What is the difference between a modular home and a mobile home?
None of the answers you received specify the differencesI went thru the same thing, so here are the key differences: A manufactured home (mobile) is built to HUD codeA modular home is built to the IRC standard - which is the same standard a site built home is built toAll replacement parts in a modular are standard and therefore, all plumbing, electrical, seals, etc can be found at your local Home DepotYou will have to go to a special mobile home place to get parts for your mobile homeThere are 2 different types of modular homes - off frame and on frameOn frame is built on a steel frame just like a mobile homeIt will come to your house on wheels - they will take the axles offBecause it is a modular home and built to the IRC code just like a site built, your modular will be put on a permanent foundation systemMobile homes contain 2 x 3 pieces on the sideA modular home is built just like a site built with 2x4's everywhereIn some cases, you can and should upgrade to 2x6 lumber in your modularAlso, a modular home qualifies for conventional financing, just like a site builtA manufactured home does notAlso, a manufactured home will never qualify for a home equity loan but banks view modular homes like a site built and you will qualify for a home equity loanOff Frame modulars are the best modulars possibleThey will come to your home on a flat bed truck, with no axles on the home like the on frame modularsA crane has to be used to place the sections on the permanent foundationsAlso, do not underestimate the IRC codeIt is a stricter standard of workmanship and materials than the HUD codeOn frame modulars generally cost $10,000 more than a manufactured home, plus the cost of the permanent foundation, but you will have a home that competes with a sitebuilt and that financial institutions view as appreciating in valueThat is why they will finance modulars just like a site built and qualify for home equity loans in the future, should you need it.
