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.
Manufactured homes are mobile homes or trailers. They can be more easily transported as-is to a new location should the owner wish to move. Modular homes are constructed in factories and then transported in parts (or modules) to the building site. They are considered generally indistinguishable from homes built on site.
Comparison chart
Manufactured Homes versus Modular Homes comparison chart
(19 ratings) |
(47 ratings) | |
| Factory | Factory | |
| HUD Code | State and regional building standards | |
| Smaller | Typically larger | |
| Less durable | More durable | |
| Lower | Higher | |
| Yes | No | |
| A few days | 8-14 weeks | |
| Cheaper | More expensive |
Construction
Manufactured homes are constructed in parts in factories and transported to site on their own wheels, which are never removed. Because manufactured homes are not customizable, buyers can select from a range and receive their house within days.
Modular homes are constructed in factories under controlled conditions. The parts are then transported on flatbed trucks and assembled using cranes. They are highly customizable to the buyer’s needs and generally take 8 to 14 weeks to construct.
This video talks about the construction differences between manufactured and mobile homes:
Types
Manufactured homes can be single section – aka made of a single unit – or multi-section. Multi-section homes must be towed separately and joined together at any new living site.
Size
Manufactured homes are smaller than modular homes, as they are built on a chassis and are transportable. The average size of a new manufacturer home in 2010 was 1515 square feet.
Modular homes are typically the same size as site-built homes.
Price
On average, a manufactured home cost $62,800 in 2010, or $41.45 per square foot.
A modular home typically costs the same as a traditional site-built house, with cost varying depending on size and location.
Standards and Codes
Manufactured homes are built to meet the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (HUD Code). They must display a red certification label on the outside of every transportable section. This code requires them to be built on a permanent chassis.
Modular homes are built to the same building codes are regular, site-built homes.
An RV is a type of mobile home
Mobility
Manufactured homes are mobile, as they do not have a permanent foundation. Instead, they have a steel chassis which is never removed.
Once a modular home has been assembled, it is no longer moveable.
Durability
Modular homes are considered more durable than most other homes, as they are designed to survive transport and must meet stringent quality checks. A study by FEMA found that more modular homes survived Hurricane Andrew than other types of homes.
Pros and Cons
Manufactured homes are much cheaper than other types of homes and are easily transportable. They can be bought very quickly, but tend to be smaller than other types of homes and are less durable.
Modular homes are similar to site-built homes, except that they are quicker to build and considered more durable.
References
- Modular vs. Manufactured Homes - International Association of Certified Home Inspectors
- Manufactured Housing and Standards - Frequently Asked Questions - HUD.gov
- Cost & Size Comparisons: New Manufactured Homes and New Single-Family Site-Built Homes - U.S. Commerce Department's Census Bureau
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"Manufactured Homes vs Modular Homes." Diffen.com. Diffen LLC, n.d. Web. 11 Oct 2022. < >