The Difference Between Manufactured and Modular Homes
Credit: Original article by Champion Home Builders via the Champion Homes Blog. Photo by a manufacturer of Champion Home Builders.
So, you’re interested in factory-built housing, but don’t know where to start. We get it! The world of pre-fabricated homes is vast and full of options, so you’ll definitely want to know which of those options work best for you and your lifestyle. When it comes to manufactured homes and modular homes, knowing the difference can take you a long way. So, let’s get into it!
Manufactured Homes
Manufactured homes have actually been around longer than you might think. You’ve likely heard manufactured homes referred to as mobile homes in your day-to-day conversations. Before 1976 when the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) code was developed, they were referred to as mobile homes. After the HUD code was developed, they were and still are referred to as manufactured. Same type of home, but manufactured homes of today meet the regulations of the HUD code.
Modular Homes
A modular home is a home that is also built in a climate-controlled indoor factory, but to a local state code, such as the International Residential Code, or IRC. You may often hear modular homes described as “prefabricated homes.” A modular home is built in sections, or modules, which are then delivered to and assembled on the home site. A modular home is more comparable to a site-built home in details like its available financing through more traditional mortgages and the local codes to which it is built.
Similarities & Differences
The main similarity you’ll find between manufactured and modular homes is that they’re both built in a climate-controlled factory by skilled craftspeople who do the same thing every day. All of our scrap material is used somewhere in the home instead of being piled and thrown away like in site-built homes.
The main difference you’ll find between manufactured and modular homes is the codes to which they are built. The HUD code can differ from the code of a specific state, town or county, and this all helps to determine what kind of house can be built and where. For example, a home built to the HUD Code for delivery in Massachusetts could be very different from a home built to local the Massachusetts modular code.. And that’s just one state!
Bottom line: we’re building homes to the right code for the right regions.
Whether you’re looking to go the manufactured route or the modular route, factory-built provides the advantages you’ll want and need as a new homeowner. Browse our floorplans today and find the home of your dreams.
