Is there a difference between a mobile home and a manufactured home

Both modular homes and manufactured homes (also known as mobile homes) are prefabricated structures, meaning they are either partially or fully constructed in an off-site factory.

From a legal standpoint, the primary difference between modular and manufactured homes is that modular homes are held to the same local, state and regional building codes required for on-site homes, while manufactured homes are held to a federal code set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Admittedly, this legal distinction doesn’t tell us much in and of itself. So, what are the discernible differences between modular and manufactured homes? Let’s have a look.

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What Is A Modular Home?

A modular home is a house that’s partially constructed in a factory and shipped to the homeowner’s lot, where it's pieced together, put on a foundation and then completed. Like traditional homes, modular homes are placed on a permanent foundation and often have full basements. The construction of a modular home must comply with local building codes and standards in the area where the home will be placed.

While the building process differs quite a bit from that of traditional homes, you’d be hard-pressed to identify a modular home just by looking at it. They can come in all sorts of floor plans and designs, from a sprawling ranch or Cape Cod to a two-story colonial.

Like traditional, site-built homes, modular homes have values that tend to go up or down right along with the rest of the housing market. Also, most banks and lenders offer financing on modular homes, meaning buyers will typically have a good range of mortgage options when it comes time to make a purchase. Rocket Mortgage® finances modular homes.

What Is A Manufactured Home?

Manufactured homes, sometimes referred to as mobile homes or trailers, are houses completely constructed in a factory and built on a fixed, steel chassis (rather than a permanent foundation). These homes are also usually built with wheels, which are detached after towing to the home site, which is either privately owned or leased to the homeowner. Construction on a manufactured home must comply with building codes set up by HUD. One of the primary ways to identify a manufactured home is by its HUD tag.

Newer manufactured homes don’t always look like the double-wide trailer you might be picturing. While they might not be as customizable as site-built or modular homes, manufactured homes can be built with a variety of architectural styles, floor plans and add-ons, such as decks and porches.

Another misconception about manufactured homes is that they are unsafe or poorly built. With the passing of the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974, HUD began requiring stringent construction and safety standards for all HUD-certified manufactured homes. It’s important to note that manufactured homes built before June 15, 1976 – when the law went into effect – are not considered compliant with HUD code.

One disadvantage of buying a manufactured home is that it can be more complicated for home buyers to get a mortgage. Some dealers and local lenders may offer financing, but only a few lenders offer mortgages on this type of housing. While Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac do offer conventional loans for manufactured housing, government-backed loans (such as FHA and VA loans) are a more common choice because of different underwriting standards.

Rocket Mortgage® doesn’t offer financing on manufactured homes at this time.

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Considerations Between Modular And Manufactured Homes

The differences between modular and manufactured homes have serious implications when it comes to affordability, financing, long-term value, and a variety of other factors. Here’s a chart that breaks down some of the important differences between modular and manufactured homes:

Modular Homes

Manufactured Homes

Construction

Multiple factory-made pieces assembled at home site

Built-in sections, can be single or multi-width

Mobility

No

Can be transferred to property then permanently affixed

Financing options

Standard

Limited (more options may be available if the home is permanently affixed to the land)

Code requirements

Local, state and regional codes

Federal HUD code

Relative home cost

Higher

Lower

Some home buyers opt for a manufactured home over a modular home based on affordability alone. It’s true that manufactured homes tend to be less expensive overall, but the broader range of mortgage options for a modular home might offer qualified borrowers the ability to get into a modular home more quickly and easily, with more lending options and more simplified loan processing.

The Bottom Line: Know What Both Modular And Manufactured Homes Bring To The Table

While these types of homes may be similar in construction, they have different implications for home buyers, like you. Modular homes may be difficult to differentiate from other homes and they must comply with local building codes and standards, while manufactured homes are built on a fixed chassis and must comply with building codes established by HUD. With other considerations like customization and mortgage options, knowing the difference between modular and manufactured homes will help guide you to make the right decision.

If you have questions about financing a modular home, contact a Home Loan Expert.

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Why did the term mobile home change to manufactured home?

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.

What is the difference between a manufactured home and a double wide?

They may have as little as 400 square feet of living space inside. Eligible manufactured homes will be considered “double wide” will be no less than 20 feet in width and have no less than 600 square feet of living space inside.

What is the difference between manufactured modular and mobile homes?

Both mobile homes and manufactured homes are prefabricated structures, built in a factory on a permanently attached chassis before being transported to site. A modular home, on the other hand, is built to the same local, county, and state building codes as a site-built home.

What is cheaper a modular or manufactured home?

Manufactured homes are more affordable because modular homes are built to a more rigorous building code that increases the cost of the home.