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Modular vs. Manufactured, What is the difference?

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Real Estate Appraiser with Appraisals Licence # Avail. on Req.

What is a manufactured home and how does it differ from a modular home?

A manufactured home (also known as a mobile home) is a single or multi-sectional home built on a permanent frame, like a steel undercarriage/chassis, with a removable transportation system (hitch and wheels). The unit is permanently attached to a site-built foundation and is subject to the 1976 federal standards established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

A modular home is constructed in a factory using conventional home floor joists and delivered to a site on a trailer or flat bed truck. The delivered home may be in the form of panels that are assembled at the site, may be pre-cut and assembled on site, or may be pre-built and delivered in one piece. The home, panels or pre-cut panels are lifted from the trailer and attached to a foundation. A modular home may be single or multi-storied. Modular homes are not subject to HUD standards, but must be built to state and local Uniform Building Codes.

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Comments(2)

Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA
Thank you for explaining this in this forum.  One of my pet peeves is people using the 3 terms interchangeably, which they are not. 
Nov 20, 2007 12:46 PM
Kimberly Grant
Exit Leon Crawford Realty - Huntsville, AL
Real Estate Agent - Huntsville Alabama

This is good information for everyone to know.  I really hate to see properties labeled incorrectly in the MLS.  I'm sure it is just as frustrating to consumers.

Nov 20, 2007 12:59 PM