Know the Differences Before You Buy a Home

When you are buying a home, you will hear the terms site built, modular home, and manufactured home. It's important to know the differences between these three types of structures, whether you are purchasing an existing home, or plan to build on a vacant lot that is subject to zoning or restrictive covenants.

Site Built Homes

Built from the ground up; built entirely at the home site.

Conforms to all state, local or regional codes where the home is located.

Often called a 'stick-built' home.
Modular Homes

Modular homes are built in modules at a factory.

Modulars are built to conform to all state, local or regional building codes at their destinations.

Modules are transported to the home site on truck beds, then joined.

Modular homes are sometimes less expensive per square foot than site built homes.
Manufactured Homes

Formerly referred to as mobile homes.

Manufactured homes are built in a factory.

These homes conform to a Federal building code, called the HUD code, rather than to building codes at their destinations.

Homes are built on a non-removable steel chassis.

Sections are transported to the home site on their own wheels.

Manufactured housing is generally less expensive than site built and modular homes.
What Do the Differences Mean to You?

Restrictive Covenants and Deed Restrictions

Some developments do set minimum size requirements, and stipulate you must build a home that conforms to the guidelines of an Architectural Review Committee.

Most developments allow modular homes. I have found a few that don't, but in those cases the restrictions were imposed because of an ongoing confusion between the definitions of modular and manufactured housing.

Restrictive covenants and deed restrictions sometimes exclude manufactured homes. Investigate restrictions thoroughly before purchasing land for a manufactured home.