HOW CAN YOU SPOT A MODULAR HOME? - Cedar Knolls (2024)

Modular homes are more cost-effective than stick-built homes from design to construction and daily use. They’re energy efficient, and can be designed and built inmodern designs, and can also be classified as green homes. When you want to buy a modular home, you’ll see other prefabricated homes that may be called modular homes.

However, these manufactured homes don’t have the same features and benefits, and they’re not permanent structures. Also, true modular homes rest on a permanent foundation like stick-built homes. So, it’s important to know how to tell if it’s a modular home or not.

How to Identify a Modular Home

Each modular home should have a small identification tag called a “Factory Built Unit Certification.” This data plate shows that the building was constructed to meet the requirements of the U.S. Universal Building Code (UBC). Such tags are usually placed in different sections of the building, including:

  • Kitchen cabinets
  • Kitchen sinks
  • Bedroom closets
  • Electrical panel box

Modular homes can be differentiated from manufactured homes by checking for the presence of HUD ­— Department of Housing and Urban Development — tags. Manufactured homes use these HUD tags to show that they comply with the national building requirements. If they’re present, it means it’s a manufactured home and not a modular home.

Do All Modular Homes Look the Same?

Modular homes don’t all look the same. Just like site-built homes, there are virtually no design limitations. So, you can choose any style or design you like, from a colonial to a vacation home. The following designs are available at Westchester Modular Homes, and, if you don’t see your dream home on already our site, we can help you design and construct a custom-built modular home:

  • Colonials:Luxurious colonialsoffer you spacious interior designs with amazing creativity and privacy. These unique designs can be modified to fit your taste, and they’re available in two-story designs with different numbers of bedrooms.
  • Craftsman:Atraditional style homethat allows you to experience the classic architectural designs of the previous age. These homes have plenty of living space and amazing charm and elegance.
  • Ranches:Built in a distinct modular style, these buildings have special external treatments likefront farmer porches and reverse gables. Inside, you’ll see cathedral-style high ceilings, wet bars, master bar suites and inviting fireplaces.
  • Vacation:Thesepicturesque beach homesare built specially to withstand high winds and storms. Many have customizable designs that can be used to replace homes that were damaged by hurricanes and windstorms.
  • Multi-family apartments:We offer a wide variety of multi-family home designsincluding duplex, triplex, apartments and condos. These designs just serve as a starting point. We can work with you to design and build the exact type of modular unit you want.

Now that you know how to identify a modular home and the wide range of design options available, you’re in a good position to choose one that will satisfy your requirements. Take the next step andcontact us for a free consultationon the design and construction of modular homes.

HOW CAN YOU SPOT A MODULAR HOME? - Cedar Knolls (2024)

FAQs

HOW CAN YOU SPOT A MODULAR HOME? - Cedar Knolls? ›

Each modular home should have a small identification tag called a “Factory Built Unit Certification.” This data plate shows that the building was constructed to meet the requirements of the U.S. Universal Building Code (UBC).

How do you tell if it's a modular home? ›

If it is a metal frame, it is likely that metal is the old chassis of the home and it is a “manufactured home.” If the frame is wood and lines can be seen where the sections of the home join up (doubled up joists bolted together), then it is likely a “modular home.”

What is one way to determine if a home is modular construction? ›

Look in the crawl space to determine on-frame versus off-frame modular. An off-frame modular home has no steel frame underneath. Off-frame modular construction is not considered manufactured housing and must conform to all local building codes in the jurisdiction in which they are permanently located.

How to tell a modular home from a stick-built home? ›

Once completed, you cannot tell the difference between modular and site-builts. Appearance can be customized to the home owner's preference.

How do I find out the model of my manufactured home? ›

The mobile home model name can be located by using the following:
  1. Prior purchase/financing paperwork such as:
  2. Loan financing papers. Mobile home registration. Purchase receipts.
  3. Contacting the mobile home manufacturer.
Apr 20, 2017

How to tell the difference between manufactured and modular homes? ›

Modular homes are assembled on a site and anchored to a foundation, whereas a manufactured home is transported in one piece to a site and can be relocated. Because they can be moved, manufactured homes are considered chattel (personal property) — like a recreational vehicle.

What does a modular home data plate look like? ›

The manufacturer's data plate is an 8 1/2-inch by 11-inch sheet of paper, printed by the home's manufacturer, that contains important and helpful information about the home.

Which of these identifies a manufactured home and not a modular home? ›

While modular homes are built on a removable chassis, manufactured homes are fixed to permanent chassis, which helps guarantee its mobility if desired by the homeowner later on.

What is the difference between modular and non modular construction? ›

There is one major difference when comparing traditional vs modular construction. With modular construction, the majority of work occurs off-site inside a manufacturing facility. Alternatively, traditional construction projects require that all work be completed on-site from the ground up.

Do modular homes have HUD stickers? ›

Yes. California Health and Safety Code Section 18026‌ requires that manufactured homes in California either bear a HUD certification label or an HCD insignia prior to sale, rent, or lease. Violation of this law is considered a misdemeanor under California law.

How to tell if something is a manufactured home? ›

Construction on a manufactured home must comply with building codes set up by HUD. One of the primary ways to identify a manufactured home is by its HUD tag. Newer manufactured homes don't always look like the double-wide trailer you may be picturing.

Do modular homes have steel beams underneath? ›

On-frame modular homes have a permanent steel-beam chassis. Off-frame modular homes are lifted by a crane off the transportation carrier and placed on a foundation. Both can be placed on permanent foundations.

Does a modular home have a VIN number? ›

Your manufactured or mobile home VIN number is typically found: On the data plate inside your home. Marked on your mobile home's steel frame (stamped into the steel cross member where the hitch is attached to for each section of the home)

How do I find the model of my home? ›

If you know the original builder or architect of your home, you're already part way there and all you need to do is contact them to ask for the blueprint. If you're unsure of how to find the builder of a home, your local county clerk's office should be able to help you track them down.

What is a tag unit on a modular home? ›

MODULAR HOME - If the home is a modular built after 1971, it should have a tag called a "Factory Built Unit Certification" attached. This certifies that it has been built to the requirements of the Universal Building Code (UBC), which is the same requirement of stick-built homes.

What is the life expectancy of a modular home? ›

The short answer is that modular homes can last just as long as traditional site-built homes, if not longer. In fact, many modular homes come with warranties of up to 50 years. The key to a modular home's longevity lies in its construction process and the materials used.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Corie Satterfield

Last Updated:

Views: 6135

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (42 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Corie Satterfield

Birthday: 1992-08-19

Address: 850 Benjamin Bridge, Dickinsonchester, CO 68572-0542

Phone: +26813599986666

Job: Sales Manager

Hobby: Table tennis, Soapmaking, Flower arranging, amateur radio, Rock climbing, scrapbook, Horseback riding

Introduction: My name is Corie Satterfield, I am a fancy, perfect, spotless, quaint, fantastic, funny, lucky person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.