Ludlow Engineering and Land Survey

How Modular Homes and Manufactured Homes Differ

Facts About Modular, Manufactured & Site Built Homes

When you are buying a home, you might hear the terms modular homes, manufactured homes and site built homes. It’s important to understand how they all differ, no matter whether you are purchasing an existing house or plan to build on land that is subject to restrictions. The differences can affect a home’s price and its resale value, and even dictate whether or not it can be built on your land.

What Are Site Built Homes?

• They are constructed entirely at the building site.
• They conform to all state, local or regional codes where the house is located.
• Often called ‘stick-built’ houses.
• A well-built, cared for site-built home generally increases in value over time, although its location plays a key role in value.

What Are Modular Homes?

• Modular homes are built in sections at a factory.
• Modular homes are built to conform to all state, local or regional building codes at their destinations.
• Sections are transported to the building site on truck beds, then joined together by local contractors.
• Local building inspectors check to make sure a modular home’s structure meets requirements and that all finish work is done properly.
• Modular homes are sometimes less expensive per square foot than site built houses.
• A well-built modular home should have the same longevity as its site-built counterpart, increasing in value over time.Read More Facts About Modular homes

What Are Manufactured Homes?

• Formerly referred to as mobile homes or trailers, but with many more style options than in the past.
• Manufactured houses are built in a factory.
• They conform to a Federal building code, called the HUD code, rather than to building codes at their destinations.
• Manufactured homes are built on a non-removable steel chassis.
• Sections are transported to the building site on their own wheels.
• Multi-part manufactured units are joined at their destination.
• Segments are not always placed on a permanent foundation, making them more difficult to re-finance.
• Building inspectors check the work done locally (electric hook up, etc.) but are not required to approve the structure.
• Manufactured housing is generally less expensive than site built and modular homes.
• Manufactured homes sometimes decrease in value over time.Read More Facts About Manufactured homes

What Do the Differences Mean to You?

Restrictive Covenants and Deed Restrictions

• Communities generally have no restrictions against traditional, site built homes. Many housing developments do set minimum size requirements and stipulate you must build a house that conforms to published [link url=http://homebuying.about.com/cs/deedrestrictions/a/restrictions.htm]restrictive covenants[/lik] or be approved by an architectural review committee.
• Most developments allow modular homes. Some do not, but in those cases the restrictions seem to have been imposed because of an ongoing confusion about the differences between modular homes and manufactured homes.
• Restrictive covenants and deed restrictions often exclude manufactured homes.

Investigate the deed restrictions thoroughly before purchasing land for any type of ne

FHA Foundation Certification – Utah

Ludlow Engineering performs FHA inspections on modular homes throughout the State of Utah.

Call today for your estimate.

HUD-FHA-VA Loan Requirements For Manufactured Homes – Permanent Foundations and Gaining Compliance

How can I gain compliance with the HUD/FHA requirements for my manufactured home permanent foundation?

According to federal regulations, in order to meet the requirements for a manufactured home permanent foundation you must comply with the Permanent Foundations Guide for Manufactured Housing, (HUD-7584), dated September 1996.

ALL foundation certifications for manufactured homes require an inspection to determine compliance.

At a minimum, there are several compliance issues that must be met; these are:

A permanent skirting around the perimeter.
Permanent piers to support the structure.
Anchorage to resist loads caused by wind and earthquake forces.
And others…

A professional engineer in the state where the house is located must certify that the foundation is in compliance, or non-compliant. Each M.H. is site specific, and loan specific; so there is not cookbook scenario. Each M.H. must be evaluated separately.

So, you probably say, “Why is a professional licensed engineer required for a foundation certification?”. I’m glad you asked.

Foundation systems are a complex engineering design process. In order to safeguard, life, health and property, to promote the public welfare, and to establish and maintain a high standard of integrity and practice, a professional licensed engineer is required.

An experienced engineer that is familiar with the manufactured home industry can evaluate the M.H. and determine whether the foundation is in compliance to HUD standards. However, every engineer does not necessarily have the experience to properly evaluate the site and determine its standing with HUD. It takes a knowledge of the HUD code book (which most engineers are not even aware of) and a keen knowledge of the manufactured housing building industry.

A particular manufactured (mobile) home could be in compliance as-is. However, you can’t necessarily make that determination until an on-site inspection is completed. It is a wise to remember that before you start trying to retrofit an existing M.H. to bring it up to HUD’s Permanent Foundation Standards, you need to hire an experienced Engineer familiar with M.H. foundation certifications from day one. It can save a lot of time, and money.

Dr. David Blumenthal, National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, Department of Health and Human Services
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