What is the difference between a Manufactured Home and a Modular Home?

California law distinguishes between Manufactured and Modular Homes by the building codes to which Manufactured Homes and Modular Homes must comply. Manufactured Homes are built in a factory and must comply with the National Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, a uniform code administered and enforced by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Modular Homes or Factory-Built Homes are constructed to comply with California’s various Uniform Building Codes (UBC) and as of January 2008, the International Residential Code (IRC).  Both Manufactured and Modular Homes have the following characteristics:

1. Built in a factory;
2. Built in sections;
3. Transported to your home site in sections; &
4. Joined together at the home site.

A Manufactured Homes has the following characteristics:

1. Built to comply with to a Federal building code, called the HUD code;
2. Built on a non-removal steel chassis;
3. Manufactured Homes have more floor plans and factories available than Modular Homes;
4. Manufactured Homes have more flexibility to make alterations and changes to a floor plan than Modular Homes;
5. Placed on non-permanent or permanent foundations;
6. Delivered to parks (manufactured home communities) or private property (land/home); &
7. About 95% of all factory homes constructed in California in 2006 were Manufactured Homes (California Manufactured Housing Institute’s “Outlook 2007”).

A Modular Home has the following characteristics:

1. Built to comply with state and local building codes, UBC, and IRC;
2. Built “On-Frame” and/or “Off-Frame;”
3. Modular Homes typically have more financing options available than Manufactured Homes;
4. Modular Homes have fewer floor plans “approved” for the state of California than Manufactured Homes;
5. Modular Homes are limited to changes that are available to alter “approved” floor plans versus Manufactured Homes;
6. Delivered to private property and placed on a permanent foundation; &
7. About 5% of all factory constructed homes in California in 2006 were Modular Homes (California Manufactured Housing Institute’s “Outlook 2007”).

What types of architectural styles are available for Manufactured and Modular Homes?

Manufactured and Modular Homes come in a wide variety of architectural styles, with features such as: cement fiber and stucco siding; tile roofs or composition shingles; and a choice of different window sizes and shapes. Homebuyers also have their choice of a wide variety of floor plans, amenities, options and upgrades. Interiors can feature spacious living rooms with vaulted ceilings, kitchens with breakfast nooks, formal dining rooms, and master suites with walk- in closets.

Where can we place a Manufactured Home?

In 1982, state law mandated that Manufactured Homes be allowed in any lot zoned for residential use. There are also manufactured housing communities (parks) throughout San Diego.

Where can I place a Modular Home?

Modular Homes can be placed on any lot zoned for residential use.

Can place a manufactured or a modular home on my property as secondary dwelling, guesthouse, or “granny flat?”

Yes, you can in many circumstances.  Oftentimes customers interchange second dwelling, guesthouse, granny flat, etc., but actually the San Diego County and/or your respective city all define these types of dwellings differently. IDEAL can help you on the differences.   First, we want to check the zoning of the property, your set backs, your waste and water situation, and delivery accessibility.  Call us to discuss this popular housing option in detail.

How much are Manufactured and Modular Homes per square foot?

What are factory options?

Factory options are any item that are not standard features in a manufactured and/or modular home that interests you.  Typically, amenities such as fireplaces, sprinkler systems, sky lights, mirrored wardrobe doors, upgraded appliances, upgraded carpet styles, tile or corian on kitchen counter tops, etc. are factory options.

Do the Manufactured Homes come with a warranty?

Yes! There is a one-year manufacturers warranty on parts and labor on all Manufactured Homes. In addition, many of the components of the Manufactured Homes have their own warranties, for example the shingles, windows, and appliances have separate warranties. Also, Silvercrest has a 7-year warranty called “The Silvershield.”

Do Modular Homes come with a warranty?

The warranty depends on the manufacturer of the modular home.  In fact, some factories do not provide a warranty.  Ask us for more details.

Is financing available for Manufactured and Modular Homes?

Yes, financing is available for both manufactured and/or modular homes.  Manufactured Homes have private property Land/Home packages and loans for homes in Manufactured Home Communities (parks). Modular homes have packages available for private property.  See our Financing Information Page and talk to one of our agents today.

What is a Land/Home package?

A Land/Home package consists of financing the land (if necessary), the Manufactured or Modular Home, and construction costs into a loan.  The loan could consist of a construction and “take out” loan or just the “take out” loan.  Contact Ideal today for more details.

Do I have to own land before I can buy a Manufactured Home?

No, you do not have to already own the land. You can purchase property and the Manufactured or Modular Home at the same time. However, if you do already own land, it could make the process easier.

Why should I buy a home from Ideal Manufactured Homes?

How do I get started?

If you are in the area, visit our sales center to see our display models. Otherwise, simply click on the “Contact Us” button, fill out our guest book completely, and we will assist you in the best way possible.