What is a Manufactured Home?
Definition:
A manufactured home is one that is constructed almost entirely in a factory. The house is placed on a steel chassis and transported to the building site. The wheels can be removed but the chassis stays in place.
A manufactured home can come in many different sizes and shapes. It may be a simple one-story "mobile home," or it can be so large and complex that you might not guess that it was constructed off site.
Local building codes do not apply to manufactured homes; instead, these houses are built according to specialized guidelines (Federal HUD regulations in the United States) for manufactured housing. Manufactured homes are not permitted in some communities.
Also Known As:
prefab or pre-fab, factory-built, factory-made, mobile
Examples:
A manufactured home is one type of factory-built prefab housing. Other types of factory-built housing include modular homes, panelized homes, mobile homes, and pre-cut homes. Factory-built houses usually cost much less than homes that are site-built.
How Modular Homes and Manufactured Homes Differ
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.