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. 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 Modular Homes?

	Modular homes are built in sections inside a controlled factory environment.
	Modular homes are built to conform to all state, local or regional building codes at their destinations. These are the same codes imposed on Site Built homes. This allows most Modular homes to be placed wherever Site Built homes are (check local ordinances and deed restrictions).
	Sections are transported to the building site. The steel frame is removed from a Modular home and it is nailed down to a wood bottom plate, just as Site Built homes are. Manufactured homes must retain the steel frame and are tied down using the frame.
	Modular homes are appraised just like a Site Built home. They also insure like a Site Built home. Most banks, appraisers, and insurance companies treat modular homes the same way they do site built homes.
	Modular homes are less expensive per square foot than site built houses and in many cases built better (2x6 exterior walls etc.).
	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 sections inside a controlled factory environment.
	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.
	Multi-part manufactured units are joined at their destination.
	Segments are not always placed on a permanent foundation. Note: Lee's always constructs a HUD approved permanent foundation unless requested by the customer or unless home is placed on a rented lot.
	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.

What Are Site Built Homes?

	They are constructed entirely at the building site. The down side to this is the wood is exposed to the elements (rain etc.) during construction.
	They conform to all state, local or regional codes where the house is located.
	Often called 'stick-built' houses.

What Do the Differences Mean to You?

Restrictive Covenants and Deed Restrictions

Communities generally have no restrictions against traditional, site built homes.

Most developments allow modular homes. Some do not, but in those cases the restrictions seem to have been imposed because of an ongoing confusion about the differences between modular homes and manufactured homes. Do your homework, outdated ordinances can usually be changed with some education of city members and associations.
Restrictive covenants and deed restrictions often exclude manufactured homes.

Investigate the deed restrictions thoroughly before purchasing land for any type of new home.

What is a factory built home?

A factory built home is one built in a factory and transported to the site on which it shall be placed. Constructing your home inside a factory is more efficient than the traditional method, with less cost for labor and no time off for inclement weather. They are built individually, one home at a time.

Factory built homes are built under the federal building code administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The HUD Code regulates manufactured housing design and construction, strength and durability, transportability, fire resistance, energy efficiency and general quality. The HUD Code sets standards for the heating, plumbing, air conditioning, and electrical systems.

Almost one third of the homes sold in America today are factory built homes. They offer a wide variety of floorplans and options suitable for your families needs. Each home passes a strict inspection before it ever leaves the factory, to insure that it is weather-tight, properly trimmed, and outfitted the way you want it. We check all mechanical and electrical systems, cabinets and doors, chimneys, vents, and flues. The complete start-to-finish approach to the construction of your home is one of the reasons there are thousands of happy homeowners enjoying the strength and beauty of factory built homes.

Why buy a Manufactured Home?

Manufactured and Modular homes offer a cost effective alternative to conventional construction methods. In today's expensive housing market, a growing number of buyers are seeking more affordable options. Manufactured housing is continuing to meet the challenge with quality built, attractive homes.

Today's Manufactured and Modular homes offers choices to fit a variety of lifestyles and budgets:

Affordability, relative to other construction methods
Constructed in a controlled environment by full time builders, one at a time.
Homes are built on time, on budget, and to exacting specifications
Construction supervised by Quality Control personnel
Factory production enhances energy efficiency
Delivery time averages 4-6 weeks from purchase
A host of standard plans can be customized to suit particular tastes and lifestyles
They can be placed in Home Parks or gated communities or on private lots