Manufactured homes are homes put together in pieces in factories based on building codes put in place by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The homes are built in a factory, starting with a steel frame. The factory will then add layers of insulation, the flooring system and plumbing as well as the wooden floor frame. Once assembled in this controlled environment, it’s then transported to the home site and installed on a temporary or permanent foundation. Unlike stick-built homes, a manufactured home isn't exposed to the elements in the same way. The history of manufactured homes began prior to World War II, when they were used as temporary housing for workers, later used for affordable housing for soldiers. After World War II, the public began turning to manufactured homes for an affordable (and movable) option and adopted the term "mobile home."
On June 15, 1976, HUD regulations changed when Congress implemented the National Mobile Home Construction and Safety Act to ensure the safety and quality of manufactured homes. Manufactured housing sometimes comes with a stigma associated with the term "mobile home." However, after the passing of the act, the term shifted to "manufactured" homes instead of "mobile" homes. It is no longer common practice to use the term "mobile home."
HUD’s manufacturing and safety standards require that manufactured homes contain a certification label or HUD Tag, which ensures that it meets body and frame requirements, thermal protection, plumbing, electrical, fire safety and other HUD code standards. It will usually fit three general floor plans: single-wide, double-wide or triple-wide.
What Is The Difference Between Modular And Manufactured Homes?
You may have heard about modular homes as well. Modular homes and manufactured housing are prefabricated structures, meaning both prefab homes are factory-made.
However, a modular home is partially constructed in a factory, not fully built in a controlled setting. Modular homes must meet local building codes and standards (as opposed to HUD standards) and may look just like traditional stick-built homes. You can also choose from a wider variety of floor plans than manufactured homes.
Like traditional stick-built homes, modular home values may fluctuate within the regular housing market.
