11 First-Time Homebuyer Tips
Searching for your first home? Here are some tips to help the process.
Read more about 11 First-Time Homebuyer TipsAccording to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (known as HUD)[1], the difference between manufactured, modular, and mobile homes all comes down to differences in construction and safety.
Manufactured and mobile homes must be built according to HUD’s building codes while modular homes must follow local, state, and/or regional building codes.
Mobile, manufactured, and modular homes are considered “prefabricated homes.” Also known as prefab homes, these houses are actually manufactured and built separately at a factory, delivered to your property, and then assembled.
The concept of pre-built homes is not a new one; for centuries these movable structures have been discovered in many different areas of the world. In fact, in the early 1900’s, Sears Catalog Homes actually allowed consumers to purchase prefabricated homes via mail-in order.[2]
Homes of this nature offer potential homebuyers an alternate route to traditional homeownership. Depending on the type of prefab home, they also offer you more flexibility in terms of cost.
So, what exactly are mobile homes? They’re homes built off-site that can be relocated with more ease than a traditional home. Mobile homes in the United States were built prior to June 15, 1976, when HUD developed new Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards.[3]
According to HUD, manufactured homes are any pre-built homes built after June 15, 1976.[4]
The difference between a mobile and manufactured home is the date the home was built. Prior to the date mentioned above, they were known as mobile homes.
Manufactured homes can be easily relocated, typically cost less than homes built on site, and have a variety of design options. They’re also available in several sizes: single wide, double wide, and triple wide.
Single-wide homes are generally a single section and range 18 feet or less in width and 90 feet or less in length.
Double-wide homes are slightly wider, at 20 feet or more and the same length wide. However, they are generally built in two sections as opposed to single-wide homes. Similarly, triple-wide homes are built in three or more sections with varying widths and lengths.
Both double- and triple-wides are less narrow than single-wides and are more similar in floor plan and appearances to site-built homes.
Modular homes, like manufactured ones, are constructed in a climate-controlled off-site facility.
So, is a modular home the same as a manufactured home?
No, the difference between modular and manufactured homes is that modular homes are assembled in modules, or large sections. Once each section is completed, it’s transported to your property location and assembled on a foundation there.
Unlike manufactured ones, they don’t need to follow federal HUD regulations. Instead, construction of modular homes must adhere to local, state, and regional code requirements.
Another major difference between modular and manufactured homes is their ability to be relocated. Once modular homes are built, they cannot be moved.
Realizing your dream of homeownership is more possible than ever with prefab homes. Finding out which one is right for you is a matter of cost, location, and customization. Learn all about the basics of buying a home here.
Both manufactured and modular homes offer a variety of home design options, affordability, as well as safety, knowing federal, local, state, and regional construction codes must be followed.
Of course, buying a home is no small decision.
In addition to determining what kind of home suits your lifestyle and goals best, there are other factors to consider, including hiring reliable contractors to build and maintain your property and finding the right homeowners insurance.
[1] U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Accessed May 2021.
[2] Sears Archives, Accessed May 2021.
[3] U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Accessed May 2021.
[4] U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Accessed May 2021.
[5] How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Mobile Home?, Accessed May 2021
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