Manufactured, Modular, and Site-Built Homes:Definitions and Guidelines

 

Manufactured Homes

Manufactured homes, sometimes referred to as mobile homes, are constructed to a different building standard, known as the Federal Construction Safety Standards Act (HUD/CODE). Unlike conventional building codes, this standard requires manufactured homes to be constructed on a non-removable steel chassis, and many communities have restrictions on where manufactured homes can be located.

Manufactured homes have the following attributes:

• Formerly called a mobile home

• Built in a factory

• Conforms to a Federal building code (HUD code), rather than to building codes at the

home’s destination

• Built on a non-removable steel chassis

• Sections are transported to the home site on their own wheels

• Less expensive than site built or modular homes

Modular and Site-Built Homes

Modular and site-built homes are constructed to the same building code required by the state, country and specific locality. They are not restricted by building or zoning regulations. Each modular home is inspected at the assembly plant during each phase of construction, and a State or inspection agency label is usually applied as proof of this inspection.

Site-built homes have the following attributes:

• Built entirely at the home site

• Conforms to all state, local or regional codes where the home is located

• Often called a “stick-built” home

Modular homes have the following attributes:

• Built in modules at a factory

• Conforms to all state, local or regional codes at the home’s destination

• Modules are transported to the home site on truck beds, then joined

• Can be called a stick-built home

• Modular homes are sometimes less expensive per square foot than site built homes

Restrictions

Communities generally have no restrictions against traditional, site built homes. Some developments do set minimum size requirements, and stipulate you must build a home that conforms to the guidelines of an Architectural Review Committee. Most developments allow modular homes. In the few cases where they are not allowed, it is usually due to ongoing confusion between the definitions of modular and manufactured housing. Many communities and developments do not allow manufactured housing.

 

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