Many types of structures are built in the factory and designed for long-term residential use. In the case of manufactured and modular homes, units are built in a factory, transported to the site and installed. In panelized and pre-cut homes, essentially flat subassemblies (factory-built panels or factory-cut building materials) are transported to the site and assembled. The different types of factory-built housing can be summarized as follows:
Manufactured Homes: These are homes built entirely in the factory under a federal building code administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (commonly known as the HUD Code) went into effect June 15, 1976. Manufactured homes may be single- or multi-section and are transported to the site and installed. The federal standards regulate manufactured housing design and construction, strength and durability, transportability, fire resistance, energy efficiency and quality. The HUD Code also sets performance standards for the heating, plumbing, air conditioning, thermal and electrical systems. It is the only federally-regulated national building code. On-site additions, such as garages, decks and porches, often add to the attractiveness of manufactured homes and must be built to local, state or regional building codes.
Modular Homes: These factory-built homes are built to the state, local or regional code where the home will be located. Modules are transported to the site and installed.
Panelized Homes: These are factory-built homes in which panels - a whole wall with windows, doors, wiring and outside siding - are transported to the site and assembled. The homes must meet state or local building codes where they are sited.
Pre-Cut Homes: This is the name for factory-built housing in which building materials are factory-cut to design specifications, transported to the site and assembled. Pre-cut homes include kit, log and dome homes. These homes must meet local, state or regional building codes.
Mobile Homes: This is the term used for manufactured homes produced prior to June 15, 1976, when the HUD Code went into effect. By 1970, these homes were built to voluntary industry standards that were eventually enforced by 45 of the 48 contiguous states.
The Advantages of a Manufactured Home. Understand the Appeal!
Less Expensive
There are many variables involved in the price of manufactured homes. There are features, floor plans, and details that prevent a simple answer. The sales price for a new manufactured home ranges from under $20,000 for a single-section home with basic features to prices in excess of $100,000 for a deluxe multisection home. Depending on the region of the country, construction cost per square foot for a new manufactured home averages anywhere from 10 to 35 percent less than a comparable site-built home, excluding the cost of land.
Quality Control
There Are Major Benefits To Building Your Home In A Factory
- All aspects of the construction process are controlled.
- The weather doesn’t interfere with construction and cause delays.
- All technicians, craftsmen and assemblers are on the same team and
professionally supervised.
- Inventory is better controlled and materials are protected from theft and
weather-related damage.
- All construction materials, as well as interior features and appliances are
purchased in volume for additional savings.
- Cost of interim construction financing is significantly reduced or
eliminated.
- All aspects of construction are continually inspected by not one, but
several, inspectors.
Amenities
Today’s manufactured homes come with many "standard" features that you would find in a site-built home. Many floor plans are available that range from the basic models to more elaborate designs with living and dining rooms with vaulted ceilings, fully-equipped modern kitchens, comfortable bedrooms with walk-in closets, and bathrooms with recessed bathtubs and whirlpools.
You may also select from a variety of exterior designs, including metallic, vinyl, wood, or hardboard. You also may select such design features as a bay window, a gable front, or a pitched roof with shingles. Awnings, enclosures around the crawl space, patio covers, decks, and steps are also available at additional costs.
With many manufacturers now using the latest in computer-assisted design, you have the flexibility of selecting variations to the floor plans and decors, including the color and thickness of the carpeting. These options can include everything from the type of exterior siding materials to energy-efficiency features to kitchen appliance upgrades.