It is no secret that manufactured & modular housing is becoming quite popular with new home buyers. The pileup of costs that accrue with a typical site-built home are just no comparison to that of a manufactured or modular home. Although, with more than one option of home to choose from, it can be tricky to know which is the best for you. In this post, we break down the major differences of manufactured vs. modular living (across a few categories) to equip you in making the best choice for your family.
MANUFACTURED
- Construction: A manufactured home is constructed completely in a factory and then transported to its final home site, where it is rarely moved again. This process allows the home-building process to be monitored for accuracy and causes less delays. These homes are built according to federal construction codes.
- Design Options: There are many design options available for manufactured homes, including sleek modern looks and farmhouse-style homes.
- Safety: Manufactured homes are built according to the Federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) standards. They are built in a controlled environment.
- Cost: These homes are often times more affordable than site-built homes. This is because the construction time is often just a fraction of the time. Financing options are also available!
MODULAR
- Construction: A modular home is built in a factory but is governed by state building codes as opposed to federal codes. They can be built either “on-frame” or “off-frame”. This only determines how the home will be assembled at its final destination.
- Design Options: There are many design options available for modular homes, including sleek modern looks and farmhouse-style homes.
- Safety: Modular homes are constructed according to state standards. These can sometimes be similar to HUD guidelines, but each state has their own set to follow. Once set at its site, the home is inspected once again as a preventative measure.
- Cost: This type of home is significantly more affordable than a traditional, site-built home. This is because due to construction processes, there is often times less room for delays or unforeseen additional costs.
