Modular or Manufactured?
Not sure if the home you’re considering is Modular or Manufactured? GRAR and the BICE Chapter Advisory Group and a Panel of Industry Professionals, updated the definitions and differences between modular and manufactured homes. Here’s their handy reference tool:
What are Site Built Homes?
- They are constructed entirely at the building site. They conform to all state, local or regional codes where the house is located.
- Often called “stick-built” homes.
What are Modular Homes?
- Modular homes are built in sections at a factory.
- Modular homes are built to conform to all state, local or regional building codes (BOCA).
- Sections are transported to the building site on truck beds, then joined together by local contractors.
- Local building inspectors check to make sure a modular home’s structure meets requirements and that all finish work is done properly.
- Modular homes are often built using structurally-insulated panels (SIPs).
What are Manufactured Homes?
- Formerly referred to as mobile homes or trailers, but with many more style options than in the past.
- Manufactured houses are built in a factory.
- Each home or segment of a home is labeled with an I.D. tag that is the manufacturer’s guarantee the home was built to conform to the HUD code.
- Manufactured homes are typically built on a non-removable steel chassis.
- The house has a Certificate of Manufacture Home title (not a vehicle or trailer title).
- Sections are transported to the building site on their own wheels.
- Multi-part manufactured units are joined at their destination.
- When attempting to obtain financing for a manufactured home placed on real property, the bank will generally require the title to be surrendered, and an Affidavit of Affixture be filed.
- A lender will typically require a structural engineer’s report for a manufactured home.
- The availability of financing may be limited for a manufactured home. Furthermore, manufactured homes built prior to June 15, 1976, are generally not financeable for the reason that they were not built according to the HUD Code.
- Building inspectors check the work done locally (electric hook up, etc.), but are not required to approve the structure.
