I started my housing career back in 1999 in the Manufactured Housing Industry based in the Lehigh Valley, Pa area..so I have extensive experience in this field and would like to share this knowledge with you. Hope it helps clarify things for the consumer as well as the Real Estate Agents Throughout the US.
What Are Modular Homes? They are NOT Mobile Homes!
- Modular homes are built in sections at a factory.
- Modular homes are built to conform to all state, local or regional building codes at their destinations.
- Sections are transported to the building site on truck beds, then joined together by local contractors.
- Local building inspectors check to make sure a modular home's structure meets requirements and that all finish work is done properly.
- Modular homes are sometimes less expensive per square foot than site built houses.
- A well-built modular home should have the same longevity as its site-built counterpart, increasing in value over time.
Additional Local Resources: Modular Construction Tour , Modular Home Consumer Guide
What Are Manufactured Homes? AKA Mobile Homes - BUT No longer Called Trailers!
- Formerly referred to as mobile homes or trailers, but with many more style options than in the past.
- Manufactured houses are built in a factory.
- They conform to a Federal building code, called the HUD code, rather than to building codes at their destinations.
- Manufactured homes are built on a non-removable steel chassis.
- Sections are transported to the building site on their own wheels.
- Multi-part manufactured units are joined at their destination.
- Segments are not always placed on a permanent foundation, making them more difficult to re-finance.
- Building inspectors check the work done locally (electric hook up, etc.) but are not required to approve the structure.
- Manufactured housing is generally less expensive than site built and modular homes.
- Manufactured homes sometimes decrease in value over time.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Industry Terms , Manufactured Home FAQ's , Wikipedia Link, Lease Land Financing Resource
I hope this information helps you!
Keep Watch on my Blog for more information on Manufactured/Mobile Home communities located in the Lehigh Valley, PA Area. I will be gathering a list of communites in both Lehigh & Northampton counties.
PLEASE REPORT TYPOS
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