Modular Homes Section

Modular Homes vs. Manufactured Homes

No they are not the same thing! But if you are in the market for a modular home the salesperson might very well refer to it as a manufactured home.

Even though modular homes and manufactured homes are both used as summer or recreational homes, they differ in many other respects. For instance I own a manufactured home, or in other words a trailer. While some people do opt to live in trailers, they are main source of heat is gas propane; whereas a modular home is fueled via a natural gas hookup - much like a permanent home. In addition, manufactured homes, or trailers, will often find semi-permanent or permanent residence in a trailer park or trailer community; whereas modular homes can be placed on a plot of land in almost any neighborhood (that passes state and regional bylaws).

The difference between modular and manufactured homes is often in the permanence. For instance modular homes are placed on a permanent foundation; whereas trailers, or manufactured homes are built on a steel chassis with wheels attached. This is so the trailer can be moved or towed, or used as a recreational summer residence.

In addition, if you plan to build a modular home and transport it to a land plot, the land you want to build on might be subject to restrictions. Please check with your state and regional building laws before you buy!

Also, manufactured homes and modular homes have differing resale values - and if you were selling your home you would want to get top dollar for what it was worth - wouldn't you?

Let's start with a brief overview of manufactured vs. modular homes...

Modular Homes

Often referred to as pre-fabricated (or pre-fabricated) homes.
Modular homes come pre-built in sections from the factory.
Modular homes are then transported to the building site on truck beds, and constructed (or put together) by contractors at their destination (the land you want them built on).
They are constructed on location, and must conform to all state or regional building codes.
After the contractor assembles the modular home on site, a local building inspector will visit the site to inspect the home to ensure its construction adheres to the state or regional requirements and that all finish work was completed safely and up to standard.
Mobile homes are often placed on a permanent foundation at the building site.
Modular homes are sometimes placed in senior's communities or parks, but most often built on a plot of land purchased by the owner.
Modular homes are larger than manufactured homes - many have full kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms, plus washer and dryer hookups. Many even have fireplaces and dishwashers.
Modular homes are typically more expensive per square foot than manufactured homes.
The home equity of a well-built modular home will continue to grow in value over time - especially if upgrades are added - for instance sun rooms, gas fireplaces, porches, gazebos, and etc.

Manufactured Homes

Also called mobile homes or trailers
Manufactured houses are pre-constructed completely in the factory on a permanent, fixed steel chassis.
Manufactured homes have wheels attached so they can be towed via automobile or truck.
The construction of trailers still must abide by a Federal HUD building code.
Once ready for occupation the entire trailer is towed to the residential site via their own wheels.
Trailers remain on their wheels, and aren't put on a permanent foundation, so they can be moved.
Manufactured homes often find semi-permanent residence in a trailer park or summer park. Many are towed off site during the winter months.
Families often use trailer homes for recreational camping. They tow them via automobile or truck to various camp sites and state parks during the summer months, and park them in a garage or driveway during the winter months.
Building inspectors are sometimes called in to inspect the electrical and propane gas hookups, but trailers do not need to pass a building code for occupation.
Manufactured homes, or trailers, are far less expensive than modular homes.
Manufactured homes will always decrease in home equity, and upon sale are often sold for 1/2 to 1/4 of the original sale price.

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