Bakersfield has been in a housing crisis for many decades. The situation is likely to worsen in the coming years. Two main reasons for California’s housing crisis are the lack of housing facilities and the economy’s growth. This leads to a large influx of residents each year, further increasing the housing supply. If you’re looking to buy an affordable home, you might be wondering what’s the difference between modular and manufactured homes. In this article, we will give you information on modular homes vs manufactured homes so you can buy the house that’s right for you.
What is Prefabricated Housing?
Prefabricated housing is also called prefab homes. It can refer to many different types of houses. Prefabricated construction means that a part or all of the house is built in a factory before being shipped to the site. This is the definition of prefabricated housing. Prefab housing can be divided into two types: manufactured homes and modular homes.
What are the Differences Between a Prefab Module Home and a Built-to-Order Home?
Prefab modular homes are manufactured in a factory and then assembled on-site. Modules and sections of the house are manufactured in a highly automated factory environment before being shipped to the site. These modules are made in a factory environment to create a complete house. Modular homes conform to the California Residence Code (CRC) and are treated as real property.
A manufactured home, also known as a mobile house in the past, can be built in a factory, but it is then wholly constructed before being shipped to the location. It can be transported on its chassis or frame and doesn’t need to be assembled at the home site. Manufactured homes are regulated under the Congressional Federal Construction Code, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
What are the Advantages of Prefab Housing?
Prefab housing has various benefits that have contributed to its popularity, particularly California’s modern prefab homes. Here are some benefits.
- Lower cost
- Prefab housing offers a low-cost alternative to traditional buildings, as we have already mentioned. Prefab homes have seen a 20% reduction in construction costs thanks to this innovative method. A variety of factors can explain the cost savings:
- Modules and sections can be built in controlled factories, reducing waste material and saving costs overall.
- Prefab homes are more accessible to build than traditional construction so you can reduce the need for interim financing.
- Prefab homes use less workforce because the factory handles different tasks more efficiently. The houses are also built using more standardized processes and can pass inspections easily.
- Prefabricated homes are quicker to build than traditional site-built homes. You can create the modular sections in as little as a week, which makes it much easier to move into your new house.
Which is Better: Modular or Manufactured?
Choosing the modular homes in Bakersfield, CA, or the correct type of prefab housing can be confusing. Below is a list to help you decide between a prefabricated or modular home.
- Budget: Although prefab homes tend to be cheaper than traditional home construction, it is still possible for the home’s cost to be higher depending on the home’s design. Modular homes tend to be more costly than manufactured homes. It would be best if you considered which option is best for you.
- Modular homes can be customized: Modular home technology has advanced significantly in recent years. You can now customize your modular home with many options. Manufactured homes only allow for a bit of customization. Modular homes might be better if you have an exact design in mind.
- Residents: A modular home allows for additional customization, such as the size. Manufactured homes are limited in scope and can only hold a small number of people. You should choose a modular home if you have a large family.
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FAQs
Manufactured homes, also known frequently as mobile homes or trailers, are factory-built homes that have been built to the HUD code standards. Unlike the construction process with modular and prefabricated homes, they must be transported on a trailer and can only be moved once in most cases.
What distinguishes a modular home from a manufactured home? ›
Their mobility aside, modular and manufactured homes have several key differences. 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.
What is the disadvantage of modular homes? ›
Of course, modular houses have their downsides. These include less customization capabilities than stick-built homes. The cost of the land and construction of the home may be higher than some people can afford, land restrictions, and perceive quality issues. Modular homes may also have more a complicated loan process.
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.
Is manufactured the same as prefab? ›
Modular and manufactured homes are both types of prefabricated, or “prefab,” homes. That means they're built indoors at a factory, then transported to the building site. But just because they both start out in a factory doesn't mean they're the same thing.
What is the difference between a modular and a doublewide? ›
The differences between a modular and double-wide home are therefore seen in the foundation. Unlike the steel frame trailer mostly used for the double-wide, a modular home will always be set onto a foundation. The construction is also done in sections and then moved onto the site of your choice.
How do you tell a manufactured home from a modular? ›
While modular homes are built on a removable chassis, manufactured homes are fixed to a permanent chassis, which helps guarantee its mobility if desired by the homeowner later on.
Are modular homes safe in storms? ›
Get Started Today. Overall, modular homes offer a great deal of protection from bad weather and natural disasters. They are built with strong materials and designed to be more resistant to extreme weather conditions than traditional stick-built homes.
What is the point of a modular home? ›
Modular homes are pre-built in a factory and then placed on a foundation. As a result, there are fewer delays due to bad weather and other unforeseen events. The materials used for construction are durable and can last a lifetime.
Why don't more people build modular homes? ›
Zoning and building code restrictions may limit where modular homes can be placed. Some people may perceive modular homes as having lower quality or being less durable than traditional homes.
According to Blackburn, manufactured homes will last 80 years or more, but that number is affected by the quality of building materials used. “It's not a question of the exterior — manufactured housing will last 80+ years like a site-built home — but the materials used inside the home will dictate its shelf-life.
Why do modular homes lose value? ›
The current state of the market influences the value of your modular home. In a seller's market, your home will often maintain its high value. However, if the market shifts to a buyer's market, your home may lose value as prospective buyers become less willing to pay your asking price.
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.
What is another name for modular homes? ›
If you're looking at information about off-site built housing, you'll probably see several terms used. Simply put, off-site built homes are constructed inside a facility and then transported to the home site for final assembly. You may also hear them called “prefabricated” or “prefab” homes.
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.
What is the difference between a kit home and a prefab home? ›
Kit homes are essentially mail-order houses and are a type of prefabricated (prefab) home. Kit houses are delivered in parts by a manufacturer and built on your property either by yourself or a hired contractor.
What are the pros and cons of owning a manufactured home? ›
The Pros and Cons of Buying a Manufactured Home
- Upside: Cost. The number one reason to consider a manufactured home is cost. ...
- Downside: Finding land to put it on. ...
- Upside: You can move them (sometimes) ...
- Downside: Tougher to finance. ...
- Upside: Energy efficiency. ...
- Downside: Limited choices.
Sectional homes sit on a steel frame, and can be moved on wheels if necessary. Standard exteriors include a 5/12 pitched roof, vinyl siding, shingles, and shutters. Modular homes sit on a wooden frame, and once set, cannot be moved.
