Recently we sold our home and are looking to build on some land we have. We are pleased in researching modulars however we were looking at a few model homes that were actually on the Clayton mobile home lot. The dealer states that these models are build to housing code and are considered modular. I am wondering if they are for real or are these model homes really just souped up double wides? (The floor plan was perfect for us and the home looked extremely well put together from what I and my husband could tell).And if no one knows, any ideas on how to find out?

Cynthia in Virginia

we have the same question..a manufactured home has a title, a modular doesn't....but by sight we can't tell the difference. is the construction different or the foundation set up...if you've found the difference please let me know...

Modular Homes are pre-constructed at the factory then shipped via truck trailer in sections (walls, roof trusses, etc., then unloaded and assembled on the site foundation. These are very similiar to stick built on the site.

Manufactured are assembled at the factory, fastened to a steel frame with wheels attached and "pulled" or towed to the site, usually in one, two or three sections. They are then set on the foundation after the wheels and tongue (hitch) are removed. The steel frame underneath is the key. They will have a title similiar to a car but can be surrendered to the county and taxed as real estate. Look for a HUD sticker or plaque and look for the steel frame. That's a manufactured home.

A title is required for a mobile or manufactured home since it is not on a permanent foundation. Where as a modular home is set on a foundation with a minimum of 18inch x 18 inch footings at least 36 inches below grade.

There are differences between modular and manuactured homes in many other aspects also.

I have been building homes for over 10 years. Stick homes built on site were where I started. 4 years ago I became involved with stick built modular homes. Please note that a stick built modular home is NOT a manufactured home. A stick built modular home is built using higher quality material than the typical custom site built home. My expert advice is to stay away from manufactured homes and only buy a modular home from a modular home supplier that builds thier homes by hand, using only the highest quality materials, in a controlled and enclosed environment.



There is a stigma associated with modular homes that is mostly based on confusion. The mobile home is NOT a stick built modular home.



When buying a modular home be certain of the following;

1)The builder is reputable and willing to answer all of your questions.

2)The home comes with a warranty.

3)The modular home building plant has been visited and verified by the experienced builder as being of the highest quality in workmanship.

4)The home will be crane set on a permanent foundation.





Please visit www.SupremeModular.com for all the information you will need before making your decision.



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