You’ve been dreaming of owning a home in Regina, but the thought of sky-high real estate prices, endless construction delays, and overwhelming decision-making has kept you up at night.
It doesn’t have to be this way. RTM Homes in Regina offers an alternative path to homeownership, one that lets you skip the slow, stressful process of traditional home building and jump straight to moving in sooner, for less money, and with fewer surprises.
But before you get too excited, let’s dig into the details. RTM homes have big advantages, a few drawbacks, and a buying process that looks different from traditional homes. If you’re considering this route, here’s what you need to know.
What Are RTM Homes?
Imagine watching your future home roll down the highway, fully built, like something out of a movie. That’s an RTM home—crafted in a factory, transported in one piece, and set on a permanent foundation.
RTM vs. Traditional Site-Built Homes: What’s the Difference?
- Faster Construction: No waiting for good weather—RTM homes are built indoors.
- Potentially Lower Costs: Controlled factory environments mean less waste, fewer labour costs, and fewer budget surprises.
- Customizable, But With Limits: Floor plans, finishes, and fixtures? Absolutely. Moving walls or designing from scratch? Not so much.
- Durable & Built to Code: RTM homes aren’t just “prefab structures”—they must meet Regina’s building codes, just like any other home.
Once installed, an RTM home functions the same as a site-built house, though appraisers and lenders don’t always see it that way (we’ll get into that later).
Why First-Time Buyers in Regina Are Flocking to RTM Homes
1. Are RTM Homes in Regina Actually Cheaper? It Depends.
Let’s bust a myth: RTM Homes in Regina aren’t always dramatically cheaper than site-built homes. But they can save money in the right circumstances.
Fewer Labour Costs: Less on-site work = lower labour costs.
Predictable Pricing: Since it’s built in a factory, fewer budget surprises.
Faster Construction = Lower Financing Costs: Shorter timelines mean less interest paid on construction loans.
But here’s the catch:
- Site prep costs can eat into savings. You’re still paying for the foundation, utility connections, and permits.
- Transporting the home isn’t free. The farther your lot, the higher the moving costs.
- Customization costs add up. Going all-in on upgrades? You might erase your savings.
Bottom line? RTM Homes in Regina can be a great deal, but only if you crunch the numbers carefully.
2. Moving In Faster: How Much Time Do You Actually Save?
Nobody wants to wait a year or more for their home to be built. Ready to move homes in Regina slash that timeline in half (or more).
No Weather Delays: Since construction happens indoors, bad weather won’t slow things down.
Parallel Construction: While your home is being built, you can prep the site at the same time—a huge time-saver.
Fast Installation: Once delivered, finishing work takes weeks, not months.
So, how long does it really take?
- RTM Home Construction: 3–6 months
- Site Prep & Foundation Work: 1–3 months
- Final Install & Utility Hookups: 2–4 weeks
Compared to the 12–18 months a site-built home can take, that’s a game-changer for first-time buyers who don’t want to wait forever.
3. Customization: What You Can (and Can’t) Control
RTM homes offer a decent level of personalization, but let’s be honest—they’re not fully custom homes.
What You Can Change:
- Floor Plans: Open-concept? More bedrooms? You’ve got options.
- Interior Finishes: Flooring, countertops, cabinets—it’s all customizable.
- Energy Efficiency Features: Insulation, windows, and smart home upgrades.
What’s Harder to Change:
- Structural Layouts: Moving walls or designing a home from scratch? Not an option.
- Ceiling Heights & Rooflines: Some custom elements just don’t travel well.
- Basement Foundations: Not all RTM homes are built to accommodate a basement.
If you’re dreaming of a one-of-a-kind architectural masterpiece, RTM Homes in Regina might feel limiting. But if you want a quality home that feels like yours, without breaking the bank, you’ll still have plenty of ways to make it your own.
4. Are RTM Homes Energy-Efficient? Yes, But Check the Details.
Many new RTM homes come with solid energy-efficiency features, but not all are created equal.
Thick Insulation: Many models meet or exceed Regina’s insulation standards.
Airtight Construction: Factory-built homes often have tighter seals than site-built ones.
Smart Upgrades Available: Some builders offer solar-ready designs, high-efficiency windows, and smart thermostats.
But here’s what matters: Not all RTM homes are built with high-efficiency materials. It’s up to you to ask about insulation ratings, airtightness, and HVAC systems.
The Not-So-Great Stuff: What You Should Consider Before Buying
Resale Value May Be Uncertain: Some buyers still see RTM homes as “less valuable” than site-built homes. Over time, this could affect resale prices.
Financing Can Be Tricky:
- Some banks require a higher down payment for RTM homes.
- You may need a construction mortgage instead of a standard home loan.
Transportation Can Be Expensive:
- Moving an RTM home 50 km or more? That’s a major added cost.
- Road conditions and access points can complicate delivery.
Bottom line: RTM homes are great for affordability and speed—but they require careful planning to avoid hidden costs.
Site Preparation: What You Need to Know
Before your RTM home can be delivered, your land has to be ready.
Foundation: Crawl space? Basement? Slab? Decide early—it affects how your home is built.
Utilities: Water, sewer/septic, electricity, and gas must be installed before delivery.
Road Access: Can a truck deliver a house to your lot? If not, you’ll have extra costs.
Permits: Every municipality has different rules on RTM home installations.
Skipping any of these steps can lead to costly delays, so working with a builder who knows Regina’s requirements is key.
Final Thoughts: Is an RTM Home Right for You?
RTM Homes in Regina offer a shortcut to homeownership, but they’re not for everyone. If you’re looking for a fully custom home, planning to resell in the near future, or have a complicated building site, a traditional build might be better.
But if saving time, reducing construction headaches, and moving in sooner sound good to you, an RTM home could be exactly what you need.
Next Steps? Check out local RTM home builders in Regina, talk to a mortgage broker who understands RTM financing, and make sure your land is prepped and ready.
A little planning now will make the journey to your new home faster, smoother, and stress-free.
