Definitions
Many types
of structures are built in the factory and designed for long-term
residential use. In the case of manufactured and modular homes,
units are built in a factory, transported to the site and installed.
In panelized and pre-cut homes, essentially flat subassemblies
(factory-built panels or factory-cut building materials) are transported
to the site and assembled. The different types of factory-built
housing can be summarized as follows:
Manufactured
Homes
These are homes built entirely in the factory under a federal
building code administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD). The Federal Manufactured Home Construction
and Safety Standards (commonly known as the HUD Code) went into
effect June 15, 1976. Manufactured homes may be single- or multi-section
and are transported to the site and installed. The federal standards
regulate manufactured housing design and construction, strength
and durability, transportability, fire resistance, energy efficiency
and quality. The HUD Code also sets performance standards for
the heating, plumbing, air-conditioning, thermal and electrical
systems. It is the only federally regulated national building
code. On-site additions, such as garages, decks and porches, often
add to the attractiveness of manufactured homes and must be built
to local, state or regional building codes.
Modular
Homes
These factory-built homes are built to the state, local or regional
code where the home will be located. Modules are transported to
the site and installed.
Panelized
Homes
These are factory-built homes in which panels - a whole wall with
windows, doors, wiring and outside siding - are transported to
the site and assembled. The homes must meet state or local building
codes where they are sited.
Pre-Cut
Homes
This is the name for factory-built housing in which building materials
are factory-cut to design specifications, transported to the site
and assembled. Pre-cut homes include kit, log and dome homes.
These homes must meet local, state or regional building codes.
Mobile
Homes
This is the term used for factory-built homes produced prior to
June 15, 1976, when the HUD Code went into effect. By 1970, these
homes were built to voluntary industry standards that were eventually
enforced by 45 of the 48 contiguous states.
Manufactured
Home and Modular Manufacturers
Manufacturers of factory-built homes.
Manufactured
Home Retailers
Homes are sold through licensed, professional home retailers who
assists in the arrangement for financing, securing insurance,
has home installed on site and coordinating any warranty service
after move-in.
Manufactured
Home Communities
Private land developed as home sites for manufactured homes. In
Indiana, most sites are leased to the homeowner for a monthly
fee. Sometimes referred to as a residential land-lease community.
Many communities even provide amenities such as clubhouses, swimming
pools and playgrounds for their community residents.
Single-Section
Home
A manufactured home delivered to the site in one intact section.
Multi-Section
Home
A manufactured home delivered to the site in two or three sections.
Site-Built
Housing
Housing constructed at the home site, exposed to the elements,
but may consist of modulars of pre-assembled parts like trusses,
doors, windows and pre-cast basement wall panels.
