What are the differences between manufactured, mobile, and modular homes?
Before buying land to build a home, it’s helpful to know the differences between manufactured, mobile, and modular homes. Not only do you get to determine what suits you best, but you can figure out what the land allows.
The best place to start is to contact the county planning and zoning department to determine the permitted structures.
When building a new home, you might feel at a loss about what options are available to you and which structure will better suit your family.
So what are the differences between the three structures?
Let’s find out!
Manufactured homes
Manufactured homes are modern versions of mobile homes. These homes are well-designed and built under the HUD construction code. They come in three sizes:
#1 Single-wide
Single-wide, also known as a single-section home, consists of a single floor plan with one long section. They can be spacious and come in various shapes, lengths, layouts, and sizes.
A single-wide is most suitable for couples or single individuals who don’t need as much space. They are affordable and cozy homes with a shorter build time.
#2 Double-wide
Double-wide, also known as a multi-section home, consists of a two-section floor plan that gets joined together to form one big home. They have flexible layouts, and some can be more than 2,000 square feet providing a more comfortable lifestyle.
Many customized double-wides are luxurious and provide all the amenities.
#3 Triple-wide
A triple-wide, also known as a three-section home, consists of three-section floor plans to form a large home. They can have anywhere from two to six bedrooms, and some can be more than 3,000 square feet.
Some are fully customizable with spa bathrooms, walk-in closets, fireplaces, and mudrooms.
Manufactured homes offer the homeowner various interior and exterior options, such as carpeting, shutters, cabinets, etc. Another benefit to manufactured homes is building it over a basement, a permanent foundation, or wrapping it with skirting.
While portable, it’s no easy take and a hired contractor would need to transport the manufactured home to your land. Once you connect to utilities, it will get inspected to ensure it meets local code requirements.
Mobile homes
Any factory-built home constructed before June 15th, 1974, is a mobile home.
Any factory-built home constructed after 1974, is a manufactured home.
The HUD Manufacturing Home Construction and Safety Standards created a set of federal standards in the following areas:
- Design and construction
- Thermal protection
- Frame requirements
- Body requirements
- Plumbing and electrical
- Fire safety
- Energy efficiency
Because of their low prices, few building specifications, and mobility, mobile homes were mass-produced.
The structure resembled what we call a camper or trailer and is set up on wooden blocks, concrete blocks, or foundations.
Modular homes
Modular homes are like manufactured homes since you can customize them to suit your taste and style.
Unlike manufactured homes though, they get various built-in pieces instead of one piece. They can come in five pieces making them easier to move than manufactured homes.
Except for being more affordable, when the pieces come together, they look like a site-built home. They also follow the same county and state building and safety requirements. Each county may vary slightly on these requirements.
Lastly, before purchasing property and building a modular home, determine if deed restrictions exist on the property.
Final thoughts
Knowing the difference between mobile, manufactured, and modular homes will help you make better choices when purchasing land. Find out by your county what home you can build on the property and deed restrictions that may exist
Enjoy shopping for your new home!
➡️Don’t forget to join our VIP Program to stay informed on coming soon properties, special discounts, and early access to the new properties before we start advertising to the public!!
➡️Check out our current inventory!