Modular and Manufactured Homes

Modular homes are constructed in factories in the form of modules. They are then taken to the site to be fixed and joined for use. Whereas manufactured homes are constructed as a unit in the factory, then, transported to the site for use. The manufactured homes have various advantages in terms of mobility and affordability, over modular homes.

Modular homes

A modular home is a home constructed in multiple sections in a factory in the form of modules. It is built to the same building codes, followed by conventional site-builders, and is transported to the new home site, where it is placed on a permanent foundation. Modular homes comprise of the manufacturer, builder, and installer. They play major roles in the process of manufacturing the modular homes. Modular homes arrive as block segments or modules and are neatly assembled, using cranes, into homes. These are almost indistinguishable when compared to the ones built on-site. Wind and rain do not cause construction delays or warp building materials.

Modular home Process

The Factory/ Manufacturer

Modular homes are built in a factory setting, where raw materials, design, and assembly personnel are brought together in a controlled environment to create the product. Construction within a factory eliminates the possibility of damage from weather and allows all materials to be assembled in a protected, climate-controlled environment.

The Builder/Seller

The modular manufacturer generally does not sell directly to the home buyer. Instead, home buyers purchase a modular home from a modular builder, who is responsible for working with the buyer to determine the type and design of home they want. The modular builder then orders the home from the manufacturer. The modular builder is not an agent of the manufacturer, but an independent business owner.

Customization

The home purchaser chooses the type and design that best suits their needs. Home purchasers are given a varied choice in style and size options. Modular homes are totally customized and no two houses are the same.

Construction and Plan Review

Before manufacturer constructs a house, all building plans are reviewed and approved. The construction plan must pass the strict structural standard.

Final Assembly

After the builder orders the home from the manufacturer, the builders are provided with specifications. The builders then build the foundation based on those specifications. After building its foundation, the house is taken to the site and installed.

Benefits of Modular Homes

Limited number of subcontractors
Inspection and regulation
Superior construction
Reduced construction time

Drawbacks of Modular Homes

Transporting costs high
High chances of damage to modular units
Chances of not meeting the building standard code

Manufactured homes

Manufactured homes, also known as factory-built homes, pre-cut homes, factory-made homes, and mobile homes are residences that are built in a factory and then transported to sites of use. Nearly every other component of the home is completed and only some of the finishing touches are given when they arrive on site.

Manufactured homes are relatively inexpensive, small, and are held to less stringent standards than modular and site-built homes. Their obvious advantages are their mobility and affordability, factors that allow buyers to make home purchases without a serious monetary or geographical commitment.

Benefits of Manufactured Homes

They are affordable
Factory built homes can be built on site within two days.
Less space to maintain and clean
Could have required amenities

Drawbacks of Manufactured Homes

Easily damaged by severe weather
Tend to lose value over time because they are difficult to expand or improve
Do not block the outside noises
Lacks important financial benefits

Despite their manufacturing process, modular homes are essentially the same as homes that are built on-site. They are treated the same under the law, and their basic structural features are almost indistinguishable from site-built homes, once assembled. Manufactured homes are relatively small and inexpensive. They are mobile residences that require a smaller commitment than is required by modular and site-built homes. It is important to understand the differences between these home types in order to reduce the influence of stigmas, misrepresentation and ignorance.