Manufactured homes, park models, and modular homes are all types of prefabricated housing, but they are very different in terms of construction standards, size, mobility, and end user. Here is a quick primer.
1. **Manufactured Homes:**
- Manufactured homes are built entirely in a factory and transported to the site where they are assembled.
- They are constructed according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) building codes, which set standards for design, construction, strength, durability, fire resistance, and energy efficiency.
- Manufactured homes are usually placed on private land or in designated manufactured home communities (also known as trailer parks).
- They come in a variety of sizes and styles and can range from single-section homes to larger multi-section homes.
- Manufactured homes are designed to be relatively mobile, but moving them can be costly and may require special permits.
2. **Park Models:**
- Park models are similar to manufactured homes but are typically smaller and built to different standards.
- They are designed to resemble a standard home but are smaller and usually have a lower roof pitch.
- Park models are not built to HUD standards; instead, they are built to the standards set by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA).
- They are often used as vacation homes or seasonal residences and are commonly found in RV parks or designated recreational vehicle communities.
3. **Modular Homes:**
- Modular homes are built in sections or modules in a factory and then transported to the building site, where they are assembled and placed on a permanent foundation.
- They are constructed to meet the same local building codes and standards as traditional stick-built homes.
- Modular homes can be customized to suit the homeowner’s preferences and can range from small, single-story structures to larger, multi-story homes.
- Once assembled on-site, modular homes are virtually indistinguishable from traditional site-built homes.
- They are considered permanent structures and typically appreciate in value over time like traditional homes.
In short, manufactured homes are built to HUD standards, park models are smaller and built to RVIA standards, and modular homes are constructed to local building codes and are nearly indistinguishable from traditional stick-built homes.
At Irontown we specialize in Park Model Homes and Modular Homes, check out our online catalog to see some of our options!