Differences Between Modular, Manufactured, Panelized, and Precut Homes

With the media talking about the growth in factory built homes, many people are unaware of the variety of housing options that fall under the umbrella of factory assembled homes. If you are thinking of constructing or buying a new home, it is important to know precisely what type of home you are buying.

Often when people think of factory built homes, they think of mobile, or manufactured homes. The term mobile home is no longer used because of regulations that were put into place during the seventies by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Manufactured homes are built to the federal building code that HUD administers. Depending on the size, a manufactured home can in one or more parts. Normally shaped like large rectangles, a manufactured home is easy to identify.

Once a manufactured home appears on site, there is usually very little work to be completed. Manufactured homes often come with most systems already completed and much of the cosmetic work, such as paint and flooring. They have siding or some type of exterior finish already applied.

Overtime, the value of a manufactured home depreciates, or loses value. Manufactured homes also have finite expectancy of usefulness. Most manufactured homes are replaced within twenty years with some other type of construction or a newer model.

Modular homes are often confused with manufactured homes, but there are some very important differences. Modular homes are built in pieces, but they have no standard shape. Each modular home is composed of two or more modules. These modules arrive on site and must be assembled and finished by a licensed contractor. A foundation and site work must be completed prior to delivery. Modular homes increase in value over time, just like on site construction.