MODULAR HOMES VS MANUFACTURED HOMES
What is a modular home?
Modular homes are built in sections in a factory setting, indoors, where they are never subjected to adverse weather conditions. The sections move through the factory, with the company's quality control department checking them after every step. Finished modules are covered for protection, then transported to your home site. They are placed on a pre-made foundation, joined, and completed by your local builder.
How long does it take to build a modular home?
That depends on your design and the manufacturer, but some modular homes can be built in the factory in as little as 1-2 weeks. And since modulars are built indoors, there's never a weather delay. It usually takes another 2-4 weeks for your local builder to complete the home once it's delivered to the building site.
They sound like mobile homes.
Are they the same thing?
Mobile homes, now called manufactured homes, are built to conform to the same federal code, no matter where they will be delivered. That code is called the HUD code.
A modular home conforms to the building codes that are required at the specific location it will be delivered to, and in many cases construction exceeds the required codes.
Don't all modular homes look alike?
No, and unless you were there to see the house delivered and assembled, you might not guess it's a modular home. Modular home manufacturers use computer aided design programs to draw plans to your specifications, or to modify one of their standard plans to suit your needs, so nearly any home plan can be turned into a modular home.
It's true that some modulars are very basic and resemble double wide manufactured homes, but the two structures are still built in different ways.
Each manufacturer is different, so be sure to ask questions about flexibility if you would like to design your own home.
Will banks finance a modular home?
Yes. Most banks, appraisers, and insurance companies treat modular homes the same way they do site built homes--a house that's constructed entirely on your property. Ask the mortgage brokers and banks in your area to explain how they finance modular homes.
Can I save money by building a modular home?
Sometimes. Construction costs for a modular home are sometimes less per square foot than for a similar site-built home. And there are other cost-saving features:
- Many modular homes are very energy efficient, which helps reduce your heating and cooling costs.
- Your home will probably be ready to move into much sooner than if you wait for a builder to construct a house on-site.
Try to visit model homes in your area. If you think modulars are ho-hum, you're in for a pleasant surprise.
WHAT IS A MANUFACTURED HOME?
What is a manufactured home?
Manufactured homes, formerly called mobile homes, are built in a factory. Each home conforms to the US government's Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (HUD code), rather than to building codes enforced at the home's destination. Each home or segment of a home is labeled with a red tag that is the manufacturer's guarantee the home was built to conform to the HUD code.
Manufactured homes are built on a non-removable steel chassis and transported to the building site on their own wheels.
Where can I find details about my manufactured home's build date and origins?
To find the date of manufacture, look for a data plate located inside your home, usually on or near the main electrical panel, in a kitchen cabinet, or in a bedroom closet.
The data plate offers information about the home's heating, cooling, and other appliances and components. The data plate also shows you the wind zone and snow load for which the home was built.
A red HUD label with a stamped serial number should be attached to the exterior of the home.
May I put my manufactured home on any lot or tract of land?
No. Some communities and developments do not allow manufactured housing. Research local zoning ordinances, deed restrictions, restrictive covenants, and other similar documents before purchasing land for a manufactured home.
May I move my manufactured home to another location?
Yes, but make sure you use a transport company that is familiar with the laws for moving such structures. You should also consider the zone for which the manufactured home was originally constructed. Never move a manufactured home to a zone with more restrictive wind, thermal, or roof load requirements than the zone for which it was built. Check the data plate for zoning information.
Climate differences and the cost of moving your manufactured home might make it more practical to sell it and purchase another at your new location.
Who will finance my manufactured home?
Many manufactured homes are financed with a retail installment contract, available through the retailer that sells you the home. Many lenders will grant a conventional mortgage for manufactured homes, but will likely require that the home is placed on a permanent foundation. Manufactured homes are eligible for FHA and VA home loans.
Is my new manufactured home covered by warranty?
Most manufacturers offer a warranty that covers the home and its systems during a stated warranty period. Some appliances may be covered by their own warranties. Before you purchase a manufactured home, find out which items are covered by warranty, who offers the warranty, and how warranty repairs are performed.
What if I have problems with my manufactured home?
HUD recommends that you first contact the retailer who sold you the home. If problems cannot be resolved, contact the manufacturer. If you still have complaints or concerns, contact Hud or a related state agency.
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MODULAR HOMES VS MANUFACTURED HOMES
What is a modular home?
Modular homes are built in sections in a factory setting, indoors, where they are never subjected to adverse weather conditions. The sections move through the factory, with the company's quality control department checking them after every step. Finished modules are covered for protection, then transported to your home site. They are placed on a pre-made foundation, joined, and completed by your local builder.
How long does it take to build a modular home?
That depends on your design and the manufacturer, but some modular homes can be built in the factory in as little as 1-2 weeks. And since modulars are built indoors, there's never a weather delay. It usually takes another 2-4 weeks for your local builder to complete the home once it's delivered to the building site.
They sound like mobile homes.
Are they the same thing?
Mobile homes, now called manufactured homes, are built to conform to the same federal code, no matter where they will be delivered. That code is called the HUD code.
A modular home conforms to the building codes that are required at the specific location it will be delivered to, and in many cases construction exceeds the required codes.
Don't all modular homes look alike?
No, and unless you were there to see the house delivered and assembled, you might not guess it's a modular home. Modular home manufacturers use computer aided design programs to draw plans to your specifications, or to modify one of their standard plans to suit your needs, so nearly any home plan can be turned into a modular home.
It's true that some modulars are very basic and resemble double wide manufactured homes, but the two structures are still built in different ways.
Each manufacturer is different, so be sure to ask questions about flexibility if you would like to design your own home.
Will banks finance a modular home?
Yes. Most banks, appraisers, and insurance companies treat modular homes the same way they do site built homes--a house that's constructed entirely on your property. Ask the mortgage brokers and banks in your area to explain how they finance modular homes.
Can I save money by building a modular home?
Sometimes. Construction costs for a modular home are sometimes less per square foot than for a similar site-built home. And there are other cost-saving features:
- Many modular homes are very energy efficient, which helps reduce your heating and cooling costs.
- Your home will probably be ready to move into much sooner than if you wait for a builder to construct a house on-site.
Try to visit model homes in your area. If you think modulars are ho-hum, you're in for a pleasant surprise.
WHAT IS A MANUFACTURED HOME?
What is a manufactured home?
Manufactured homes, formerly called mobile homes, are built in a factory. Each home conforms to the US government's Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (HUD code), rather than to building codes enforced at the home's destination. Each home or segment of a home is labeled with a red tag that is the manufacturer's guarantee the home was built to conform to the HUD code.
Manufactured homes are built on a non-removable steel chassis and transported to the building site on their own wheels.
Where can I find details about my manufactured home's build date and origins?
To find the date of manufacture, look for a data plate located inside your home, usually on or near the main electrical panel, in a kitchen cabinet, or in a bedroom closet.
The data plate offers information about the home's heating, cooling, and other appliances and components. The data plate also shows you the wind zone and snow load for which the home was built.
A red HUD label with a stamped serial number should be attached to the exterior of the home.
May I put my manufactured home on any lot or tract of land?
No. Some communities and developments do not allow manufactured housing. Research local zoning ordinances, deed restrictions, restrictive covenants, and other similar documents before purchasing land for a manufactured home.
May I move my manufactured home to another location?
Yes, but make sure you use a transport company that is familiar with the laws for moving such structures. You should also consider the zone for which the manufactured home was originally constructed. Never move a manufactured home to a zone with more restrictive wind, thermal, or roof load requirements than the zone for which it was built. Check the data plate for zoning information.
Climate differences and the cost of moving your manufactured home might make it more practical to sell it and purchase another at your new location.
Who will finance my manufactured home?
Many manufactured homes are financed with a retail installment contract, available through the retailer that sells you the home. Many lenders will grant a conventional mortgage for manufactured homes, but will likely require that the home is placed on a permanent foundation. Manufactured homes are eligible for FHA and VA home loans.
Is my new manufactured home covered by warranty?
Most manufacturers offer a warranty that covers the home and its systems during a stated warranty period. Some appliances may be covered by their own warranties. Before you purchase a manufactured home, find out which items are covered by warranty, who offers the warranty, and how warranty repairs are performed.
What if I have problems with my manufactured home?
HUD recommends that you first contact the retailer who sold you the home. If problems cannot be resolved, contact the manufacturer. If you still have complaints or concerns, contact Hud or a related state agency.