Modular Home vs. Manufactured/Mobile Home: What’s the Difference?
If you’re looking into building a new home, you’ve probably come across the terms modular home and manufactured/mobile home. While both are built in a factory, they are not the same type of home and are built under different construction standards.
Understanding the difference can help you know what to expect when it comes to building codes, installation, financing, and the contractors involved in your project.
What Is a Modular Home?
A modular home is built in sections inside a factory and then transported to the building site. Once the sections arrive, they are assembled together on the property and installed as a home.
Modular homes are built to meet the applicable state and local residential building codes for the area where the home will be located.
Because of the way they are constructed, modular homes look identical to traditional stick-built homes once completed. Depending on the manufacturer, homeowners can also have a variety of floor plans, layouts, finishes, and design options to choose from.
Did you know? Almost any house plan can be adapted into a modular home.
What Is a Manufactured/Mobile Home?
A manufactured home is also built in a factory, but it is constructed under different standards than a modular home.
Manufactured homes are built to the HUD Code, a federal construction standard specifically for manufactured homes. They are also constructed on a permanent chassis and are designed to be transported from the factory to the property.
You’ll often hear the terms “manufactured home” and “mobile home” used interchangeably. Technically, however, “mobile home” generally refers to factory-built homes manufactured before the federal HUD standards took effect in 1976.
Manufactured homes have different requirements for their construction, transportation, installation, foundation, and setup than modular homes.
So, What’s the Difference?
The biggest difference isn't simply that one is built in a factory and the other isn't. Both are factory-built homes. The major differences are the construction standards they follow, how they are built, and how they are installed on the property.
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Are built in sections inside a factory
Are constructed to meet applicable state and local residential building codes
Are transported to the property and assembled on-site
Are installed according to the requirements for the home and property
Can offer a wide range of layouts, finishes, and customization options
Look identical to a traditional site-built home once completed
All wood construction
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Are built in a factory under the federal HUD Code
Are transported to the property for installation
Follow different requirements for installation, foundations, and setup
Have different construction and regulatory requirements than modular homes
They look like a traditional ranch style home
Are constructed on a metal floor system (permanent chassis)
Why Does the Difference Matter?
Knowing which type of home you're considering can affect several parts of your project, including:
Building codes and permits
Foundation requirements
Site preparation
Transportation and installation
Financing
Project planning
Which contractors can work on the home
Understanding these differences early can help you have a clearer picture of what will be involved with your property and project.
What About a Stick-Built Home?
A stick-built home is constructed primarily on the building site rather than being built in sections inside a factory.
One of the biggest advantages of site-built construction is the flexibility it can offer when it comes to the home's design, layout, materials, and construction details. The home is built specifically around the property and the homeowner's goals.
For many homeowners, the decision comes down to comparing stick-built vs. modular construction, while manufactured/mobile homes are a separate category with different construction standards and requirements.
What Does Matthew 6 Construction Offer?
At Matthew 6 Construction, we primarily focus on custom stick-built homes, but we can also build modular homes through Dickinson Homes.
We do not build or work on manufactured/mobile homes.
If you're considering a modular home, we recommend reaching out directly to Dickinson Homes to learn more about their available home options and get started with the process. When you speak with them, be sure to mention Matthew 6 Construction as the builder you'd like to work with.
From there, we can work with Dickinson Homes and you as the builder throughout the construction process.
If you're looking for a custom home, our primary focus is stick-built construction, where we can work with you to create a home that fits your needs, property, and vision.
Planning a New Home in West Michigan?
There are a lot of options to consider when you're planning a new home, and understanding the differences between them is a good place to start.
Whether you're considering a modular or custom stick-built home, we're happy to talk through the construction process and help you understand what working with Matthew 6 Construction would look like.
