FAQ: Manufactured Homes (as published, text only)

FAQ: What are pre-manufactured homes?

Someone asked me if real estate agents can help them find a manufactured home. We can assist if the home is on a foundation and “attached to land.” The land can be leased. It led to a lengthy discussion between the differences of these types of homes. Here’s a summary:

Generally, pre-manufactured homes (also called pre-fabricated homes, shortened to “pre-fab”) are built in a factory and transported to a home site.. The major 2 groups of pre-manufactured homes are manufactured homes and modular homes.

Manufactured homes used to be called mobile homes, prior to a 1976 HUD code under which they are now currently built. They are towed by truck, then the wheels and axles can be removed once at the home site. The transport frame is a permanent part of the structure. Initially marketed for mobility, but since the 1950s, they are marketed as inexpensive housing, kept at a home site for a long period of time, or even placed on a permanent foundation. Nowadays, they are generally kept at a site permanently once placed. When sold, they must be disclosed as a HUD-code manufactured home, but modern homes are nearly indistinguishable versus site-built homes.

Modular homes meet state building codes (which means they comply with the Uniform Building Code and/or the International Building Code), are transported by flatbed truck, and is moved by crane to a permanent foundation. It can also look very close to site-built homes.

Also to comparison’s sake:
Site-built homes are the traditional homes as we think of it, where builders ship lumber and other home components to the home site, where it is assembled. These days, there is more and more composite and pre-fabricated parts, like windows, roofing and walls, that are shipped to the site.

“Mobile homes” is the old name for manufactured homes. Those who make modular and site-built homes continue to use this term for manufactured homes, while manufactured home builders emphasize that mobile homes refer to RV homes that can be hooked by hitch to a personal vehicle. I think this is a major reason why all of these terms continue to be confusing.

Trailer: attaches to the rear of a vehicle by a hitch. Usually for moving boats and personal recreation vehicles. Includes house/travel trailers.

House/travel trailers: Recreational homes can be moved by an individual vehicle with a trailer hitch.

Do you have a real estate question that’s just wanting to be answered? Email me at changhomes@gmail.com. I’ll reply with a personalized answer, so no you don’t have to wait until the next issue!

A summary of this FAQ is found on my blog along with photos and links at http://changhomes1.blogspot.com.