The Buyer Guide · Part 6 of 6
Buying a Prefab Home from China? Here's How to Do It Without Getting Burned.
The homes look incredible. The prices are exciting. But how do you know you can trust a company halfway around the world?
Is It Really a Manufacturer?
Some sellers own factories; others are trading companies, distributors, or resellers. None is automatically bad, but you should know who makes the product and who is legally responsible for the sale. Verify the registered business name, factory address, and production capability.
Look Behind the Photos
Request production footage, materials details, real installations, and factory information. Independent verification or inspections can help. One of our goals at Field House is to visit factories and show buyers where these homes are made.
Ask What's Included. Then Ask Again.
A beautiful $12,000 listing may show upgrades not included in the quote. Get itemized specifications, model numbers, drawings, dimensions, materials, and upgrade prices in writing.
Make Sure It Can Work in America
Ask for engineering documents, product specifications, and available testing or certifications. Consult local building authorities and qualified American professionals. A factory saying “U.S. compliant” isn't sufficient proof.
Understand the Complete Cost
Account for ocean freight, insurance, port charges, customs brokerage, tariffs, trucking, foundations, installation, utilities, permits, engineering, and inspections. Ask a licensed customs broker to review import classification and local professionals to estimate site work.
Be Smart About Payments
Use a written agreement specifying the legal seller, product, specifications, price, payment schedule, inspections, delivery terms, warranty, and dispute resolution. Independently verify bank details and consider appropriate trade-finance protections. Where practical, inspect before final payment or shipment.
What If Something Goes Wrong?
Ask who pays for damaged components, missing items, repairs, replacement parts, and shipping. An overseas warranty may be hard to use without local support. A low price doesn't help if nobody answers the phone.
Confidence Isn't a Guarantee
Even legitimate factories can make mistakes. Professional websites and friendly salespeople aren't substitutes for verification. Prepare for changing freight, permits, and construction costs.
Why Field House Exists
The designs got our attention; the prices got us excited; the questions showed us the trust gap. Field House is building relationships with manufacturers and helping American buyers understand the path from factory to property. We do not claim every factory is independently inspected or every product approved for U.S. installation.
The Field House Buyer Checklist
- Who is the legal seller and manufacturer?
- Has the factory been verified?
- What exactly is included?
- Are detailed drawings and specifications available?
- What approvals apply at my address?
- What are the landed shipping and duty costs?
- Who handles installation and utilities?
- What payment and inspection protections exist?
- What warranty and replacement parts support is available?
- What is the complete usable-project cost?
Big Dreams. Smart Decisions. Better Possibilities.
The smart buyers ask questions first. Field House exists to help bridge the trust gap.
General information only — not legal, engineering or financial advice.