When considering constructing a new home, you may be faced with a decision if you choose not to build a conventional home on your site: modular or manufactured? While traditional site-built homes are still the most popular way to build a new house, technology and manufacturing processes have finally caught up in the modular home front making modular homes a comparable and formidable option for new buyers.
But that still leaves us with the question: What’s the difference? Let’s find out!
Overview of Modular Homes
Modular homes are very similar to traditional on-site stick-built homes, but are manufactured in factories that may be hundreds of miles or even continents (in the case of Antarctic construction) away from their intended build sites. Modular homes are constructed using the same materials as stick-built homes but are manufactured in controlled environments generally through an assembly line process.
Modulars are constructed in sections, known as modules, which allow for a variety of different floor plans, sizes, stories, and materials while keeping efficiency both at the plant and the job site maximized. Once the modules are completed at the factory, they are shipped to their designated location and put together on-site by a local contractor.
Despite being 60%-90% completed at the factory, therefore requiring less labor at the final location, modular homes must conform to the final destination’s local building codes. This ensures that you and your contractor won’t get a surprise when the local building inspector shows up to approve your structure!
Overview of Manufactured Homes
Manufactured homes, formerly known as mobile homes or trailers, are constructed and built completely within a factory then transported to their final destination. Unlike modular homes, manufactured homes are not required to meet more stringent local building codes but are required to meet Federal Housing and Urban Development Codes for their application.
Manufactured homes, generally speaking, cost far less than stick-built or modular homes and are generally restricted by local municipalities as to where they can be placed. Most cities only allow manufactured homes to be placed in certain designated locations and may need to be inspected by a local building inspector once tied into the main utilities grids.
Special preventative maintenance and some planning are also required when purchasing a manufactured home. These structures have generous space underneath and should be sealed on the outside to prevent pests and weather from damaging pipes and ductwork.
Financing Modular and Manufactured Homes
Getting financing for these types of homes can sometimes be challenging since they don’t exactly meet the status quo when it comes to construction. While the construction of these structures compares to or even exceeds the standards set forth by local building codes, lack of understanding from municipalities and lenders can make getting the right funding a bit of a challenge.
Fortunately, Tidewater Mortgage Services deals with all types of homes from manufactured ones to on-site stick-built buildings. Call one of Tidewater’s experienced loan officers today to talk about your options for the financing you need. Call now and get pre-qualified today!
