Manufactured or HUD homes (sectional, double wides, & trailer homes) and modular or prefabricated homes are both rigorously inspected throughout the construction process in the factory and receive either a State or Federal “seal of approval” before leaving the factory. Both types, of housing, take advantage of climate controlled environment, precision built in fixtures, using all precut materials, and reduced set up time. Typical build time for a home is 10 – 14 days. The “HUD Code,” is a performance-based building code, which was established, in June 1976. In the early 1990’s this building code was revised to enhance energy efficiency and ventilation standards and to improve the wind resistance of manufactured homes in areas prone to hurricane-force winds. The federal building code allows for greater flexibility, in integrating the latest, in construction technologies, while still meeting the requirements, of the code. The federal code requires a home be built, on a steel chassis, that is an integral part of the home. In Minnesota, the Manufactured Home Building Code is a part, of the Minnesota State Building Code. The Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000 establishes a more timely and systematic approach to code updates and enhancements. Manufactured homes are predominantly single-story. These homes are delivered to the home site in one, two, three, or more sections. Flooring, cabinetry, fixtures, appliances, and plumbing have been installed at the factory making the home virtually ready and completed for immediate occupancy. If the home has multiple sections, the sections are joined at the site, with minimal finishing work completed by a licensed installer. For more information about manufactured homes, please visit our Manufactured Homes page.

Modular, or prefabricated homes, are built to State Building Code, which is also a part of the the IRC (International Residential Code). Modular does not mean pieces, but applies to a specific code section. Modular or prefabricated homes can be one or two-stories in height and are delivered to the home site in one or more sections. These homes are designed to be set on a crawlspace or basement. Most of the modular home’s interior work, is accomplished, at the factory. The final finishing work and most of the mechanical (plumbing & heating) is completed on site, like the site built home. The interior amenities installed, in a modular home, on site, are inspected by a local building official for code compliance. Modular or prefabricated homes can be split level, split entry, 1 ½ or 2 story, ramblers, or any format that can be manufactured in sections for easy delivery! They are shipped on a removable steel frame that does not stay permanently a part of the home. Most of the more expensive modular homes are available as custom built, and compete more cost effectively than site building. Modular homes are built, to withstand, rapid transportation. This requires advanced building process not used in site built homes. Visualize a site built home, being moved by a home mover, at less than 5 miles per hour, to prevent damage. Modular homes use approximately 20 to 30% more materials and exhibit substantially greater structural strength than site constructed homes. For more information regarding modular homes, please visit our Modular Homes page.

Home Comparison Chart