What is the difference between modular and manufactured homes

Manufactured homes are built on a permanent frame that includes a transportation system such as wheels and a hitch that can be removed when the home is attached to a permanent foundation. They can be set on piers, a crawlspace or a conventional foundation, depending on the needs of the buyer. Manufactured homes are available in three sizes: single wide, double-wide and triple-wide.

These homes have the obvious benefits of mobility and affordability. They can allow a buyer to make a home purchase without a serious monetary or geographical commitment.

Insurance for modular homes is the same type of homeowners insurance as that of a traditional site-built home. Home takes many forms, but one thing remains the same: You want your home to be protected. No matter what type of home you purchase, you may want to consider:. Replacement Cost Coverage. This coverage pays for a new mobile home of similar style and cost if your newer mobile home typically less than five years old is destroyed by a covered loss. Also, most banks and lenders offer financing on modular homes, meaning buyers will typically have a good range of mortgage options when it comes time to make a purchase.

Manufactured homes, sometimes referred to as mobile homes or trailers, are houses completely constructed in a factory and built on a fixed, steel chassis rather than a permanent foundation.

These homes are also usually built with wheels, which are detached after towing to the home site, which is either privately owned or leased to the homeowner. Construction on a manufactured home must comply with building codes set up by the HUD.

One of the primary ways to identify a manufactured home is by its HUD tag. While they might not be as customizable as site-built or modular homes, manufactured homes can be built with a variety of architectural styles, floor plans and add-ons, such as decks and porches. Another misconception about manufactured homes is that they are unsafe or poorly built. Safety — One of the major drivers of the policy development was safety. Mobile homes prior to this time were not regulated and therefore could be built according to a wide variety of standards or lack thereof.

Mobile homes do not follow current HUD regulations. Cost — While mobile homes were once a more affordable homeownership option for many Americans, these types of homes are no longer made due to HUD policy changes in They have since been replaced by manufactured homes.

Manufactured homes According to HUD, manufactured homes are any pre-built homes built after June 15, Construction — Constructed in a climate-controlled building facility away from the property location, these homes are assembled in a single piece before being delivered to the homebuyer.

Electrical, storage such as closets, plumbing, and stairs are generally built at the facility. Home Design Options — Manufactured homes can be easily customized. Depending on the size home you choose, you can expand your house to include more rooms. Safety — Manufactured homes must follow strict safety regulations set by HUD.

These regulations and standards mean homes must meet certain thresholds of structural strength and element resistance against wind, storms, and even corrosion, animals, and insects.

Internal and external inspections are required during and after construction to ensure the house has safe living conditions. Purchasing a manufactured or pre-built home is becoming an option that will help consumers realize their dream of home ownership without the prohibitive cost of traditional homes that are built onsite.

But what are the differences between these types of homes? The major difference between manufactured, mobile, and modular homes is the way that they are constructed. Manufactured homes are completely constructed in a factory and then transported to the home site. Once they arrive at their destinations, they are indistinguishable from site-built homes.

They are not usually moved again. This allows the entire process, start to finish, to be overseen with consistency and accuracy, which cuts down on many of the delays and disruptions in traditionally built homes.

Modular homes are also built in factories, but are governed by local state building codes although sometimes states will adopt the federal code. Modular homes are either built on a permanent chassis or on a temporary one. Mobile homes are any manufactured home built prior to June 15, They are now obsolete due to HUD policy changes in They have since been replaced by modern manufactured homes. When looking at purchasing a manufactured home versus a modular home, most of the changes are structural.