Manufactured V. Modular
First, let’s talk about what manufactured and modular houses have in common. Both are constructed in a factory in several parts and then assembled on site. 90% of the construction of a home can be completed within a factory. This takes weather and other outside elements out of the equation for a much smoother construction process. It is also much quicker and less expensive to prefabricate. Labor costs are saved as well since less time is spent on the project. However, don’t let the word “prefabricate” fool you: These homes are just as custom-made as any traditionally-built home. The only difference is the location.
The main difference between the term of manufactured and modular home is the structure of the home in question. While both manufactured and modular homes are prefabricated in a factory, manufactured homes are more thought of as “mobile” homes. These homes are built with a permanent wheeled chassis for the option of mobility. Many people hesitate to have a manufactured home built due to the stigma of trailer parks and mobile home communities, but they are a decent option for people who rely on the ability to travel.
Those who do not require home mobility are much better served by going with modular construction. Since they do not need to be transportable (once assembled on-site), there is a much bigger range of options to homeowners. The biggest differences to be noted are size and style. While manufactured houses are usually small and rectangular to be easily towed, modular houses can be virtually any shape or size that you want. Two-story houses, ranches, and even Cape Cods can be built in the modular fashion.
Modular construction accounts for around 3% of homes in the U.S. including metropolitan areas. It is no accident that this number is steadily increasing every year. As modular houses age, their respective homeowners are experiencing little to none of the expected problems that come with a new home. People are beginning to understand how prefabricated homes benefit their lives and the future of their home. The difference between the term of manufactured and modular home is subtle but important. Keep in mind that with a modular home, the homeowner is getting the added benefit of a truly beautiful home that can be assembled on a typical suburban street. If the dream is to live in a custom home among permanent neighbors, modular construction is the way to go.
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