FAQ
What are Manufactured Homes?
A manufactured home (aka mobile home) is a home built in accordance with federal building code set by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Manufactured homes are most often found within communities that were developed specifically for this type of housing. The videos below reveal the process of construction and installation for manufactured homes:
Mobile Home Construction: How Are Mobile Homes Built?
Because of a controlled environment and efficient assembly line process, mobile homes are able to be constructed quickly and at a relatively low cost. The first stage involves the builder ordering all necessary materials—usually in bulk.
Next, the steel frame is constructed, while will then support the flooring. The floor joists are installed, and then the floor is sheeted with plywood and screwed down. Sometimes, the floors are also glued to avoid squeaks.
The walls are then installed. Often, construction teams will build the walls in a separate area, and then attach the walls to the newly installed floor system. Once the walls are attached, the construction team will complete the wiring, plumbing, and ducting.
Then, the roof is attached to the new mobile home. The roof framework is first installed, then the plywood sheathing, tar paper, and shingles. Typically, construction teams consist of around twenty stations, where trained professionals focus on one specific task.
After the roof is installed, the sheetrock is added—followed by the kitchen cabinets and fixtures. Next, the windows and siding are installed.
After all the requested options, such as specific flooring and appliances, are installed, a walk-through is conducted to verify all expectations were met.
What is the Difference Between Mobile and Modular Homes?
Often, modular homes are viewed as being the same as, or extremely similar to, mobile homes; however, this myth doesn’t hold much accuracy. Modular homes are a magnet for misconceptions due to the fact that a great deal of the construction occurs in a factory.
The various sections (or modules) of a modular home are constructed in an enclosed environment, for the purpose of eliminating weather delays and mold/mildew concerns. The modules are then transported by truck to the home site. Once the modules are connected and construction is complete, the modular home is as permanent as a traditional, stick-built home.
Additionally, mobile homes are built to HUD code, while modular homes are built to an IRC standard—the same code used for stick-built construction. In a modular home, the parts are all standard, meaning if something breaks, you can find its replacement at Home Depot or Lowes. With a mobile home, replacement parts may be less convenient to locate.