What is a Manufactured Home

Some people use the terms manufactured home, modular home and mobile home interchangeably. However, it is important for consumers to know the differences in these construction terms before they begin shopping for a new home. A manufactured home, or a mobile home as it was commonly called prior to 1976, is a home that is constructed almost entirely within the protection of a factory. It is built on a specially designed steel frame (or chassis) and delivered to the final home site virtually completed. Some refer to these as HUD code homes because following 1976, their construction requirements and inspection have been regulated by the Federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Association as defined in the HUD Title 6 Construction Standards.

Here is a list of links to our Cavco home builders who build and sell manufactured homes.

The manufactured home is built on a steel supporting frame in an environmentally protected building space. When it is 90 to 100% complete, it is then transported to the building site. Once the home has been installed and inspected, the wheels on the steel frame can be removed, but the steel frame remains in place.

Building Codes for Manufactured Homes

In the United States, HUD (the US Department of Housing and Urban Development) regulates manufactured housing through the HUD Code instead of local building codes. Each home must meet these federal guidelines and inspections rather than the local building codes of the area where the home is built. After each home or segment of a home is built and inspected, it is labeled with a red tag that is the manufacturers guarantee the home was built to conform to the HUD code.

A manufactured home can come in many different sizes and shapes. It may be a simple one-story mobile home, or it can be a complex tripewide with lots of custom features.

Typically, however, our manufactured homes are priced significantly less than their site-built counterparts due to the efficiencies of scale created by building the complete home in one location with a skilled, experienced building crew.

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Manufactured Homes | Cavco Industries, Inc.

A modern "triple wide" home

Manufactured housing (commonly known as mobile homes in the United States) is a type of prefabricated housing that is largely assembled in factories and then transported to sites of use. The definition of the term in the United States is regulated by federal law (Code of Federal Regulations, 24 CFR 3280): "Manufactured homes are built as dwelling units of at least 320 square feet (30m2) in size with a permanent chassis to assure the initial and continued transportability of the home."[1] The requirement to have a wheeled chassis permanently attached differentiates "manufactured housing" from other types of prefabricated homes, such as modular homes.

According to the Manufactured Housing Institutes National Communities Council (MHINCC), manufactured homes[2]

are homes built entirely in the factory under a federal building code administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (commonly known as the HUD Code) went into effect June 15, 1976. Manufactured homes may be single- or multi-section and are transported to the site and installed.

The MHINCC distinguishes among several types of factory-built housing: manufactured homes, modular homes, panelized homes, pre-cut homes, and mobile homes.

From the same source, mobile home "is the term used for manufactured homes produced prior to June 15, 1976, when the HUD Code went into effect."[2] Despite the formal definition, mobile home and trailer are still common terms in the United States for this type of housing.

The original focus of this form of housing was its ability to relocate easily. Units were initially marketed primarily to people whose lifestyle required mobility. However, beginning in the 1950s, these homes began to be marketed primarily as an inexpensive form of housing designed to be set up and left in a location for long periods of time, or even permanently installed with a masonry foundation. Previously, units had been eight feet or less in width, but in 1956, the 10-foot (3.0m) wide home was introduced. This helped solidify the line between mobile and house/travel trailers, since the smaller units could be moved simply with an automobile, but the larger, wider units required the services of a professional trucking company. In the 1960s and '70s, the homes became even longer and wider, making the mobility of the units more difficult. Today, when a factory-built home is moved to a location, it is usually kept there permanently. The mobility of the units has decreased considerably.

The factory-built homes of the past developed a negative stereotype because of their lower cost and the tendency for their value to depreciate more quickly than site-built homes. The tendency of these homes to rapidly depreciate in resale value made using them as collateral for loans far riskier than traditional home loans. Loan terms were usually limited to less than the 30-year term typical of the general home-loan market, and interest rates were considerably higher. In other words, these home loans resembled motor vehicle loans far more than traditional home mortgages. They have been consistently linked to lower-income families, which has led to prejudice and zoning restrictions, which include limitations on the number and density of homes permitted on any given site, minimum size requirements, limitations on exterior colors and finishes, and foundation mandates.

Many jurisdictions do not allow the placement of any additional factory-built homes, while others have strongly limited or forbidden all single-wide models, which tend to depreciate in value more rapidly than modern double-wide models. The derogatory concept of a "trailer park" is typically older single-wide homes occupying small, rented lots and remaining on wheels, even if the home stays in place for decades.

Modern homes, especially modular homes, belie this image and can be identical in appearance to site-built homes. Newer homes, particularly double-wides, tend to be built to much higher standards than their predecessors. This has led to a reduction in the rate of value depreciation of many used units.

Although great strides have been made in terms of quality, manufactured homes do still struggle with construction problems. Author Wes Johnson has pointed out that the HUD code which governs manufactured homes desperately needs to be updated, quality control at manufacturing facilities are often lax, and set-up issues often compromise even a well-made manufactured home. Johnson states buyers need to be exceptionally cautious if they are entertaining the idea of purchasing any manufactured home by carefully checking it for defects before signing the contract and supervising the set-up process closely. These homes in the modern age are built to be beautiful and last longer than the typical old trailers.

When FEMA studied the destruction wrought by Hurricane Andrew in Dade County Florida, they concluded that modular and masonry homes fared best compared to other construction.[3]

While manufactured homes are considered to be affordable housing, older models can be some of the most expensive in the nation to heat due to energy inefficiency.[4] High-performance manufactured housing uses less energy and therefore increases life-cycle affordability by decreasing operating costs. High-performance housing is not only energy efficient, but also attractive, functional, water-efficient, resilient to wind, seismic forces, and moisture penetration, and has healthy indoor environmental quality. Achieving high-performance involves integrated, whole building design, involving many components, not one single technology. Highperformance manufactured housing should also include energy efficient appliances, such as Energy Star qualified appliances.[4] Energy Star requires ample insulation: 2x6 walls: R21, roof: R40, floor: R33.

Both types of homes - manufactured and modular - are commonly referred to as factory-built housing, but they are not identical. Modular homes are built to IRC code. Modular homes can be transported on flatbed trucks rather than being towed, and can lack axles and an automotive-type frame. However, some modular houses are towed behind a semi-truck or toter on a frame similar to that of a trailer. The house is usually in two pieces and is hauled by two separate trucks. Each frame has five or more axles, depending on the size of the house. Once the house has reached its location, the axles and the tongue of the frame are then removed, and the house is set on a concrete foundation by a large crane. Some modern modular homes, once fully assembled, are indistinguishable from site-built homes. In addition, modular homes:

Manufactured homes have several standard requirements that are more stringent than International Residential Code homes.

Fire Protection

A National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) study from July 2011 shows that occurrence of fires is lower in manufactured housing and the injury rate is lower in manufactured housing. The justification behind the superior fire safety is due to the following higher standard requirements:

The San Francisco Bay Area, located in Northern California, is known for its high real estate prices, making manufactured housing an increasingly popular alternative to traditional real estate.[6] It is mainly the value of the land that makes real estate in this area so expensive. As of May 2011, the median price of a home in Santa Clara was $498,000,[7] while the most expensive manufactured home with all the premium features was only $249,000.[8] This drastic price difference is due to the fact that manufactured homes are typically placed in communities where individuals do not own the land, but instead pay a monthly site fee. This enables a consumer, who could otherwise not afford to live in the Bay Area, the opportunity to own a new home in this location. There are various communities of manufactured homes in the Bay Area, the largest being Casa de Amigos, located in Sunnyvale, California.

Construction starts with the frame

Interior wall assemblies are attached

Exterior wall assemblies are set in place

Roof assembly is set atop the house

House is ready for delivery to site

In Australia these homes are commonly known as transportable homes, relocatable homes or prefabricated homes (not to be confused with the American meaning of the term). They are not as common as in the US, but the industry is expected to grow as this method of construction becomes more accepted.

Manufactured home parks refer to housing estates where the house owner rents the land instead of owning it. This is quite common in Queensland in both the form of tourist parks and over 50's estates. The term transportable homes tends to be used to refer to houses that are built on land that is owned by the house owner.[citation needed]

Typically the homes are built in regional areas where the cost of organizing tradespeople and materials is higher than in the cities. In particular prefabricated homes have been popular in mining towns or other towns experiencing demand for new housing in excess of what can be handled by local builders. This method of construction is governed by state construction legislation and is subject to local council approval and homeowners' warranty or home warranty insurance.

A manufactured home is built entirely inside a huge, climate-controlled factory by a team of craftsmen. The first step in the process is the flooring, which is built in sections, each attached to a permanent chassis with its own wheels and secured for transport upon the homes completion. Depending on the size of the house and the floorplans layout, there may be two, three or even four sections. The flooring sections have heating, electrical and plumbing connections pre-installed before they are finished with laminate, tile or hardwood. Next, the walls are constructed on a flat level surface with insulation and interior Sheetrock before being lifted by crane into position and secured to the floor sections. The interior ceilings and roof struts are next, vapor sealed and secured to each sections wall frame before being shingled. Then, the exterior siding is added, along with the installation of doors and windows. Finally, interior finishing, such as sealing the drywall, is completed, along with fixture installation and finishing the electrical and plumbing connections. The exposed portions of each section, where they will eventually be joined together, are wrapped in plastic to protect them for transport.

With all the building site prep work completed, the building will be delivered by trucks towing the individual sections on their permanent chassis. The sections will be joined together securely, and all final plumbing and electrical connections are made before a decorative skirt or facade is applied to the bottom exterior of the house, hiding the chassis and finishing off the look of the home.

Inside, paint and carpet are finished to design specifications, then the home is cleaned thoroughly.[9]

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Manufactured housing - Wikipedia

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.

You might find this hard to believe, but the photograph on this page is of a modular home. It looks just like a regular house built on top of a slab with 2x4s, doesn't it? You cannot really tell the difference these days. Modular homes are typically very well built. Here are more facts about modular homes:

Restrictive Covenants and Deed Restrictions

Investigate the deed restrictions thoroughly before purchasing land for any type of new home. Further, obtain a copy of the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions, also known as the CC&Rs for your new neighborhood. Study the plat map and know where your easement boundaries lie to make sure you do not place your modular home on top of any easements.

Shipping containers can also be called a modular home but they are generally very different from your typical modular home. A conventional modular home looks very much like a traditional stick-built home. It is hard to tell the difference. Whereas a shipping container home, constructed from an actual shipping container and not a replica, looks like a shipping container home, made from corrugated metal.

A single pod modular home built from a shipping container can be used as a cabin, getaway or tiny home. For more space, consider joining together two shipping containers.

At the time of writing, Elizabeth Weintraub, CalBRE #00697006, is a Broker-Associate at Lyon Real Estate in Sacramento, California.

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Modular vs Manufactured Homes - thebalance.com

Welcome to The Home Outlet, located in Chandler, Arizona. We have many types of beautiful and affordable manufactured homes to choose from, includingTraditional homes,Porch Model homes and Cabin Homes that look beautiful in any setting. The prices of our homes start at $21,900 with the Thrifty Model. Our high quality homes are built by Cavco, one of the leading builders of manufactured homes and cabins. Whether you are a first time buyer or a seasoned home owner, we can help you find your dream home. Call us today at 1-800-965-2987 and one of ourexperienced agents will assist you with all of your home buying needs.

Today, mobile homes are just as stylish and well appointed as traditional stick built homes, and our homes are built with high-quality materials using the latest features and options. Manufactured housing is much more affordable than traditional housing, with prices per square foot being much lower than an average traditional home. You can be sure of the quality of our homes at The Home Outlet, our homes are built by Cavco, one of the most experienced and diverse mobile home manufacturers in the US. A manufactured home (also known as a mobile home) can be built at a lower price than a traditional home and more customizations are available, since each home is built to order at the factory. The range of options and upgrades when designing your mobile home are almost unlimited, so call us today at 1-800-965-2987 and one of our experienced consultants will help you design your dream home.

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Manufactured Homes & Mobile Homes For Sale in Arizona ...

Palm Harbor Home Builders

Palm Harbor Homes is the nation's leading builder in modular and manufactured home construction housing. We are also proud to sell and insure the finest manufactured homes and modular homes available in America today. Palm Harbor's commitment to customer satisfaction and our unmatched construction process guarantee more home for your money. Additionally, your new home can be built on your land or built within one of our beautiful communities. We also have information on sources for manufactured home financing and modular home loans.

You can easily find a Model Center near you today. Palm Harbor modular homes and manufactured homes are available through company-owned model centers or independent manufactured or modular home dealers in Arizona, California, Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Virginia and Washington as well as British Columbia and Alberta, Canada.

Palm Harbor has specialized in building manufactured homes, modular homes and mobile homes "on your lot" for over 35 years. Unlike site builders, who specialize in building many homes in a small area using the same construction crews, we work with many customers who already own their own land or we help them find the perfect site, and then we build and set their new home. Turn key custom built home solutions are routine for us.

Because our manufactured and modular homes are built in environmentally protected building centers by skilled and experienced craftsmen who are dedicated to satisfying customers with a strong, well-built home, we don't experience the same weather delays and material theft and waste that traditional home construction faces. Our homes are delivered to your site 80-90% complete. Then our trained crews will set up and finish out your home and secure it to the foundation. This saves you time and money!

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Palm Harbor Homes - Official Site

What Are Manufactured Homes and Modular Homes?

Manufactured homes once referred to as single-wide and double-wide mobile homes and modular homes are factory-built houses engineered and constructed to the strict specifications of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developments federal building code.

With their highly customizable designs and wide array of floor plans ranging from 500 to 2,300 sq. ft., single- or multi-section manufactured homes offer affordable housing options, whatever your needs and tastes.

Affordable

Champion has a long history of providing affordable alternatives to site-built and other types of housing. As one of the largest mobile home builders in the country, were able to negotiate low prices on building materials, including interior features and appliances, resulting in lower costs for our homebuyers.

Represents Quality

After more than six decades serving homebuyers, weve developed advanced engineering and construction methods to ensure energy efficient, quality-built manufactured homes and modular homes. Theyre built in a controlled factory environment, which means every part of the home from the front door to the bathroom sink is protected from weather-related damage, vandalism and other hazards.

Our technicians, craftsmen and assemblers are well trained and professionally supervised, resulting in built-in excellence. Finally, all of our manufactured homes and modular homes undergo more than 35 quality inspections throughout the construction process to ensure they meet our high standards.

Provides Many Other Advantages

Interested in vaulted ceilings? We offer them. Modern kitchens with stainless steel appliances and perhaps spacious bedrooms with walk-in closets? Those, too. Like site-built homes, our manufactured homes and modular homes offer plenty of floor plans and amenities. You can also find stylish features such as tray ceilings, recessed lighting, custom cabinet applications, large family rooms with entertainment centers and more.

If youre ready to move into a new home but arent willing to compromise on the amenities you want, Champion Homes can help.

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Manufactured & Mobile Homes | Champion Homes

Manufactured Homes | Mobile Home | Fleetwood Builds Homes for Life

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Each year members of the Manufactured Housing Institute recognize outstanding industry leaders. Receiving this distinguished honor for a seventh time is a testament to the quality of our people, our homes and our customers. We build great homes and we are Read full story

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Since 1950 Fleetwood has been surprising families with how much home they can afford. Over the years, we have satisfied nearly 1.5 million customers by offering the quality, floor plans, and design options that home buyers expect to find in a custom home. Families from all walks of life invest in Fleetwood manufactured homes and park models because of our reputation for building the finest homes, pricing them affordably, and backing them with outstanding service and warranty protection.

Fleetwood homes are built for life. Your life. Our focus is meeting the ever changing lifestyle needs of its customers. Families from all walks of life invest in a Fleetwood home because of our reputation for building the finest homes, pricing them affordably, and backing them with outstanding service and warranty protection. There are many terms for this type of housing but our happy homeowners and their families and friends just like to call them "home."

As a company, we started out building travel trailers. Then, over 50 years ago, we leveraged this expertise to pave the way for a whole new industry - residential manufactured homes and park models built off-site, in a controlled building environment by skilled, experienced craftsmen. Today we are one of the nation's largest national manufactured home builders.

For over 55 years, Fleetwood has been building manufactured homes in weather-protected factories across the country, using experienced construction teams to staff each local building facility. This ensures that the building materials are protected and each home is inspected carefully.

Each Fleetwood plant builds homes for locations in its geographical region. To see a list of Fleetwood factory locations across the country, please click here. Then find the building center closest to your desired new home site and select the link for more information or contact them directly.

Click here to see a list of Fleetwood plants.

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Manufactured Homes - Fleetwood Homes