You may be looking into modular homes, but are not exactly sure what differentiates a modular from a stick built or a manufactured home. The short answer is that a modular home is a home that is primarily built in a factory in sections and then pieced together at the job site. That description leaves a lot of unanswered questions that someone considering building one needs answered. I will try to answer some of those questions now.

What is the difference between a modular home and a site built home?

A site built home is built at the job site to the local building code. Meaning, the walls are framed, floor joists set, etc. on location. A modular home is also built to the local building codes, but is built in a factory. When the sections are pieced together (usually with a crane) and permanently attached to the foundation, there is still work to be completed at the job site. This work includes finishing the shingle work where the sections meet, finishing the drywall where the sections meet, building decks or patios, hooking the plumbing from the house to the rough plumbing below the home, hooking up utilities and building a staircase to the basement.

One of the key things to remember when comparing these two methods of construction is that both are built to meet or exceed the local building code. The difference in quality between the two therefore rests on the quality of the builder, whether it is a traditional site built home or modular home builders.


What is the difference between a modular home and a manufactured home?

A manufactured home is built in a factory in sections like a modular home. The two major differences are that manufactured homes are built to the HUD building code and they are not permanently attached to the foundation. Simply put, homes built to the HUD code are not built to the same strength standards as homes built to the building codes which are most commonly used throughout the US. Unlike a modular home, manufactured homes can be moved at a later date. This is why they used to be called trailers or mobile homes. For this reason, they are classified as personal property and not real estate.

What are the benefits of a modular home?

1. Strength - Modular homes must be built strong to withstand transit and being lifted with a crane. Many modular homes have most structural wood attached together in 3 ways – glued, screwed and strapped. This goes beyond building codes, but is necessary for this type of home.

2. Cost - There is often a cost savings when comparing modular homes to site built homes. This savings is due to efficiency in materials usage inherent in building in a factory. Also, materials are bought in bulk which translates to a cost savings. When building a home indoors, there are no rain delays. By speeding up construction time, there is a cost savings in interest payments on the construction loan.

3. Fewer Contractors to Manage - This probably does not matter if you are not acting as the general contractor for your house. If you are, this makes the job much easier.

4. Speed of Construction - Not counting any backlog, all of the sections of a modular home can be built in two weeks. This speeds up the time of the entire project considerably.

To sum it up, modular homes are built in a unique manner and definitely have a number of benefits over the alternatives. The type of home that is best suited for you though depends on many variables - budget, building site, location, local regulations, just to name a few. Good luck choosing your new home!.  Tim Montey