While many people refer to manufactured homes and mobile homes interchangeably, they are actually two different types of homes. They may be similar in nature, but there are some distinct differences between manufactured homes and mobile homes.

One main difference between manufactured homes and mobiles homes is the fact mobile homes are less stationary. They are meant to be transported successfully, often via a trailer hooked to an 18 wheel truck. Generally, the home is delivered from the manufacturer to the sales lot or to the home buyer’s lot. Many buyers utilize them for vacation home purposes because they can easily be moved from location to location.

Manufactured homes are similar to mobile homes but have more style options than were available even a few years ago. Among the important things for potential buyers to remember is that when manufactured homes are built in the factory they have a Federal building code (HUD code) to which they must conform instead of just the building codes that are in force at their destinations. Since many manufactured homes go initially to the sales lot, it is more advantageous to use a building code at the factory rather than attempting to adjust the code based on first the sales lot and then the lot where a buyer is going to place the home.

Manufactured homes are built on a steel chassis that isn’t removable with some sections transported on their own wheels to the site where the home will be placed. Sometimes the additional segments that are connected to the home aren’t placed on any type of permanent foundation that makes it difficult if the buyer wants to re-finance the loan or sell the home to another buyer. However, the truth that manufactured homes are cheaper than ordinary site built homes (or even modular homes) makes them attractive for retirees, newlyweds, and singles.

On the downside, both mobile homes and manufactured homes decrease in value rather than increase as site built homes do. This makes them an ideal choice for renting. However, those people who are unable to afford the closing costs of a site built home can choose manufactured housing that tends to have costs similar to those you would incur buying a new car.