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Today, the terms “modular home” and “manufactured home” are often used interchangeably. Although they do share some similarities, there are key differences between modular and manufactured homes that place each in their own unique category.

Building codes
Building codes define how homes should be constructed. The landmark for manufactured homes was implemented in 1976 when the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) set standards to ensure the universal quality of manufactured homes. HUD codes regulate everything from design and construction to fire resistance, energy efficiency and inspections.

Modular homes are not regulated by HUD codes, they are instead regulated as site-built homes. Depending on where they are placed, modular homes must conform to local, state and regional building codes as site-built homes do.

Construction
Both modular and manufactured homes are constructed inside a factory under climate-controlled conditions. The elements, wind, rain and snow, do not have an adverse impact and, therefore, do not cause construction delays. Inside the factory, highly trained builders use precise, and consistent construction practices. These factors contribute to saving both time and money.

Transportation to site
Modular and manufactured homes each use a different manner of transport when moved to the site. At the factory, modular homes are made in block sections and loaded onto trucks. When they arrive at the home site, they are unloaded and put into place using cranes.

Manufactured homes are built on a steel chassis with wheels. They are transported to the site using their own wheels which are usually removed after placement at the site. The steel chassis on which the home is built stays in place.

Foundation and permanence
Manufactured homes have the option to be transported again in the future because they typically don’t have a permanent foundation. When placed on the site, they are set on rows of stacked concrete blocks and tied down with straps.

Like site-built homes, all modular homes have permanent foundations. They can be placed on basements, crawl spaces or concrete slabs. The construction process is often faster because the foundation can be laid at the same time the home is being constructed in the factory.

Cost & customization
The big advantage of a manufactured home is lower cost. They are less expensive than site-built homes and even modular homes.

Modular homes are completely customizable and can cost more than manufactured homes. Generally, a modular home offers buyers more square footage per dollar than they would find in a site-built home.

Modular and manufactured homes share many similarities and as we have discovered, they are not the same in so many respects. To determine the right choice for you, consider budget, location and preferred features.

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