Difference Between Manufactured Homes and Modular Homes
Under the United States standards, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development defines and supervises the construction of manufactured houses while the International Residential Code defines modular houses and stated and regional building standards oversees their regulation The following is the general difference between the two:• Manufactured Homes: These are prefabricated structures representing entire dwelling units. They are built on a permanently attached chassis and transported to the building site for installation. Once transported and installed, as well as after some furnishing, individuals and families can readily move in.
• Modular Homes: On the other hand, these are prefabricated building structures representing individual components or sections of houses built in factories. Examples include wall panels and interior dividers. They are transported in parts or modules and assembled on the building site.
Pros and Cons of Manufactured Homes and Modular Homes
Understanding further the difference between manufactured and modular homes might require appreciating and acknowledging their respective advantages and disadvantages.Advantages and Disadvantages of Manufactured Homes
• Pros: There are less costly to manufacture than site-built homes. They can be delivered to the building site within days and they do not take a lot of time to be installed. Furthermore, most models can be readily moved to another building site should owners wish to relocate their residence.
• Cons: A notable downside is that they might have higher upfront costs than on-site construction because of fewer financing options than site-built or modular configurations. Furthermore, when compared to modular houses, they are typically smaller, have limited customization and expansion options, are less durable or sturdy, and have lower energy efficiency. Some jurisdictions might prevent owners from moving and placing their manufactured houses on specific sites or zones.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Modular Homes
• Pros: Similar to manufactured houses, they are less costly than site-built homes. However, when compared to these manufactured houses, the key advantages of modular houses include having larger spaces and better options for customization and expansion, being more durable, and having a higher energy efficiency. Financial or lending institutions also place them under the same category as site-built homes, thus providing owners with financing options.
• Cons: They are not movable, unlike manufactured houses. Assembling them on building sites requires meeting the same local building codes as site-built homes. Construction time can also run for 8 to 14 weeks. Furthermore, customization and expansion options are limited when compared to traditional on-site construction.
