What is the difference  between Mobile, Manufactured, and Modular housing?

The answer has nothing to do with appearance, transportation systems, or how the home is installed. The real difference is in how the home is built.
If the home is built to HUD standards, it is a manufactured home. This  is the newer term for mobile homes. Some retailers call HUD-code homes doublewides, some call them sectionals. These, however, are not modular homes. The HUD code is a federal building code.
If the home is built to meet state or local building codes, it is a modular home. This means that modular homes have to meet the same requirements that a local site-built house would have to meet.  In general, modular homes are built to slightly higher standards than are HUD-code homes.

How are Modular homes better than site-built homes?

Modular homes are "Stick Built" in a factory using the same type of  materials as a "site builder". There are, however, many advantages to the modular building process which cannot be duplicated in the  site building process. A few of the advantages are outlined below:

• Environmentally Controlled Conditions. Modular homes are built in an environmentally controlled enclosed building and are never exposed to the weather.
• Assembled With Jigs. Key components of the home - the roof, floors and walls - are assembled on precise jigs. This provides for square tight fitting walls and components.
• Third Party Inspections. A strict quality  control process provides 100% assurance that your home has been inspected for  code compliance and workmanship - built to state and local codes.
• Energy Efficiency. Construction and design techniques provide excellent energy efficiency - this will save you money over  time with lower heating and cooling bills.
• Side Wall Construction. 2" x 6" exterior walls are standard and provide for better insulation(R19) and sound proofing than a stick builders typical 2" x 4" wall.
• OSB Sheathing. All modulars that Standard  Homes sells have a full OSB sheathing exterior which provides for a stronger  home. Many stick builders use OSB on the corners because this is where the strength is critical, but use a weaker material on the remaining exterior of the home (ie. blue board).

Can a Manufactured Home (Double-wide) be placed on a basement or crawl-space like a Modular Home?

Yes. Modular technology has made possible such advances as foundation-ready frame systems and inside basement entries, so that Manufactured  Homes can be placed on basements without the need for additional steel I-beams  to support the house.

For additional information on foundation-ready frame systems, please call or E-mail Standard Homes with your questions.

What about bank financing  for Modular and Manufactured Homes?

Modular and Manufactured Homes are just as easy to finance as site-built homes (and sometimes easier). Long term mortgage loans including  government-backed loans, and conventional financing are all available to  qualified buyers of Modular and Manufactured Homes.