If you have ever heard these terms and wondered what the difference was, this should explain it so that you can better make a decision about what is important to you, or to sound like an expert yourself.
Mobile Home is an older term that shouldn't really be used anymore. In 1976 the Federal Government passed the National HUD code, which required manufacturers to meet a certain set of standards for safety, durability, energy efficiency and quality. Therefore the term "Mobile Home" should only apply to homes built before 1975.
Manufactured Home is the term that us used to describe HUD code homes built after 1976. These homes are built to the specifications of the National HUD code which supersedes all local building codes. They are built on a frame and remain on the frame during installation. They are typically installed on a concrete slab.
Modern manufactured homes are often constructed of the same materials, techniques and standards of site built homes, such as 2" x 6", 16" O.C. walls, higher insulation values, residential fixtures, Drywall etc.
Manufactured homes will typically be installed in a more or less move in ready, plug and play state that includes appliances, furnaces, bathroom fixtures.
Manufactured homes may be built as single, or multi section.
Modular homes are built to the same specifications as site built, and built to the requirements of the local building codes where the home is being installed. They are constructed in an indoor facility and installed on the home site. They will come off of the frame during installation and are typically constructed on a crawlspace or a basement foundation.
There are a few advantages of a modular home when compared to a site-built home. Due to the methods of construction used, the modular home will often be quicker, more cost effective to build. Also since they are built indoors they are not exposed to weather during the construction process.
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