Is a manufactured home the same as a mobile home

In everyday conversation, we often hear the term ‘mobile home’ used interchangeably with ‘manufactured home’ when in reality these are distinct concepts. Date built, HUD code and perceptions are three key ways manufactured homes differ from mobile homes. In this article, we’ll discuss these differences to provide a clearer understanding of the difference between the two.

Date Built

Mobile homes and manufactured homes actually share a common history which is why they are so often confused. In the 1920s, the popularity of the automobile led to people creating trailers, named as such because these vehicles ‘trailed’ behind the truck or van that was pulling it. Trailers were popular with vacationers who wanted to camp on the go.

In the 1930s, manufacturers began to produce trailers on a mass scale in factories. Over time, they became bigger, longer, wider, and more elaborate.  Families eventually started using these ‘house trailers’ as permanent residences and although they had wheels, they were typically not used for travel.

In the 1950s, ‘trailers’ started to gain a poor public reputation, so the industry decided to rename them, calling them mobile homes instead. These mobile homes were situated on the property, but the wheels remained in place. They were not permanently attached to that property. Mobile homes were assigned VIN numbers and financing was similar to financing a car.

In 1976, the industry stepped in again. It was decided that stricter standards for mobile homes should be set to ensure the quality of these structures which many people were now using as permanent residences. With these new codes came another name change – from mobile homes to manufactured homes.

Therefore from a date standpoint, the term ‘mobile home’ is only appropriate if the structure was built before July 15, 1976. If the home was built after July 15, 1976, the correct term should be ‘manufactured home’.

What Is HUD Code?

The HUD code, enacted in 1976, is really what makes a manufactured home fundamentally different from a mobile home. The HUD code established federal standards for the building of manufactured housing. It involved regulating the construction and quality of all aspects of building a manufactured house, including:

• Design and construction
• Strength and durability
• Transportability
• Fire resistance
• Energy efficiency
• Overall quality
• Performance standards for all house systems, including electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning

It is important to note that before this time, these important features were not federally regulated. The HUD code was a huge step forward in ensuring quality manufactured housing. Therefore the term ‘mobile home’ refers to an unregulated construction that was built pre-1976, and the term ‘manufactured home’ refers to a housing unit that is constructed post-1976 following specific rules for design, durability, and safety.

Perception

The final difference between mobile homes and manufactured homes is the difference in perception. We can see the influence of perception in the HUD code. At that time, mobile homes were perceived as low quality so in 1976, the industry enacted code changes and a name change to alter this perception.

When people take offense to the term ‘mobile home’(when the structure is actually a manufactured home), it is often because of perception. Mobile homes are perceived as low quality, old, and linked to poverty. When the term ‘mobile home’ is used, it is not giving the manufactured home the credit it is due. Today’s manufactured homes are built according to very stringent building standards. They are beautiful, functional, and sometimes even indistinguishable from site-built homes.

The change in perception is also impacting manufactured home financing. Whereas mobile homes(pre 1976) were financed like a car, certain lenders like Cascade offer manufactured home loans that are similar to loans for site-built homes and other real estates.

By understanding these key differences, it is easy to see the terms ‘mobile home’ and ‘manufactured home’ are very distinct. When referring to a housing structure built within the past ~45 years, it is correct to use the term manufactured home, and using this correct term also helps you avoid any negative connotation with mobile homes of the past.

Mobile vs. Manufactured vs. Modular Homes: What’s the Difference?

House-hunting can be an exciting time, looking for the perfect fit where you can envision yourself and your family enjoying life for years to come. When you shop for a new home, however, you often hear some seemingly interchangeable terms, such as “manufactured,” “mobile,” and “modular.” In reality, these refer to different types of housing, and if you want to find the right home, it helps to speak the lingo. To that end, here’s everything you need to know about the differences between manufactured, mobile, and modular homes.
 

Mobile Homes: Built Before 1976

Prior to 1976, the terms mobile home and manufactured home meant essentially the same thing. In June of 1976 HUD building codes came into effect and with this came the name change from mobile homes to manufactured homes. As a result, some folks still use these terms interchangeably today, even though they have very different building standards. The National Mobile Home Construction and Safety Act first distinguished between manufactured and mobile homes in 1974. Then, in 1976, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) instituted Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards. Collectively, these standards are usually called the HUD Code.
 

HUD Code Standards

The HUD Code formalized the definition of a manufactured home, forever setting it apart from a mobile home. This code set standards for:

• Design and construction
• Body and frame
• thermal protection
• Plumbing and electrical
• Fire safety
• Energy efficiency

With these federal standards in place for manufactured homes, a home buyer gets certain assurances about safety and sustainability that they would’t get with a mobile home built before June of 1976.
 

Manufactured Homes: Built to the Federal Building Code (HUD)

Today’s manufactured home buyers can choose from a variety of floor plans and designs and customize their dwellings like never before. Manufactured home design options include luxury interior features as well as exterior add-ons. Manufactured home floor plans usually range from two bedrooms up to five bedrooms. Size classifications vary, but in general they range from small to large and double wide to triple wide.

Manufactured Home Construction

Unlike a traditional stick-built house, manufactured homes are built in a climate-controlled factory and then transported to their permanent site. Once a manufactured home is at its destination, the structure is placed on block piers with skirting added. Wraparound porches and other exterior features can be added as well.

The below video was provided courtesy of the Florida Manufactured Housing Association.

Benefits of Manufactured Homes

Because manufactured homes meet National Building Code Standards for safety and quality, homeowners can rest assured they’re living in safe conditions for their families. This method of home building also offers luxury and energy efficiency with cost savings that put manufactured homes in reach of more buyers, including:

• First-time home buyers
• Young families in need of more room
• Military families
• Retirees downsizing or relocating to Florida

Modular Homes: Built to Florida State Building Code

A modular home is similar to a manufactured home in most respects. Both are built in controlled environments, which prevents damage to building supplies and ultimately saves money. Most of the same floor plans are available for both manufactured and modular homes, as well.

Whereas a manufactured home is built to the Federal Building Code (HUD), a modular home is built to Florida State building codes. Florida residential building codes consider factors particular to the state. Your city or county may also provide information about building codes on its website.

Unlike the old mobile homes, both manufactured and modular homes are intended to remain in one site for life. However, they can be relocated—with certain logistical and cost demands—if the buyer someday wishes to move.
 

Where to Build a Manufactured or Modular Home

Manufactured homes are found both within communities that were developed for this type of housing and on private property that is zoned for manufactured homes. Modular homes can be constructed on any residential town lot that is not deed restricted. Modular homes qualify for the same conventional mortgage loans and insurance rates as site-built homes.
 

6 Reasons to Choose Jacobsen Homes for Your Manufactured or Modular Home

Jacobsen Homes offers more than 60 years of experience in construction and design of manufactured and modular homes. When you decide to purchase your dream home with Jacobsen Homes, you will get several benefits.

1. Energy efficiency

Manufactured and modular homes typically cost less to heat and cool.

2. Green Construction

Our construction methods produce less waste, reduce labor costs, and conserve energy, compared with traditional home building.

3. In-house engineering staff

We pioneered the use of Auto-CAD in the Florida manufactured home industry; this is one of the most sophisticated computer-aided design and drafting programs.

4. Solid structure and an excellent warranty

A Jacobsen Home comes with a 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty.

5. Customization

Some buyers prefer to select from over 90 popular, professionally designed floor plans available, while other choose to design their dream home themselves. At Jacobsen Home you select your own level of involvement.

6. Convenient model centers

Visit us at locations across Florida.

Whether you decide on a manufactured or a modular home, Jacobsen homes can meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Call or visit us today to start finding your new home.