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FACTORY BUILT-HOME FAQs
Did you know that.
- 22 million Americans (about 8.0 Percent of the U.S. population) lived full-time in 10.0 million manufactured homes - in 2000.
- In 2001 the industry shipped 193,120 homes from 275 manufacturing facilities.
- Multi-sectional shipments outpaced single-section taking 74.7% of the total shipments.
- 88 percent of manufactured homeowners report satisfaction with the manufactured housing lifestyle
- All manufactured homes are built to the federal HUD Code, with each home going through a rigorous inspection process before being certified and sold. 2001 marked the 25th anniversary of the HUD Code.
- According to the 2001 Census - 67% of the new manufactured homes were located on private property, and 33% were located in communities.
- In 2001 the average sales price of a manufactured home was $48,800. Single-section homes average - $30,700 and multi-section average $55,100.
What is the difference between "modular" and "manufactured?"
Both homes are "made" in the controlled environment of a factory. A manufactured home, usually one story, is completely built and appointed in the factory and then transported in sections...usually or 1 or 2 sections to the community or private lot. In Pennsylvania all manufactured homes are sold by a licensed retailer. Once the home is delivered to its home site, it is then installed by a certified installer and the finishing work is completed on the home. A Manufactured home comes with a "seal of approval" from the Department of Housing and Urban Development therefore a manufactured home is frequently referred to as a HUD Code Home.
A modular home is constructed in components in the factory and then a specialized builder assembles these components and adds the desired appointments on the home owners private property. Modular homes can be one or two stories and meet state and local agency approval just the same as site built homes.
PMHA is proud to have both HUD Code Home manufacturers and Modular Manufacturers as our members. We would be pleased to discuss each type with you and hopefully lead you to making the choice that is best for you and your family.
Exactly what is the HUD code?
Simply put, the HUD code is a nationally recognized building code. When your home has the HUD code seal attached to its exterior then it meets the regional standards for roof load, wind resistance, thermal efficiency, safety and durability. Manufactured homes are the only homes....factory manufactured or site built....that meet the federal governments stringent regulations.
The HUD code became a federal law in 1976 and has two parts. One a construction standard and the second is regulatory part or stipulating who watches over to make sure the home is built right.
What is the difference between a single-section and a multi-section?
Each type offers the homeowner a myriad of architectural styles so don't limit yourself. The basic difference between the two types of homes is the size. A single-section is constructed to be 12 to 16 feet wide and up to 80 feet in length, providing over 1,000 square feet of livable space. Multi-section homes are usually two or more units joined together that can range from 24-32 feet in width and up to 70 feet in length; giving the homeowner up to 2,500 square feet in length. Today's homebuyer has a vast selection of styles and sizes for which to choose.
What can I afford?
When you visit a retail center you will see many different style homes as well as many different manufacturers. Take your time to decide what you want....and what you can live without. Then sit down with the licensed retail sales person. They plan financing for homeowners everyday, they can help you to decide what form of financing is the best for you and help you to find a home within your budget.
Where can my home be placed?
You have a number of possibilities for your homes location. First you can place your home on property that you own as long as the land is zoned for manufactured housing. You may also place your home in a community where you typically own the home and lease the land that the home sit on. Whichever option you choose, select an area of land that is suitable for a manufactured home.
Does the home sit on top of the ground?
A manufactured or modular home must be sited in accordance with the manufacturers designs. They can go on basements or crawl spaces - the choice is yours.
What about the resale value of my home?
The resale value is of course determined by your maintenance of the home, the landscaping done to set the house off, and the economy of the area in which you live when you want to sell the home. A manufactured home will be just as resellable as a site built home and will keep up with home appreciation value if it is maintained.
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