Manufactured Homes Vs. Modular Homes
- Modular homes are begun off-site and finished on-site.Private homes clouds image by Allisija from Fotolia.com
Modular homes are produced in a factory, and they arrive at the building site in sections. The sections are then put together by a building contractor hired by the homeowner. The number of sections, or modules, depends upon the size and design of the home.The technique is similar to the construction of a traditional home, in that the foundation and all finishing work are done on-site, and the completed structure is subject to the same building codes and building inspections as any other site-built home. - Manufactured homes, on the other hand, are constructed entirely at the factory, except when they are attached to a permanent foundation or basement, which must be completed on-site before the manufactured home can be installed. The homes are built onto steel chassis and arrive at the homeowner's land in one or two sections. All amenities are in place, including appliances, heat and air units, and even towel racks and closet shelves. Except for utility and propane hookups, manufactured homes are not typically subject to the same building code inspections as modular and stick-built homes, but they must conform to guidelines set forth by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
- According to Randall Eaton, an author and expert on the modular building technique, the modular home costs anywhere from 15 to 30 percent less than a stick-built home, depending upon the cost of the local contractor and the number and cost of extra amenities and improvements. Because so much of the construction is accomplished before the home arrives at the building site, the entire building process takes significantly less time than a traditionally built home. Homeowners may choose from a wide variety of designs, or the home can be customized according to the homeowner's specifications. Energy efficiency is typically a top priority in the construction of modular homes, which results in savings for the homeowner beyond the initial savings in construction costs. It is easier to obtain financing for a modular home than for a manufactured home, and a modular home appreciates in value just like a traditional home.
- Because manufactured homes are constructed entirely in the factory, completion of the building project takes even less time than for a modular home. The home is secured to the foundation, both sections are linked together (in the case of double wides) and the utilities are connected. Although manufactured homes are not subject to the same on-site building inspections as modular or stick-built homes, the HUD standards to which they must conform are strict. As with modular homes, energy efficiency is a top priority in the manufacturing process and must conform to HUD energy standards. The initial cost of a manufactured home is less than either a stick-built or a modular home. However, the manufactured home is harder to finance, and unless the home is on a basement or permanent foundation, it is likely to depreciate over time.
- Prospective homeowners who wish to explore these two options will find a variety of sizes, styles and price ranges from which to choose, and may well decide to save time and money by selecting a home that has been built partially or entirely off-site. The standards to which both building techniques must conform can give homeowners confidence that they need not sacrifice quality or safety in order to take advantage of the positive aspects of a modular or manufactured home. Deciding between these two alternatives will depend upon the individual preferences and budget of the home buyer.
