What is the difference between "Manufactured" and "Modular" homes?

There has been an enormous amount of confusion over the years about what these terms actually mean!

To the lending community, a Manufactured Home was built at a plant (factory) and shipped to the site, while a Modular Home was placed on a permanent foundation approved by local codes and FHA.

To the insurance industry, there is a very distinct difference. It is so confusing that two agents in the exact same office have had different interpretations as to what a Manufactured Home is.

To one agent, a Manufactured Home (H.U.D.) that is placed on a permanent and approved foundation is considered a Modular Home and would qualify for the premiums that are less that half those for the same home placed in a Mobile Home Park.

The other Agent, that sits right next to him, might require the home to be built to U.B.C./I.R.C. Codes to qualify for Home Owners Insurance instead of Mobile Home Insurance

Today, most manufacturers build to both H.U.D. and U.B.C / I.R.C. Codes. They aren't exactly mobile homes anymore.

What is the difference between a H.U.D., and a U.B.C. Home?

H.U.D. - Housing and Urban Development
U.B.C. - Uniform Building Code
I.R.C. - International Residential Code

H.U.D. Homes have a silver and red tag (about 2" x 4") at the end of the home and also have a steel frame as an integral part of the floor system

U.B.C. Homes must have a perimeter wall foundation and a steel frame is used for transport only to the site.

I.R.C. is the same as U.B.C. plus some additional requirements such as the requirement for gutters to be installed, etc.

Both code books are inches thick but many differences are noted below:

What is IRC?

IRC stands for International Residence Code. It has recently required manufacturers to make some changes to their U.B.C. Homes.

International Residence Code 2015

REQUIRED ITEMS

1. Load bearing walls (Sidewall and Marriage wall) will have double 2x top plate and one 2x bottom plate.
2. Window and door headers on exterior walls will have 2 x 6 placed vertically with blocking to match wall stud width.
3. Windows and doors on exterior walls will be framed with jack studs.
4. Attic access is required and must be 22" x 30" minimum with 30" unobstructed head room.
5. Electrical boxes with wing wall attachment and switches and receptacle with screw style wire connections are required.
6. All romex wire will be secured with non-metallic staples.
7. All tubs will have overflows.
8. Exterior receptacles will have a bubble cover that will close with a cord plugged in.
9. Electrical junction boxes with plain covers will be installed at front and rear of each home. With a fuse box on the kitchen side 4 boxes are required and if the kitchen is on the opposite side as the fuse box six boxes are required.
10. Use full slot (3/4") 120-volt breakers and 2 slot (1-1/2") 220-volt breakers. No double slot breakers allowed.
11. 200 amp long panel box (BRK4040B200PKW) will be used.
12. Kitchen counter top receptacles will be GFI protected and on alternating circuits.

Can we make changes to floor plans?

It's quite common for walls to be moved, added, or removed completely. An island that you like in one floor plan might be able to be put in a kitchen of another floorplan. Redman Homes / Champion / Commodore is very accommodating for our customers They will even build your plan that you have designed to their high standards and specifications. Substantial changes to an existing floor plan will take approximately 2 to 6 weeks for Engineering to provide the new floor plan. A complete redraw has engineering fees betweem $700 - $4,000.

Can you help us find land?

We try to keep current at our office in Cheyenne, a current list of subdivisions and land where Manufactured Homes can be placed in South-East Wyoming and Northern Colorado. Zillow and other sites, a local realtor is your best bet.

Will my Manufactured or Modular home depreciate?

Homes set in a Mobile Home Park will normally depreciate the first few years and then will maintain their value if taken care of.

If that same home were is put on a foundation, it will appreciate in value from the moment you sign your Purchase Agreement. Land/Home properties will go up or down depending on other real-estate values in a particular area. Again, if you take care of your home, it will be one of the best investments you will ever make.

How long after we order our home can we move in?

Today, your tape and textured home will usually be ready in 4 to 6 weeks from the time your foundation is ready. (Assuming utilities are not a problem.)

What are the standard features?

*Sommerset standards features vary slightly from above. HUD are also different.*