Mobile Homes Vs. Manufactured Homes….What is the Difference?

As the newest member of the team at Detray’s Custom Housing in Puyallup, Washington, I am frequently asked what the difference is between our homes (manufactured homes) and mobile homes. Knowing that the Detray Team is always about offering the highest level of information and professional advice, I set out to make sure I understood the facts. Here is what I have learned.
History
As early as the 1920’s, mobile homes were being pulled by automobiles (back then there were even blurred lines between travel trailers and mobile homes!) Mobile homes were often created as simple sleeping areas without plumbing and bathrooms. In the 1940’s, bathrooms were introduced and the size of mobile homes grew to the point that folks began to use them as retreats and vacation homes. Important point….Prior to 1946 there were no construction standards for mobile homes! After World War II, returning veterans were looking for affordable housing and turned to mobile homes. In June, 1946, the federal government stepped up their involvement in the mobile home industry and enacted the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Act. Mobile homes were then required to be built under the regulations of HUD (Housing and Urban Development).
Here’s the key! What’s the difference between a mobile home and a manufactured home? It’s all in the date! According to HUD, a factory-built home prior to June 15, 1976 is a mobile home and one built after June 15, 1976 is a manufactured home. Here are some common traits of manufactured homes:
* • Usually built in a factory and taken to the property where they are set up
* • May be built on metal frame for transportation purposes.
* • Customization by builders produce Manufactured Homes to your specifications.
Modern Day
Many of today’s manufactured homes are being built to standards that rival high-end, site-built homes. Yes, there are still manufactured home builders that have kept “one toe in the old-school pond”; however, the modern, educated consumer is demanding that a high-quality manufactured home be placed on their land or in a park. I believe this trend is good for the industry and that the savings achieved for home buyers by manufacturers producing these beautiful homes inside a dry and level factory will continue to deliver construction and, therefore, financial advantages to the consumer.
Today’s modern homes are built with 2×6 construction, Quartz or Granite countertops, Ceramic Tile Backsplashes, Laminate Floors, Low e Glass Windows, Energy Star Ratings, 30-year Lap Siding, Architectural Shingles, Beautiful Wood Cabinets, and much, much, more!
Conclusion:
If you want a custom home built with high-quality interiors and exteriors, featuring the finest materials available; and, you want to purchase that custom home at a significant savings over a site-built home, consider buying a modern, manufactured home!
For more information on materials, floor plans and other information, contact me: [email protected] or go to Detray’s Custom Housing website.