Manufactured Homes and Modular Homes: A Comparison

Sometimes terms are used interchangeably like the terms manufactured homes and modular homes. Both terminologies are used when considering a contemporary house. But you must understand that not all of them are the same.

Manufactured homes, also known as mobile homes or trailers, are built on a non-removal steel chassis. They are built in a factory and generally less expensive. They also abide to the HUD code, a Federal building code set for them, rather than building codes at their destinations.  While modular homes are also built in the factory, it differs to manufactured homes when it comes to costs, financing, style and construction and transport methods.

Modular and Manufactured Homes Cost and Financing

Manufactured homes or mobile homes are less expensive compared to modular homes because of its simpler design, and it only requires lower energy- efficient materials. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, modular homes pursue the same market trends as site-built houses, since they have comparable designs and trustworthy construction. They sometimes use more materials than the mobile homes to endure the rigors of travel.

There is no easy way to finance a manufactured home or modular home. Financing a modular home is just like the site-built home. You will start with a construction loan and will be converted to mortgage loan once the home is completed. And for the manufactured or mobile home, it can be overwhelming when you don’t own the land. In this case, you can use nearly any of the mortgage loans.

Modular and Manufactured Homes: Construction and Transport Methods

Both manufactured homes and modular homes are constructed with almost the same materials.  They just follow the different Housing Code. The construction of manufactured homes is guided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which sets standards on the performance of the home’s structure and systems. The transportation of manufactured homes is simple and easy. They are transported on the chassis, a kind of foundation for the home.

Building codes affects the types of materials that can be used in the construction of the modular homes.  These codes differ with the destination or location site.  Modular homes are also under the state and local codes. Once the modular homes are complete they are transported to the building site on carriers.  The carriers are then taken back to the factory once the home has been set. Then the home is placed on the foundation like the standard site-built homes.

Style and Safety of Modular and Manufactured Homes

When you’re a style-savvy homeowner you would love the modular homes. You can customize both manufactured and modular homes but the latter provides more design options. Modular homes conform to most of the site- built homes which adapts style with multiple levels and styles designed for irregular lots. Manufactured homes have the single-, double- and triple- width variations on the basic shapes only.

As for the safety, manufactured homes are generally the homes that stand up poorly to severe weather like hurricanes and tornadoes, compared to modular homes. They are often specifically debunked in deeds, by Homeowner’s Associations, and others. If you are living or will build your home in areas where extreme weather events are most likely to hit, choose modular homes.

Face Off: Manufactured Homes vs. Modular Homes

Understanding the difference between manufactured homes and modular homes could help you decipher which home suits your budget, your style and safety preference.

“With its superior quality, energy efficiency, strong and budget friendly modular homes, Legendary Homes is one of the trusted modular home builders around Clarklake and Jackson Michigan for over 20 years of experience now. Legendary Homes helps in site location, acquisition of permits, excavation, foundation (including Insulated Pre-Cast Foundations), landscaping, breeze ways and other services needed to complete your home. As a company that prioritizes its customers, Legendary Homes allows you to customize your home. And most importantly, we assist in home financing by working with the top lenders in Michigan.”

It’s amazing news to start building your dream home, right?  “We make your dreams a reality!”