How Modular Homes and Manufactured Homes Differ
by Janet Wickell
Facts About Modular, Manufactured & Site Built Homes
When you are buying a home, you
might hear the terms modular homes, manufactured homes and site built homes.
It's important to understand how they all differ, no matter whether you are
purchasing an existing house or plan to build on land that is subject to
restrictions. The differences can affect a home's price and its resale
value, and even dictate whether or not it can be built on your land.
What Are Site Built Homes?
- They are constructed entirely at the building site.
- They conform to all state, local or regional codes
where the house is located.
- Often called 'stick-built' houses.
- A well-built, cared for site-built home generally
increases in value over time, although its location plays a key role in
value.
What Are Modular Homes?
- Modular homes are built in sections at a factory.
- Modular homes are built to conform to all state,
local or regional building codes at their destinations.
- Sections are transported to the building site on
truck beds, then joined together by local contractors.
- Local building inspectors check to make sure a
modular home's structure meets requirements and that all finish work is
done properly.
- Modular homes are
sometimes less expensive per square foot
than site built houses.
- A well-built modular home should have the same
longevity as its site-built counterpart, increasing in value over time.
What Are Manufactured Homes?
- Formerly referred to as mobile homes or trailers, but
with many more style options than in the past.
- Manufactured houses are built in a factory.
- They conform to a Federal building code, called the
HUD code, rather than to building codes at their destinations.
- Manufactured homes are built on a non-removable steel
chassis.
- Sections are transported to the building site on
their own wheels.
- Multi-part manufactured units are joined at their
destination.
- Segments are not always placed on a permanent
foundation, making them more difficult to re-finance.
- Building inspectors check the work done locally
(electric hook up, etc.) but are not required to approve the structure.
- Manufactured housing is generally less expensive than
site built and modular homes.
- Manufactured homes sometimes decrease in value over
time.
Both types of homes
enjoy the efficiencies and cost savings associated with factory built homes.
All homes are computer designed for the utmost in accuracy. Both styles are
built to stringent building codes with constant in house inspections plus
third party government inspections. All our homes are very energy efficient
and structurally superior to "stick-built" homes. (remember they have to be
transported down the highway) Modulars and manufactured homes are probably
the safest home to be in during an earthquake as they are subjected to
equivalent stress just going down the road.
Opinion From Another Source....
Manufactured Homes are also known as
mobile homes, sectionals, double wides, triple wides, and single wides.
(sorry we don’t use the "T" word) They are built to a federal construction
safety standards act of 1976. (also known as the HUD code) They generally
have a permanent steel frame with attached running gear, are designed to be
blocked on grade and skirted, and carry a title.
In colder climates, it is recommended
that the homes be placed on something frost free like cement piers,
crawlspaces, engineered slabs, or basements. Manufactured homes are
completely self contained with furnace, water heater, ducts, plumbing,
insulation, etc. They are designed to be set on blocks but can be adapted to
crawlspaces, and basements. Federal law requires the steel frames be left in
tact. If a dealer removes the frame, you may be liable for a fine
Modulars
are also known as pre-fabs, are built to conventional home codes, like UBC,
NEC, UMC, Etc., yet they are built high above the standard to withstand the
rigors of transportation. Modulars are specifically designed for full
basement applications but can be adapted to many others.
Most modular buyers arrange for their plumbing and heating needs to
be met by the local contractors, but, furnace and water heater packages are
available in some brands of modular homes.
Manufactured
Housing-Modular vs. Mobile
One of the
biggest problems in the automated construction industry is the distinction
between the two types of manufactured homes, a.k.a. modular homes and mobile
homes. The term "manufactured housing" describes both modular and mobile
homes, since both are manufactured in a plant and trucked to the site. The
surest and quickest way to identify one is by the type of insignia the unit
bears, which represents the code or standard to which it was built.
The Manufactured Buildings Program is provided for under ch 553, Part I, FS,
and is administered by the Department of Community Affairs through the
Building Codes & Standards Office. The DCA insignia is located on the inside
cover of the electrical panel and attests to the fact that the structure was
built to the Florida Building Code.
The National Mobile Homes Construction and Safety Standards promulgated by
HUD (mobile home program) is administered by the Department of Highway
Safety and Motor Vehicles, and is not affiliated with the Manufactured
Buildings Program.
| |
IDX Personal Account
Log-In
Equal Housing
Opportunity
Fair
Housing
Declaration
Why Use A
Certified
Realtor?
|
