Building Codes
Built to the Federal Housing Urban Development (HUD) Code, which supercedes local and state codes.
Built to the International Residential Construction (IRC) Code, which is the same code as any site built home in the state.
Floor Plans & Designs
Some manufacturers offer hundreds of unique floor plans based on a single-level ranch design. The basic design can be enhanced with alternative roof pitches, dormers, porches, interior options, upgrades, etc. Customized floor plans are minimal, if even an option.
Manufacturers offer varying design styles, such as ranch, cape cod, chalet, log sided, and two story homes. Each home style can be enhanced by including custom features and additions. Modular homes are much more receptive to custom floor plans for both residential and commercial purposes.
Exterior Features
Standard exteriors include a 3/12 pitch roof, vinyl siding, shingles, and shutters. Sectional homes sit on a steel frame, and can be moved on wheels if necessary.
Standard exteriors include a 5/12 pitched roof, vinyl siding, shingles, and shutters. Modular homes sit on a wooden frame, and once set, cannot be moved.
Interior Features
Standard interior features include VOG (vinyl over gypsum) wall boards, cathedral ceilings, and window treatments. Enhancements can include finished drywall, 8 ft flat ceilings, fireplaces, as well as upgraded appliances, cabinets, and fixtures.
Standard interior features include finished drywall, 8 ft flat ceilings, and wood trim. Quality appliances, fixtures, cabinets, and window treatments are also commonplace.
Installation Choices
The steel frame permits installation on either piers or a block foundation (crawlspace or basement). This accommodates a variety of installation scenarios from private land to a rented community site. These homes cannot be placed on a cement slab.
The wooden frame requires the continuous support only obtainable from a block foundation (crawlspace or basement). Foundations are permanent and limit home installations to privately owned land. These homes cannot be placed on a cement slab.
Price
Sectional homes are priced less than both modular homes and site built homes.
Modular homes cost about 30% more than a manufactured home of the same comparison, but cost much less than a site built home.
Financing
A sectional home can be financed with an FHA Loan, VA Loan, Installment/Chattel Loan, or a Conventional Loan. For additional information on financing, talk to a local bank.
Modular homes cost about 30% more than a manufactured home of the same comparison, but cost much less than a site built home.
Time Frame
Sectional homes placed on private property, on average, have a 3-6 month time frame depending on the circumstances. Sectional homes going into a community/park, in most cases, could have a lesser time frame. The time frame would include obtaining financing, permits, factory production time, on-site preparations, delivery, and set up.
Modular homes placed on private property, on average, have a 6 month time frame, depending on the circumstances. This slightly longer time frame is due to the complexity of the available home types such as two stories, cape cods, chalets, etc. The time frame would include obtaining financing, permits, factory production time, on-site preparations, delivery, and set up.
Maintenance Cost
Sectional homes are built in a climate controlled factory using high quality materials and precise building techniques that are capable inside a factory. Sectionals are intentionally designed with additional insulation and other energy saving methods to reduce your maintenance costs.
Modular homes are built in a climate controlled factory using high quality materials and precise building techniques that are capable inside a factory. Modular homes are intentionally designed with additional insulation and other energy saving methods to reduce your maintenance costs.
Resell Value
A sectional home's value, if placed on a permanent foundation will adjust with the market. In good markets, a sectional home's value will appreciate, as would modular and site built homes. These homes can be improved or expanded on site to accommodate owners preferences and increase value.
Modular homes will also adjust with the market, and appreciate over time. Once they are completed, it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between a site built home and a modular home. These homes can be improved or expanded on site to accommodate owners preferences and increase value.
Green Building
Building a home in a factory environment is earth friendly. Prefabrication techniques reduce waste, offer energy-saving designs, and improve manufacturing and construction efficiencies.
Building a home in a factory environment is earth friendly. Prefabrication techniques reduce waste, offer energy-saving designs, and improve manufacturing and construction efficiencies.
Aliases
mobile homes manufactured homes sectional homes double wide homes trailers HUD code homes
modular homes factory built homes pre-built homes pre-engineered homes pre-fab homes MODs
