The manufactured housing industry has grown with the times to meet the needs of the American public. In this evolution many new terms have developed and many old terms have become extinct. When you stop into see a retailer about a manufactured home here are some of the more common terms he/she may use. Factory-Built Home: Any dwelling that is built under ideal conditions in a controlled factory environment. They can be modular homes, HUD code homes, panelized homes or precut (kit) homes.

Manufactured Home - A factory-produced home with a permanent chassis that is constructed to the National Housing Construction and Safety Standards (HUD Code.)

HUD Code - A housing code that regulates the home's design and construction, strength and durability, transportability, fire resistance, energy efficiency and quality control. It also sets stringent performance standards for the heating, plumbing, air-conditioning, thermal and electrical systems.

Modular Home: A factory-produced home that is built in compliance with the state or local building codes. Manufactured in components that are then assembled at the site.

IRC - In Pennsylvania homes must be installed according to the International Residential Code.  Modular homes are built and installed in accordance with the IRC.  Manufactured homes are built in accordance with the HUD Code but the installation is in accordance with the IRC.

Multi-section Home - A manufactured home designed and constructed in two or more sections that are joined together at the site to form a single structure. Homes can be either 1,2,3 or even 4 sections. Can be anywhere from 1,615 sq. ft. to 2,400 sq. ft. A garage can be added later.

Single-section Home - A manufactured home that is constructed of one section. Over half of all new manufactured homes are single section, usually 16-feet wide. The average square footage is 1,125 sq. ft. Garages are often site built later.

Retailer - Licensed, professional seller of manufactured housing. Assists in arrangement for financing, and has home installed on home site and prepared for move-in.

Site-Built Housing - Housing constructed entirely at the home site.