PUTTING a better foundation within everyone’s reach

---

Manufactured Homes

The terms “mobile home” and “manufactured home” are often used by the general public to describe the same type of home. Mobile homes and manufactured homes were finally distinguished from each other in 1976 when the National Mobile Home Construction and Safety Act became effective. This act, generally known as ‘the HUD Code,’ sets standards for the following:  

• Design and construction
• Body and frame requirements
• Thermal protection
• Plumbing and electrical
• Fire safety
• Energy efficiency

The intent of the HUD Code is to improve the durability and quality of manufactured homes, and it is the only federally-regulated national building code. Modern manufactured homes are extremely different than the mobile homes built prior to 1976. Manufactured homes are built in three standard sizes—single wide, double wide and triple wide. They are built entirely inside home building facilities that are climate controlled to avoid weather delays and almost always have countless customizable options such as types of flooring, cabinetry and exterior finish, just to name a few. Each home is internally inspected multiple times throughout various phases of construction to confirm proper construction and quality. If the home is placed on blocks or metal piers, skirting can be added to make the home more visually appealing. Manufactured homes can also be placed on a permanent foundation or on a basement—just like a site built home. Manufactured homes can be relocated, however, with the help of a contractor that specializes in manufactured home set up and delivery. 

Modular Homes

The first thing to know about modular homes is that they are built inside a factory – not from the ground up on a construction site. Unlike mobile, or “manufactured,” homes, which are built to a federal building code, modular homes are designed, built, and inspected in accordance with the State Building Code and must be installed on a permanent foundation by a licensed contractor. Also, because modular houses are not required to be built on a permanent chassis, there are many more design options. 

Modular homes are built just like any traditional stick built homes except they use modules that are built in a factory and then put together on site. The modules are picked up off the carriers by a crane and placed on a foundation. Both must be built to meet the same state and local building code requirements. In essence, modular is just a different construction technique. Modular homes typically have 30% more lumber and higher insulation values than stick-built homes. Modular homes appreciate and gain value in the same way traditional homes do. Modular homes are deeded to the property. They are financed, taxed, and insured the same as a stick built home. Once a modular home is complete, it is extremely difficult to see the difference between a modular home and a traditional stick built home.  

What Are The Advantages to a Modular Home Compared to a Stick-Built Home

• Cost : Modular homes cost 20-40% less than comparable stick-built homes
• Reduced construction time means less interest paid on construction loan
• Factory Environment , materials stay dry
• Employees are highly trained for specific jobs
• Quality: 30% more lumber than stick-built houses
• Typically have more insulation for energy efficiency
• Built on jigs for increased build accuracy
• Inspected by independent third-party
• Time : A modular home can be completed in 3-6 months vs. 9-12+ months for stick-built home
• Convenience & Reduced frustration: One source for all material selections - Single point of contact
• Service & structural warranties