Housing

Innovations in the world of prefab home design have continued to push the boundaries on what can be done. Unique ideas in home construction are offering alternative ways of living in terms of efficiency, sustainability, and affordability.

Modular Home or Manufactured Home?

Similarities:

Manufactured and modular homes typically cost less than regular wooden homes.
Modular or manufactured homes are built under controlled conditions and strict quality control standards in a factory.
Factory-built homes can be erected onsite in 1-2 days, as opposed to 3-6 months for a site-built home.

Differences:

Yes, they are different products. The key difference between modular and manufactured homes is permanence.
Modular homes are placed on a permanent foundation.
Manufactured homes are built on a steel chassis with wheels attached. This is so they can be moved or towed. The wheels are usually removed and the manufactured home exteriors are finished to attempt to match the look of traditional homes.

Manufactured homes often face special residential zoning restrictions which can limit their placement.

Manufactured homes have a lower resale value.

Manufactured homes are often a little harder to finance and generally decrease in home equity value.

Modular homes have a much better resale value than manufactured homes.

The home equity of a well-built modular home will continue to grow in value over time. Upgrades can also be added like sun rooms, gas fireplaces, porches, garages, etc.

Modular homes are typically larger than manufactured homes – they have full kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms, washer and dryer hookups. Many even have fireplaces and dishwashers.

MYCHAVICO is a modular manufacturing firm that is an affordable alternative to manufactured homes.

Our housing and building products are a high quality, customized and affordable solution to the standard fare offered in the manufactured home market.

Our customized design combines modular components that can be supplemented with DIY finishes.

Questions about your next housing project?

Call or Contact Us today to discuss how our experts can build your next development.

PreFab Portfolio

Manufactured homes are constructed with a permanent chassis designed for transport to the home site in one or more sections following the National Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1976. Compliance to this act is monitored by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This is why manufactured homes are sometimes called HUD-Code homes. Prior to this act, the common term for this form of housing was a mobile home.

HUD regulates all aspects of the home’s design and construction, including strength, durability, fire resistance, energy efficiency and quality control. HUD also sets high performance standards for the heating, plumbing, air-conditioning, thermal and electrical systems.

Manufactured homes have traditionally been well-received in rural areas and on private land with little land use restrictions or in lease communities. Today, many high cost-of-living markets are finding manufactured homes a great alternative to in affordable housing.

Modular home construction follows many of the same codes as a site-built home. Manufacturers follow building codes mandated by local government and state requirements in which the home will be situated. These codes include the National Electrical Code, the International Residential Code and the Uniform Building Code. The modular home is built, then transported via a carrier. Once the home arrives at its destination, the home is transferred onto a foundation.

Modular homes are very customizable and built to stringent standards, making them very energy efficient. Modular homes are almost indistinguishable from traditional custom homes.