FAQ

Are Mobile, Manufactured, and Modular homes legal for property?

The only legal Mobile homes are probably grandfathered in, otherwise for most areas they would be illegal. For all residential zoned properties, if it’s legal for site-built homes, it’s also legal for Manufactured and Modular homes. According to recent Sales Data 63% of Manufactured homes were located on property.

What is the difference between a Mobile home and Manufactured home?

Both are factory-built homes, however, the terms are often interchanged, causing confusion to the public. Mobile homes were discontinued in 1976 when the federal government under HUD regulated the new Manufactured home with a federal HUD building code. Both of these units are built on a dual I-beam chassis with removable axles/wheels/hitch for transport. Most often Manufactured homes arrive in multi-sectional units and are assembled on the house foundation.

…and a Modular home?

The Modular home built in a factory just like the Manufactured home, follows the standard site-built UBC-IRC building code. The Modular is transported on a flat-bed trailer, is craned and assembled onto the foundation. The Modular home once completed is considered no different than a site built home.

What is the HUD code and UBC-IRC building codes?

The HUD code established by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development in 1976 to standardize factory built housing (once in the form of the discontinued Mobile homes, which were more like glorified travel trailers). The HUD code is similar to the Uniform Building Code and the International Residential Code, which is the standard building code for site-built homes.

Do Manufactured and Modular homes hold their value?

Yes, in fact studies have shown that nearly all legal housing will retain and even appreciate in value, including Manufactured and Modular, similar to the site-built home market. Over 22 million Americans live in Manufactured homes accounting for over 6% of the total housing stock.

What are these ‘Tiny’ homes?

Tiny is the key word, because nearly all of these small homes are under 400 sq. ft., with some even only 150 sq. ft. These small floor plans generally are built on truck chassis frames, or Park models which are built on a dual I-beam chassis similar to Manufactured homes. Though they are mobile, they are not meant to be transported like a travel trailer. Tiny homes are custom made, whereas Park models are built in a factory.

Are ‘Tiny’ homes, or Park models legal for property?

Nearly all are regulated by each States’ recreational vehicle code, and Most States are very restrictive when it comes to placing Tiny homes on property. Often legal for seasonal housing (e.g. cabins in parks), or in lease communities (e.g. mobile home parks), you are advised to check with the local authorities for property.

What are Steel residential buildings?

This may well become the future of site-built housing. Steel buildings are structures assembled with a light gauge steel framing system, that includes wall and roof panels, trusses, and all the necessary hardware. Already introduced in commercial building projects, a head-to-head comparison with steel framing vs wood, steel shows major benefits in structural strength, ease of assembly, and significant cost savings. Check with your local authorities and consult with your dealer.