You have many options when deciding to build or buy a new house. There are those expensive yet high-quality homes. You also have affordable ones. If you want to talk about popular, cost-effective alternatives to homeownership today, go for modular and manufactured homes. 

Anyone who wants to know about these two types of homes should learn about their differences. In this article, we made a comparison between modular and manufactured homes. 

What is a Modular Home?

Similar to a traditional house, a modular home has a permanent foundation. However, some parts of the structure are built in a factory and shipped to the site where it would be fully constructed. Compliance with local building codes in the location where the house will be placed is a must if you choose a modular home. 

There are various sizes and shapes for modular homes. Most of the time, you cannot spot the difference between this type of home and a traditional house built from the ground up. The value of modular houses also fluctuates based on the housing market. 

As with the financing, buyers of modular homes have several options because most banks and lenders offer mortgages on this type of home. 

What is a Manufactured Home?

A manufactured home is constructed in a warehouse or factory according to the building standards of the Department of Housing and Urban Development of the United States. The parts or the whole of the structure are shipped to the area where it will be installed. A modular house can either be placed on a permanent or temporary foundation. 

There are three general floor plans for manufactured homes: 

• Single-wide. A house constructed in a long section. 

• Double-wide. A large house with two sections joined together. Newbie homebuyers typically prefer this floor plan of a modular home. 

• Triple-wide. This spacious floor plan comes with three sections. It is an option less common to most homebuyers. 

Modular Homes vs. Manufactured Homes: The Difference

Modular and manufactured homes are two affordable options for new homeowners compared to site-built houses. But when choosing between these two alternatives, you must know their key differences beforehand. 

Opting for a modular home is good if you dream of a site-built house but want to save money. Modular homes are pretty much the same as traditional houses built from the ground up. They both sit on a permanent foundation, and modular homes have similar aesthetics to site-built homes once they are installed. 

On the other hand, manufactured homes follow the building standards set forth by HUD in 1976. Its similarity to modular homes is their parts are built in factories. The HUD code primarily changed the term “mobile home” into “manufactured home” since the construction approach to this type of housing has been upgraded. 

Here is a comparison telling the differences between modular and manufactured homes:

Modular Homes

Foundation

• Permanent

Construction

• Multiple parts are made in the factory and assembled at the home site

Mobility

• No

Relative Customizability

• Higher

Building Code Requirements

• Regional, state, or local building codes

Financing Options

• Standard

Home Site

• Private property

Manufactured Homes

Foundation

• Steel chassis that can be affixed to land / can be permanent or temporary

Construction

• Factory-made parts and built-in sections

Mobility

• Yes

Relative Customizability

• Moderate

Building Code Requirements

• Federal HUD code

Financing Options

• Limited

Home Site

• Land lease or private property

Customization Options for Modular and Manufactured Homes

• Modular Homes. There were many upgrades to what we now know as modern modular homes since this type of home came into popularity. You can choose between a small to a two-story modular home. Floor plans also come in various sizes and shapes, and you have many options for custom features, such as a porch and a garage. 

• Manufactured Homes. Before, you only had single and double-wide floor plan options for manufactured homes. Today, you can choose from a variety of floor plans, architectural styles, and other features that will suit your preferences. Still, customization-wise, manufactured homes are not as customizable as modular houses. 

Compliance with Local Zoning Laws

Similar to traditional site-built houses, modular homes must follow local zoning laws, while manufactured homes are built in compliance with HUD building standards. But talking about zoning, local laws on land use may restrict where you can place a manufactured home. It also means the foundation for manufactured homes should follow local ordinances. 

A company that builds a manufactured home for a specific state should only sell it within that state. The company might violate building or zoning laws if the item is sold in another state, especially if the latter has different local ordinances. 

Endnote

Modular and manufactured homes are great cost-effective alternatives for homebuyers. But if you want a home that offers options for expansion and upgrades, you can opt for a modular home. It also increases in value over time, which makes it a better choice than a manufactured home.