be attached to each transportable section of the home. The label is found on what would be considered the rear exterior of the home when in transit. Note: Setup, delivery, and installation fees are not included in the costs. They must be added using the appropriate Setup Fees material selection under Exterior Features. Mobile Manufactured Housing is not:
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A manufactured home is a single-family house constructed entirely in a controlled factory environment and built to the federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (better known as the HUD Code). Single-wide starter manufactured homes are basic residential structures that consist of one unit, 8 to 18 feet wide, up to 80 feet long, built and towed to the site. Distinguishing characteristics of the starter homes are:
These units are delivered complete with little to do before they can be inhabited. The homes simply need to be set on piers or a basement and have the water, sewer, and electrical connected. Additional services are often done when the home is first set, such as installing skirting, connecting the air conditioner, and removing the hitch. If more than one story, a crane is used to stack one unit on top of the other. They are built on steel undercarriages with necessary wheel assemblies for transporting to permanent or semi-permanent sites. The wheel assembly and hitch can be removed once the home has been set. The steel undercarriage, however, will remain intact since it is incorporated into the framing of the home. A red, permanently attached, HUD label must be attached to each transportable section of the home. The label is found on what would be considered the rear exterior of the home when in transit. Note: Setup, delivery, and installation fees are not included in the costs. They must be added using the appropriate Setup Fees material selection under Exterior, Features. Mobile Manufactured Housing is not:
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A manufactured home is a single-family house constructed entirely in a controlled factory environment and built to the federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (better known as the HUD Code). Multi-wide starter manufactured homes are basic residential structures that consist of two or more single units that are joined together on site to make one living unit. The assembled homes are typically 24’, 28’, or 32' wide and can be as long as 80' (42' and 50' are typical though). Distinguishing characteristics of the starter homes are:
Once delivered, the homes need to be bolted together, set on piers or a basement, and have the water, sewer, and electrical connected. If more than one story, a crane is used to stack one unit on top of the other. Additional services are often done when the home is first set such as installing skirting connecting the air conditioner and removing the hitch and wheel assemblies. They are built on steel undercarriages with necessary wheel assemblies for transporting to permanent or semi-permanent sites. The wheel assembly and hitch can be removed once the home has been set. The steel undercarriage, however, will remain intact since it is incorporated into the framing of the home. A red, permanently attached, HUD label must me attached to each transportable section of the home. The label is found on what would be considered the rear exterior of the home when in transit. Note: Setup, delivery, and installation fees are not included in the costs. They must be added using the appropriate Setup Fees material selection under Exterior, Features. Mobile Manufactured Housing is not:
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Enter the year this section of the residence was built, using a full four-digit year between 1799 and the current year (for example, 1964, not 64).
Note: If the year built is before 1930, you must also select Construction Type: Standard or Pre-1930 (or Std/Vintage Combo if configured). If the year built is between 1930 and 1940, you must also select Construction Type: Standard or Pre-1940 (or Std/Vintage Combo if configured).
To select the construction type for each section of the home, click the drop-down arrow and select the appropriate option from the following choices:
Note: This option is not available in the Advanced Entry Method.
This is the total number of stories for the home.
Enter the number of floors above ground. You can change the number of stories for some styles, in which case the Number of Stories field is enabled. For other styles, the number of stories cannot be changed, so the field remains disabled.
Note: For styles such as bi-level, tri-level, split level and raised ranch, the number of stories will automatically be set during calculation.
If there is a fraction of a story, enter it as a decimal, not as a fraction (for a 1-1/2 story home enter 1.5, not 1 1/2). For a Cape Cod with an upper floor smaller than the first floor, enter 1.5 or 1.75, depending on the amount of finished area on the upper floor.
Finished living area is the total floor area (total living area) of a home (main and wings) less any built-in garage area and any bi-level unfinished lower level area. Finished living area is used to load the finish material selections for the home.
Example 1:
If you have a 2,400 sq. ft. 2-story home with no built-in garage and no unfinished lower level area (home is not a Bi-level, Raised Ranch or Split-Foyer), you have 2,400 sq. ft. of finished living area.
2,400 sq. ft. total living area minus 0 sq. ft. built-in garage, minus 0 sq. ft. of lower level unfinished area equals 2,400 sq. ft. of finished living area.
Example 2:
If you have a 2,400 sq. ft. Bi-level home with a 400 sq. ft. built-in garage, you have 2,000 sq. ft. of finished living area.
2,400 sq. ft. total living area minus 400 sq. ft. built-in garage equals 2,000 sq. ft. of finished living area.
Example 3:
If you have a 2,400 sq. ft. bi-level home with 420 sq. ft. unfinished lower level (35% unfinished lower level), you have 1,980 sq. ft. of finished living area.
1200 sq. ft per level, so 1,200 minus 420 sq. ft. of lower level unfinished equals 780 sq. ft. of lower level finished.
1,200 sq. ft. upper level total living area plus 780 sq. ft. of lower level total living area (finished), equals 1,980 sq. ft. of finished living area finished living area.
Example 4:
If you have a 2,400 sq. ft. bi-level home with a 400 sq. ft. built-in garage and 400 sq. ft. of unfinished lower level (50% unfinished lower level), you have 1,600 sq. ft. of finished living area.
1200 sq. ft per level, so 1,200 minus 400 sq. ft. built-in garage = 800 sq. ft. of lower level. 800 sq. ft. of lower level times 50% unfinished lower level = 400 sq. ft. of lower level unfinished area and 400 sq. ft. of lower level finished area.
1,200 sq. ft. upper level total living area plus 400 sq. ft. of lower level total living area (finished), equals 1,600 sq. ft. of finished living area finished living area.
The total living area is the size of the main home plus each section/wing being entered (in square feet) based upon the exterior dimensions. When entering sections/wings, TLA should be entered individually for the main home as well as individually for each section/wing, not as a summarized value in the main home section.
Enter the square feet of the total living area.
Note: When calculating the total living area:
Include:
Do not include:
Note: To enter the total living area for mobile-manufactured homes, use the actual dimensions (length x width of the box) not the dimensions from the hitch tip to the end of the unit. Avoid using the dimensions on the HUD label, because they are the nominal dimensions from the hitch tip to the end of the box. Using this as the total living area for the home could result in additional living area that does not exist, thereby causing overvaluation of the home.
This is the vertical distance from the top of a floor to the top of the next floor. This is also known as story height or floor-to-floor height. Enter the percentage of the home (or section of the home if it has wings) for each different wall height.
Note: Measuring from the top of the floor to the top of the next floor adds the joist area into the calculation, which will make the exterior wall size and area correct.
Enter a percentage between 0 and 100.
RCT automatically sets the wall height of the home (or each section if the home has wings) based on the year built. If you want to set the wall height yourself, enter the percentages in the Wall Height section.
Example: In a 2 story home, if the first floor is 10’ high and the second floor is 8’ high, the entries are:
Note: The total of all wall height percentages should equal 100%.
Use this option to enter the perimeter or select the shape of the home.
Using the option buttons, click a perimeter option then either select the applicable shape or enter a linear footage. The options are:
Square |
Rectangular |
Slightly Irregular |
Irregular |
Very Irregular |
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In addition to being able to divide the home into the main home and one or more sections, you can also specify the section type (for example, whole house, vertical or horizontal, basement, garage, and so on). By using the horizontal section choices, you can identify whether or not a section includes the ground floor of the building (this means that the foundation, roof area, and perimeter can be calculated based upon the ground floor area of the specific section).
Example: For a 3 story house with a horizontal section for each floor, enter the following section types:
Main Home: Horizontal Ground Floor
Section 1 (Second Floor): Horizontal Upper Floor
Section 2 (Third Floor): Horizontal Upper Floor
Use the drop-down list to select the applicable section type option. Note: This option is only available in the Advanced Entry method.
For individual sections, you can specify whether the cost for that section is part of coverage A or coverage B in the policy.
When applicable, use the drop-down list to select a coverage option.
For the main home this defaults to "Main Home" and is not editable. If you add sections, each section can have a unique name.
Enter the year this section of the residence was built, using a full four-digit year between 1799 and the current year (for example, 1964, not 64).
Note: If the year built is before 1930, you must also select Construction Type: Standard or Pre-1930 (or Std/Vintage Combo if configured). If the year built is between 1930 and 1940, you must also select Construction Type: Standard or Pre-1940 (or Std/Vintage Combo if configured).
To select the construction type for each section of the home, click the drop-down arrow and select the appropriate option from the following choices:
Note: This option is not available in the Advanced Entry Method.
This is the total number of stories for the home.
Enter the number of floors above ground. You can change the number of stories for some styles, in which case the Number of Stories field is enabled. For other styles, the number of stories cannot be changed, so the field remains disabled.
Note: For styles such as bi-level, tri-level, split level and raised ranch, the number of stories will automatically be set during calculation.
If there is a fraction of a story, enter it as a decimal, not as a fraction (for a 1-1/2 story home enter 1.5, not 1 1/2). For a Cape Cod with an upper floor smaller than the first floor, enter 1.5 or 1.75, depending on the amount of finished area on the upper floor.
Finished living area is the total floor area (total living area) of a home (main and wings) less any built-in garage area and any bi-level unfinished lower level area. Finished living area is used to load the finish material selections for the home.
Example 1:
If you have a 2,400 sq. ft. 2-story home with no built-in garage and no unfinished lower level area (home is not a Bi-level, Raised Ranch or Split-Foyer), you have 2,400 sq. ft. of finished living area.
A bi-level or split foyer is a residence with two levels of living area, with the lower level being completely finished and normally partially below grade (with no basement below it). The entrance is a split-foyer entrance.
Note: Bi-level, raised ranch, and split foyer styles could have a portion or the entire lower level unfinished. To account for this, enter the Percentage (%) of Lower Level Unfinished, using a percentage between 0 and 100%.
2,400 sq. ft. total living area minus 0 sq. ft. built-in garage, minus 0 sq. ft. of lower level unfinished area equals 2,400 sq. ft. of finished living area.
Example 2:
If you have a 2,400 sq. ft. Bi-level home with a 400 sq. ft. built-in garage, you have 2,000 sq. ft. of finished living area.
2,400 sq. ft. total living area minus 400 sq. ft. built-in garage equals 2,000 sq. ft. of finished living area.
Example 3:
If you have a 2,400 sq. ft. bi-level home with 420 sq. ft. unfinished lower level (35% unfinished lower level), you have 1,980 sq. ft. of finished living area.
1200 sq. ft per level, so 1,200 minus 420 sq. ft. of lower level unfinished equals 780 sq. ft. of lower level finished.
1,200 sq. ft. upper level total living area plus 780 sq. ft. of lower level total living area (finished), equals 1,980 sq. ft. of finished living area finished living area.
Example 4:
If you have a 2,400 sq. ft. bi-level home with a 400 sq. ft. built-in garage and 400 sq. ft. of unfinished lower level (50% unfinished lower level), you have 1,600 sq. ft. of finished living area.
1200 sq. ft per level, so 1,200 minus 400 sq. ft. built-in garage = 800 sq. ft. of lower level. 800 sq. ft. of lower level times 50% unfinished lower level = 400 sq. ft. of lower level unfinished area and 400 sq. ft. of lower level finished area.
1,200 sq. ft. upper level total living area plus 400 sq. ft. of lower level total living area (finished), equals 1,600 sq. ft. of finished living area finished living area.
The total living area is the size of the main home plus each section/wing being entered (in square feet) based upon the exterior dimensions. When entering sections/wings, TLA should be entered individually for the main home as well as individually for each section/wing, not as a summarized value in the main home section.
Enter the square feet of the total living area.
Note: When calculating the total living area:
Include:
Do not include:
Note: To enter the total living area for mobile-manufactured homes, use the actual dimensions (length x width of the box) not the dimensions from the hitch tip to the end of the unit. Avoid using the dimensions on the HUD label, because they are the nominal dimensions from the hitch tip to the end of the box. Using this as the total living area for the home could result in additional living area that does not exist, thereby causing overvaluation of the home.
This is the vertical distance from the top of a floor to the top of the next floor. This is also known as story height or floor-to-floor height. Enter the percentage of the home (or section of the home if it has wings) for each different wall height.
Note: Measuring from the top of the floor to the top of the next floor adds the joist area into the calculation, which will make the exterior wall size and area correct.
Enter a percentage between 0 and 100.
RCT automatically sets the wall height of the home (or each section if the home has wings) based on the year built. If you want to set the wall height yourself, enter the percentages in the Wall Height section.
Example: In a 2 story home, if the first floor is 10’ high and the second floor is 8’ high, the entries are:
Note: The total of all wall height percentages should equal 100%.
Use this option to enter the perimeter or select the shape of the home.
Using the option buttons, click a perimeter option then either select the applicable shape or enter a linear footage. The options are:
Square |
Rectangular |
Slightly Irregular |
Irregular |
Very Irregular |
|
In addition to being able to divide the home into the main home and one or more sections, you can also specify the section type (for example, whole house, vertical or horizontal, basement, garage, and so on). By using the horizontal section choices, you can identify whether or not a section includes the ground floor of the building (this means that the foundation, roof area, and perimeter can be calculated based upon the ground floor area of the specific section).
Example: For a 3 story house with a horizontal section for each floor, enter the following section types:
Main Home: Horizontal Ground Floor
Section 1 (Second Floor): Horizontal Upper Floor
Section 2 (Third Floor): Horizontal Upper Floor
Use the drop-down list to select the applicable section type option. Note: This option is only available in the Advanced Entry method.
For individual sections, you can specify whether the cost for that section is part of coverage A or coverage B in the policy.
When applicable, use the drop-down list to select a coverage option.
Help file last modified: 7/26/2018
