Differences between Manufactured Homes and Modular Homes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it Manufactured or Modular?
Manufactured and modular are terms often confused. Both are types of factory-built homes, but there are a few differences.

A manufactured home is built on a permanent chassis that can be used with or without a permanent foundation after connection to utilities. Manufactured homes are constructed entirely in a factory with federal standards enforced by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD regulates the home's design and construction, strength and durability, transportability, fire resistance, energy efficiency and quality control. It also sets tough performance standards for heating, plumbing, air-conditioning, thermal and electrical systems. The HUD code pre-empts local building codes relating to federal construction codes for manufactured homes.

Manufactured homes are predominantly single-story and are delivered to the home site in one, two or three sections. Flooring, cabinetry, fixtures, appliances and plumbing have been installed at the factory. If the home has multiple sections, the sections are joined at the site, with minimal finish work completed by an installer, such as the joining of carpet and the connection of utilities. A manufactured home may be placed on private property or in a manufactured home community. Manufactured housing also offers more space than before. Multi-section homes are available with floor space ranging from 1,200 square feet to over 2,400 square feet. With 5/12 pitched roofs, garages and landscaping, they are often hard to distinguish from site-built housing.

Modular homes are also factory built. They begin as components and are designed, engineered and assembled in a controlled, factory environment. The components are joined at the building site and the home is completed by a licensed builder. Modular homes must meet codes regulated by state and local agencies, the same way in which site-built homes are regulated. In Michigan, it is referred to as the Uniform Building Code, based on the International Building Code. Although retailers and builders may still refer to modular homes as being built to a "BOCA" Code, this in now an outdated term.

Modular homes can be one or two-story dwellings and are delivered to the home site in two or more sections, sometimes as the shell of a home. Part of the interior work is accomplished at the factory, but most of the interior and exterior finish work is completed by the builder at the home site. The interior amenities installed at the home site are governed by local codes. Modular homes are placed on private property.

How many phases are there to building a home?
There are three phases in building a home:
Phase 1: Financing (4-6 weeks)
- Concludes with your closing

Phase 2: Home and Foundation Construction (4-6 weeks)
- Your home is built at the factory
- The foundation is constructed on-site
- Concludes with the delivery and set of your home

Phase 3: Home finish (4-6 weeks)
- Electrical, plumbing & mechanical hookups completed
- Power & gas brought in and turned on
- Garages, porches and decks constructed
- Concludes when Certificate of Occupancy is issued, Hartland Homes receives final payment and you move into your beautiful new home!

What are some of the benefits of purchasing a factory built home?
- Controlled Building Environment (No costly weather delays)
- Less Waste Material (Savings for you!)
- Manufacturing Technology (Results in fewer mistakes and lower costs)
- Quality Control (In every aspect of the process including inspection of raw materials)
- Construction Time Period (Shorter construction time results in less interest charges and faster occupancy)
- Catalog of approved floorplans that can be modified (No architech required)
- Financing Costs (Quicker construction time results in fewer interest charges)

Will Hartland Homes help arrange the financing?
Yes, the helpful staff of Hartland Homes can help you arrange the financing for your new home or we can work with your bank. Credit applications are submitted free of charge. Hartland Homes has relationships with banks and mortgage companies that work with homeowners with a variety of credit scores, income and down payment levels. We can also help you improve your bruised credit.

Can I purchase homes directly from the factory?
No, homes are sold only through authorized builders. There are no direct factory to customer sales. Hartland Homes is knowledgeable about local building codes, and site preparation, can help assist you in floorplans and option selections, and provide all the necessary information for your purchase.

How much will my new home cost?
The total cost of each home is different because of site preparation cost, options, and site constructed amenities (garages, decks, porches, etc.). The staff of Hartland Homes will gladly put together a proposal for the home you want with your perfered options and the site work involved.

Does Hartland Homes charge for site visits?
No, site visits to your property by one of the qualified field staff are conducted free of charge. We can help you decide the best location for your home, talk about your different site work options, etc. A site visit is necessary to finalize the site work proposal to ensure that we understand every aspect of the project.

To view additional FAQ's regarding Crest Homes please visit the frequently asked questions section of the Crest Homes Web Site.

To request more information please contact us.