Custom Homes- Modular Construction
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Manufactured VS Modular....Continued!
Last month, we talked about some of the many differences between manufactured homes (a.k.a. mobile homes or trailers) and modular homes. When we started writing about it, we discovered there were so many key differences that it warranted two separate entries here on the Traba Homes blog
We discussed similarities between the two options (mainly that both are built in a factory) and how they differ in terms of building codes, value, appearance and inspection requirements. Here are a few more key points of differentiation:
•REFINANCING – Most manufactured homes aren’t placed on a permanent foundation. This makes them more difficult to refinance. Modular homes have a permanent foundation (and often a basement), making them as easy to refinance as a site-built home.
•RESTRICTIONS – Many communities have restrictions against manufactured housing while most communities allow modular homes. Those municipalities that still have restrictions on modular homes are often confused about the differences between the two housing options. (Don’t worry, the industry is working on clearing that up, too!)
•TRANSPORT – A manufactured home is built on a nonremovable steel chassis and transported to the home site on its own wheels. Modular homes are transported on a truck bed and placed on a solid foundation just like site-built home.
•CUSTOMIZATION – Manufactured homes typically arrive with interior options such as flooring, cabinetry, fixtures and appliances pre-installed. Modular homes allow homeowners to hire local contractors to install these options after the home arrives on-site or choose from a wide range of interior options to be installed while the modules are built.
•SIZE – Manufactured homes are typically smaller – often delivered in one to three pieces. Modular homes vary greatly in size and are often much larger than manufactured homes. Larger varieties, like a recent 3,300 square foot ranch style home built for one of the newest members of the Excel team, are delivered in as many as seven pieces – and sometimes more!
As you can see, modular homes and manufactured homes are actually very different, which makes it funny (sort of) that the two options are often confused. In reality, a modular home has more in common with a traditionally built home than it does with a manufactured home. The challenge for the modular home industry is getting more people to realize that fact.
We discussed similarities between the two options (mainly that both are built in a factory) and how they differ in terms of building codes, value, appearance and inspection requirements. Here are a few more key points of differentiation:
•REFINANCING – Most manufactured homes aren’t placed on a permanent foundation. This makes them more difficult to refinance. Modular homes have a permanent foundation (and often a basement), making them as easy to refinance as a site-built home.
•RESTRICTIONS – Many communities have restrictions against manufactured housing while most communities allow modular homes. Those municipalities that still have restrictions on modular homes are often confused about the differences between the two housing options. (Don’t worry, the industry is working on clearing that up, too!)
•TRANSPORT – A manufactured home is built on a nonremovable steel chassis and transported to the home site on its own wheels. Modular homes are transported on a truck bed and placed on a solid foundation just like site-built home.
•CUSTOMIZATION – Manufactured homes typically arrive with interior options such as flooring, cabinetry, fixtures and appliances pre-installed. Modular homes allow homeowners to hire local contractors to install these options after the home arrives on-site or choose from a wide range of interior options to be installed while the modules are built.
•SIZE – Manufactured homes are typically smaller – often delivered in one to three pieces. Modular homes vary greatly in size and are often much larger than manufactured homes. Larger varieties, like a recent 3,300 square foot ranch style home built for one of the newest members of the Excel team, are delivered in as many as seven pieces – and sometimes more!
As you can see, modular homes and manufactured homes are actually very different, which makes it funny (sort of) that the two options are often confused. In reality, a modular home has more in common with a traditionally built home than it does with a manufactured home. The challenge for the modular home industry is getting more people to realize that fact.
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