Differences between Mobile, Manufactured, and Modular Homes
There are three different types of this dwelling. They are mobile, manufactured, and modular homes. What are their differences, and what are the pros and cons of each?
Before we examine each type of home and answer those questions, there is one distinction to be made: The HUD (Housing and Urban Development) declared that a home built in a factory on or before June 15, 1976, was to be designated as a mobile home, whereas a home built in a factory after that date would be considered a manufactured home.
What’s the difference? The difference is that a home on a chassis built before June 15, 1976, was unregulated. In other words, it did not follow any legal specifications. A mobile home made after that date must follow a particular set of rules in its design to ensure durability and be safe for its inhabitants.
The third type of home is a modular home or modular house.
Now, let’s look at each.
- Mobile or Manufactured Homes (Mobile Homes)
- What are mobile homes?
Mobile homes are built in factories on steel frames with wheels and axles for easy transportation. In other words, these are homes on wheels!
- What are manufactured homes?
A manufactured home is also built in a factory. It does not have wheels or a chassis but can be placed on a plot of land using a flatbed truck and towed by professionals.
- What is a modular home?
Unlike mobile and manufactured homes, a complete modular home is not built in a factory, but its components are. Once done, it is anchored to a foundation. This means it cannot easily be moved.
- What are the pros and cons of each type of home? Let’s find out!
- Mobile or Manufactured Homes
| Pros | Cons |
| Both this type of homes are more affordable than traditional homes to purchase. | Unlike traditional homes, they will depreciate. |
| They are less expensive to maintain. | They are difficult to re-sell. |
| Since June 15, 1976, they are required to be environmentally friendly. | Because they are considered personal property vs. “real property”, getting a loan for one is much more difficult than one built normally. |
| These homes are quickly manufactured in a factory. | As mass-produced homes, there is little one can do to change their design and layout. |
| Your real estate taxes are lower if placed on land you own. | There is a negative social stigma attached to them. |
Additionally, most of these homes can be found in mobile home parks. That means you will have to pay rent to the owner/s of that park, an additional monthly cost.
Fun Fact: Today, these homes are made to be more resistant to hurricanes and tornadoes than ever in the past.
- Modular or “Prefabricated” Homes
| Pros | Cons |
| Not considered a manufactured home because it is treated just like a regular house and must abide by local building codes.. | Finding land with the right zoning that allows you to place your home there. |
| Less expensive than a regular home. | The added cost of land could be prohibitive. |
| They take less time to build. | Errors are only evident post-delivery. |
| Portability. Once constructed, these homes can be moved from the factory to its designated location. | There is a potential for damage while in transport. |
| Re-selling is easier than mobile/manufactured homes depending on location. | Perceived to be of lower quality by society. |
| Just like a normal home, appreciation value increases over time. | There is little flexibility regarding customization and upgrades. |
Modular homes are thought of as green buildings.
Fun Fact: A modular home can be built in crawl spaces and basements!
- How much do these homes cost, and what additional charges can one expect when purchasing?
The cost of one of these homes varies depending on size and the state where you purchase.
- A single-wide home has just one section, is between 14 and 56 feet, and can be as large as 18 and 80 feet. Prices range between $60,000 and 490,000. A single-wide home is about 784 to 1,440 square feet.
- A double-wide home has two sections. Its size ranges from 24 by 56 feet up to 32 by 76 feet and is between 1,344 and 2,432 square feet. This type of home will run you between $120,000 and $160,000.
- A triple-wide home has three sections. It can range from 36 by 56 feet to 45 by 66 feet for between 2,016 and 2,970 square feet. This size home will cost between $200,000 and $250,000.
Additional charges will include the cost of transport for all these homes.
Fun Fact: The sections are delivered separately and constructed at the home site.
- Why would someone want to live in a mobile, manufactured, or modular home?
The answer to this question varies depending on your finances, personal preferences, and/or needs.
- These homes are budget-friendly compared to a traditionally built home.
- They offer flexibility depending on your lifestyle. For example, you tire of the scenery around you or need to relocate for work or any other reason like taking care of a family member in another location. Or there may be health reasons like a preferred climate. In such cases, these homes offer the stability of maintaining your home comforts.
- Upgrades are affordable. At some point down the line, you may want to re-design your home.
- You have a variety of options to choose from concerning design.
Whatever your reasons for purchasing a prefabricated or modular home are personal. With housing prices rising daily, this is a reasonable option for many retirees and possibly military families who do not want to live on base.
Happy home life to you!
