Whats the difference between a modular home and a trailer

A number of people are unclear as to the difference between a Mobile Home, also known as a Manufactured Home, and a Modular Home… Here’s the answer!

Both mobile and modular are constructed in the same strict controlled factory environment and may look identical in many instances. When looking at the construction of the homes, they both utilize in most cases the same quality construction materials and craftsmanship. A manufactured home is built to comply with the National Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (HUD Code), whereas a modular home in Florida is built in accordance with the Florida State Building Codes. (DCA Code). Both types of homes are of superb quality and construction.

A manufactured home, many times referred to as a mobile home, is built in accordance with federal building code and guidelines set by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, better known as (HUD).

Manufactured homes can be found within communities that were specifically developed for this type of housing. However, in many parts of Florida, where in some area’s communities may be limited, you will find a large selection of building lots that are zoned for manufactured homes. A manufactured home can be designed and usually be ordered and ready in approximately 6-8 weeks. Additional time may be required for custom design work.

A modular home is still constructed in a factory controlled environment and is built in accordance with the Florida State Building Code, and is governed by The Department of Community Affairs or (DCA) the same building codes that govern a traditional site-built home. Modular homes present numerous advantages and can be constructed in many cases on any residential lot that is not deed restricted. Modular homes in many cases can qualify for the same conventional mortgage loans and insurance rates as site built homes.

Modular homes are constructed in a manufacturing facility and then transported to the home site. Our manufacturers use up to 15% more lumber in their modular construction which is typically more than a site-built home thus, adding structural integrity to the structure of the home. A Modular Home can be constructed and set in 2 different manors. One can be built and remain on the metal frame and the other will be installed on a permanent foundation. A permanent foundation is engineered and is like that of a crawl space. It can be constructed in one of two ways, by either masonry concrete block or poured in place concrete. Either is acceptable and provides superior structural integrity.

A modular home can usually be designed, ordered and ready in approximately 10 -12 weeks. Our manufacturers also offer two story Modular homes as well as stilt homes. Additional time may be required for custom design work.

On average a modular home will cost approximately 25% or 30% less than a conventional site built home. These cost savings stem from the advantages of factory built housing. Materials are purchased in bulk, rather than per home, thus the material cost run less. When a modular home is build inside a factory using assembly line construction methods there are no weather delays and this greatly reduces labor cost.

Factory modular build homes can be constructed in a much shorter time frame than a conventional site built home. After the engineering plans have been approved and the home is scheduled for production it only takes a couple of weeks for the home to be ready to deliver to the site location. Simultaneously, while the engineering and the home construction is taking place, the developer or home owner can be doing the site preparations. In comparison a conventional site built home could not begin until the site preparation is completed, adding to the time frame of completion. Additionally, a modular home is inspected numerous times during the factory production stage and is 80% complete when it arrives on site, reducing time delays for onsite inspections.

A modular home is constructed inside a factory controlled environment. The home and building materials are safely protected inside, not subject to rain and wind. Throughout the years site builders have struggled with effects of mother-nature; moisture saturated lumber, drywall, insulation, and doors. This can result in damaged building products such as warped lumber.

Modular homes normally increase in value over time. Once they are completed it hard to tell the difference between a conventionally built home and a modular home.

If the competition is manufactured homes vs. modular homes, do you know which is better? There are important differences between the two types of home that it pays to be aware of.

While both manufactured and modular homes are types of prefabricated homes, the two are distinct choices that shouldn’t be confused, so we’re bringing you all that you need to know about the differences between the two. We’ve called on experts, to help distinguish the difference between manufactured and modular homes so that you can make an informed decision.

Before weighing up the pros and cons between manufactured and modular homes, let’s define what we mean by both terms. As we mentioned, both manufactured homes and modular homes are types of prefabricated (prefab) homes. And what’s a prefab home? It’s one that’s manufactured in a factory. In other words, in advance away from the site where it is to be built.

Prefabricated homes fall into subtypes. What’s made in the factory can be modules for a modular home, sections for a manufactured home, or panels. These are shipped from the factory where they’re made to the site.

‘While modular homes and manufactured homes are constructed off-site, modular homes may be pieced together on site to form unique, eye-catching structures,’ explains Warren Byington of Backyard Brothers (opens in new tab). ‘They’re held to the same building codes as traditional houses. Manufactured homes arrive on site complete.’

What is better, a modular or manufactured home?

The bottom line of the manufactured homes vs. modular homes contest is the question of which is better.

To answer this, the first thing you need to know is that the two are subject to different regimes. Dawn Pfaff, founder of MH Authority (opens in new tab) explains: ‘The difference between modular and manufactured homes is the standard they are held to: manufactured homes are built to HUD (the Department of Housing and Urban Development) code, while modular homes are built to state code, which is generally more strict. 

As to the caliber of the two options, manufactured and modular, she adds: ‘Modular homes can be as high quality as site-built homes.’

Manufactured homes, however, are a different type of construction. ‘A manufactured home is more akin to a traditional mobile home,’ explains Deidre Woollard of Millionacres (opens in new tab). 

‘It is completely manufactured elsewhere and brought onto the site, sometimes as a complete unit, sometimes in multiple pieces. These can be placed on a traditional foundation or on an elevated platform and stairs, garages, and other features can be added on.’

As for how long it will take before you can move into your home? ‘Both can result in a home that's ready speedily, albeit manufactured homes are rather immediate,’ says Warren Byington.

Which is better for you will also depend on your budget. ‘Manufactured homes are often less expensive than traditional construction but they may not be allowed in all areas,’ says Woollard. 

‘Modular homes are generally more expensive to construct than manufactured homes although they are cheaper than traditional construction,’ she says. ‘One estimate is that manufactured homes cost around $40 to $50 per square foot whereas modular homes can start around that level but be as high as $100 per square foot or more.’

You’ll also find a difference between the two types of home in terms of financing your purchase. Standard financing options are available for modular homes, but those for manufactured homes are more limited, and government-backed loans are the most common route.

How can I tell the difference between a modular home and a manufactured home?

It should be clear that a home is a manufactured one by looking. However, the task of discerning whether a home is a modular one is far more difficult. 

‘A modular home is very similar to a traditionally constructed home,’ says Deidre Woollard. ‘Because of this it tends to be hard to spot. Manufactured homes are easier to spot because they generally have a fairly standard layout and configuration.’

However, manufactured homes can have their visual merits despite this. ‘While not about to grace a cover of an architectural magazine, manufactured homes’ appearances have come a long way over time with unique bells and whistles that mobile homes didn’t always offer,’ says Warren Byington. ‘From porches to awnings and bay windows, they can be visually appealing.’

Can a manufactured home become a modular home?

While they are both prefabricated homes, manufactured homes and modular homes are distinct from one another, and that isn’t something you can change.

‘Many modular homes in this era are modern and even sought-after for their unique style, customization, and potential to appreciate over time,’ says Warren Byington.

‘As a finished structure on a foundation that adheres to building codes, modular houses exist within the traditional housing market.

‘The factory-to-site speed of manufactured homes comes with a  big benefit: they are often very affordable. They are not synonymous with the traditional housing market as modular homes are, and some areas even restrict manufactured homes, whether in an effort to employ the strictest building codes used on “normal” and modular homes and/or to preserve a certain visual aesthetic in a community.’

Do manufactured homes lose value?

Wondering whether if you resolve the question of manufactured homes vs modular homes by opting for the former it will lose its value. 

‘Today’s manufactured home is of much higher quality than the manufactured homes/mobile homes of the past,’ says Deidre Woollard. ‘The Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates that manufactured homes can last from 30 to 55 years but many homes last longer than that.’

There is a caveat, however. ‘In general, manufactured homes are more likely to lose value over time although the increase in the quality of construction has made this less of a concern,’ she adds.

However, if circumstances permit, you may want to have more confidence, and because of the tendency of manufactured homes to lose value over time, Philip Ash, founder of Pro Paint Corner (opens in new tab) suggests: ‘If you’re thinking of your home as an investment, you might want to consider this fact when choosing between modular and manufactured homes.’

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