Buying a home is often one of the most important decisions of your life and finding a home that meets your needs and fulfills your dreams is worth the search.

And if you’re choosing between a modular home and a manufactured home?

Then, Trailhead Cabins has created the perfect resource for you!

In this blog we’re going to look at the definition of modular homes and manufactured homes, compare them in a number of key areas, and finally discuss why modular homes are usually the better choice.

Let’s dive in!

Definitions

First, some definitions.

What is a modular home? A modular home is a home that is partially constructed in a factory and is shipped to the homeowner’s lot where it is completed on a permanent foundation. A modular home must comply with local building codes and standards in its final destination.

Manufactured homes, known as mobile homes before 1980, are, by contrast, built entirely in a factory before being transported to the site. Manufactured homes are constructed according to the HUD Code, a set of federal standards that focus on ensuring the durability, safety, and energy efficiency of manufactured homes.

Modular Homes and Manufactured Homes – Head to Head

To help you decide which one is best for your situation, let’s compare modular homes and manufactured homes in a number of key areas.

1. Construction and Design

Modular Homes

Modular homes are constructed in sections, or "modules," in a factory setting. Each module is built to conform to the building codes of its intended destination. This assures that, once assembled on-site, the modular home meets the same standards as a traditional site-built home. The modular construction process involves:

• Factory Production: Since modules are built in a controlled factory setting, consistent quality of materials and procedures can be assured.
• Transportation and Assembly: After production, modules are transported to the home site and assembled on a permanent foundation. At Trailhead Cabins, the assembly process typically takes just a few days, significantly less time than traditional home building.
• Customization: Modular homes offer considerable design flexibility. Home buyers can choose from various layouts, finishes, and styles. This allows you to customize your modular home almost as completely as a traditional stick-built home.

Manufactured Homes

Manufactured homes, also known as mobile homes, are built entirely in a factory before being transported to the site. As we said, they are constructed according to the HUD Code. Key aspects include:

• Factory Production: Entirely pre-built in a factory, manufactured homes are designed primarily to be efficiently produced and transported. This makes them less like a traditional stick-built home and more like an RV, etc.
• Transportation and Setup: Manufactured homes are transported in one or more sections and typically placed on a temporary foundation or metal frame instead of a permanent foundation. This setup often involves less time on-site compared to modular homes, but is less secure and stable.
• Design Limitations: While manufactured homes can be customized with pre-designed models and features, the range of options is generally small and there is little opportunity to make changes to the layout and structure.

2. Cost and Value

Modular Homes

• Cost Efficiency: Since modular homes can take advantage of some of the efficiencies of factory production, they are often more affordable than traditional site-built homes. However, they are usually more expensive than manufactured homes due to their higher quality.
• Appreciation: Since Modular homes are usually placed on a permanent foundation and are built to local building codes, they appreciate in value similarly to traditional homes. If you are concerned about long-term investment, modular homes are hands-down the best choice.

Manufactured Homes

• Upfront Cost: Manufactured homes generally have a lower initial cost compared to modular homes. The streamlined production process, less stringent regulations, and less durable materials contribute to this decrease.
• Value Appreciation: Here is the real bite with manufactured homes. Manufactured homes may not appreciate in value as much as modular or traditional homes. This is partly due to their different construction standards and often temporary foundations. Additionally, they may be classified as personal property rather than real estate, which can negatively impact their resale value.

3. Customization and Aesthetics

Modular Homes

• Style and Feature Customization: Modular homes in general, and Trailhead Cabin homes in particular, offer extensive customization options. At Trailhead Cabins, buyers can choose from a range of architectural styles (Trailhead Cabins: Laramie, Rancher, Homesteader, Cherokee), floor plans, and interior finishes.
• Size Customization: Trailhead Cabins also offers their modular homes in sizes ranging from single-wide to double-wide to triple-wide. We can even add options such as the addition of a second story and dormer windows.
• Aesthetic Variety: Because modular homes can be customized extensively and are built as normal homes, they can often closely resemble traditional, site-built homes in appearance and style.

Flexibility such as this allows for the creation of a home that meets specific personal tastes and functional needs.

Manufactured Homes

• Design Constraints: Customization options for manufactured homes are generally more limited than they are for modular homes. Manufactured homes come in standard sizes and designs, and while there are some choices for interior finishes and features, significant changes to the structure and outside dimensions are seldom possible. Two-story options, for example, are seldom (if ever) offered.

Manufactured homes come in 3 general outside dimensions:

1. Single-wide: A manufactured home built as one long section.
2. Double-wide: Two manufactured sections joined to make a larger home. This model is popular with first-time buyers.
3. Triple-wide: A less common manufactured model with three sections joined together for a larger, more spacious home.

• Standard Appearance: Manufactured homes in the usual price range usually have a more standardized, less personalized appearance. Although they are not usually aesthetically disagreeable, they may not offer the same variety or unique exterior design features as modular homes. In other words, a manufactured home will probably look exactly like … a manufactured home!

Upgrading to higher-end, custom manufactured home can give you a personalized appearance, but this simply puts you into the same price range as a modular home without changing the other issues such as lack of value appreciation, etc.

4. Foundation and Structural Considerations

Modular Homes

• Permanent Foundations: Modular homes are typically placed on permanent foundations, such as basements or crawl spaces. These permanent setups that integrate the modular home effectively into its surroundings provide both a more normal stick-built appearance and a more stable foundation.
• Structural Integrity: The use of a permanent foundation and adherence to local building codes generally ensures that modular homes offer greater structural integrity and durability.

Manufactured Homes

• Temporary Foundations: Manufactured homes are often placed on less permanent foundations, such as metal piers and then strapped down to the concrete. This setup can affect the home's stability and integration with the site. In high-wind situations or hurricane regions, manufactured homes are at the greatest risk.
• Foundation Upgrades: Again, it is possible to upgrade a manufactured home to a permanent foundation, but this requires additional investment and modifications, which might not always be cost-effective, since this eliminates the cost advantage of a manufactured home.

5. Financing and Insurance

Modular Homes

• Financing: Modular homes hold the advantage of being classified similarly to traditional homes when it comes to financing. Modular homes are considered real estate, making it easier to obtain a mortgage with favorable terms.
• Insurance: Insurance for modular homes is typically straightforward, similar to that for traditional homes. Standard homeowner's insurance policies can generally cover modular homes without significant adjustments.

Manufactured Homes

• Financing: Securing a mortgage for a manufactured home can be more complex. Manufactured homes are usually classified as personal property rather than real estate, changing the types of loans available as well as impacting the terms. Manufactured homes have the added downside of usually sitting on rented land. This makes it even more unlikely that lenders will want to finance them.
• Insurance: Insurance for manufactured homes can be more expensive and less comprehensive. Special insurance policies may be required since manufactured homes are more susceptible to high winds and other severe weather incidents due to their less stable foundations.

One concluding area to consider is longevity. Although manufactured homes are usually quite durable under normal weather conditions, modular homes will usually outlast manufactured homes. This is due to both superior construction materials and adherence to a stick-built building code.

Check Out the Modular Homes at Trailhead Cabins Today!

Modular Homes From Trailhead Cabins

At Trailhead Cabins, we want our Modular Homes to meet your housing needs.

Our Modular Homes are manufactured at our plant, shipped to your site in sections, and craned onto your foundation. They are then fastened to the foundation, just like a regular house, and designed to withstand winds of up to 115 MPH and snow loads per applicable codes. These homes go through a rigorous inspection process. They must be approved by our licensed engineer, a third-party reviewer, and then the state of their destination

Building a home can look like a large, daunting project, but it doesn't need to be this way. Choose from our popular and proven floor plans, color combos, and interior themes to create your custom home, and we will handle the rest for you.

Here are some common questions that Trailhead Cabins customers ask about our modular homes. Check them out and see if any of them are applicable to your situation and questions.

Q: Is delivery and setup included?
A: Yes, Trailhead Cabins provides the delivery and setup free on all sites located within 75 miles of Hopkinsville, KY. For outside of that range, delivery and setup fees may apply. Please ask your sales representative for a quote.

Q: Are the foundations included with Trailhead Cabins?
A: No, the foundations are not included, but we offer that service for our clients and can provide you a price for your foundation, to help you avoid the hassle of hiring another contractor. If the foundations are located farther than 100 miles from us, it might save you money to find a local contractor. If you hire your own contractor, we will provide you with the drawings and specs they will need to build the foundation.

Q: How does Trailhead Cabins deliver and set up their homes?
A: The Modular Homes are transported with a semi-tractor on a large trailer. Once we arrive to your site, we use heavy equipment to maneuver the sections to be craned onto the foundation. Depending on the situation, we may opt to roll the Home onto the foundation.

Q: Does Trailhead Cabins build garages?
A: While garages are not our primary specialty, we do offer to build a garage to match your house, upon request. We will hire a concrete contractor to pour a concrete pad for you, and then we will bring the walls and roof out in a kit and install it on your pad. We also have shed, and studio shed options. This is very attractive to our clients who are moving in from out of state, making us a one-stop shop for all of your needs!

Q: Do you have any homes on your lot that we can buy?
A: We primarily build custom homes to order. This means that you can customize one of our many floor plans to fit your need perfectly. Once you make a down payment, the design process is started. Please refer to our Client Path for more information of what to expect throughout this process.

Q: How long does the Building Process take?
A: Most of the time we stay booked out about 6-8 months. This can vary, but once you make a down payment, we can provide you a Build Date. That is the date that your home will be complete, and ready to ship. At that time, we will schedule a delivery date with you, normally about within about two weeks, weather permitting. Please check with your Sales Representative for current lead times.

Q: What are your Financing Options?
A: Since our Modular Homes are code-approved, and we have complete sets of engineered drawings, mortgage financing is a good option. Most of our clients opt to work with their local bank, whom they know and trust, but if you need financing, please contact Trailhead Cabins for our list of tried and proven banks that we regularly work with. We are often involved in the loan process, providing drawings and other documents that your Bank will need. We want to make your loan experience as simple as possible.

Q: Do I need to visit the Trailhead Cabins office to order my home?
A: No, Trailhead Cabins can take your order over the phone. We regularly work with our clients via phone and email. We do, however, encourage you to visit us prior to the beginning of construction to confirm the physical color samples and choices you make and see a hands-on color sample, since catalog pictures are representative only.

Conclusion

Modular homes offer clear benefits over manufactured homes in almost every area. Although they do cost more money upfront, the chance to take advantage of normal home appreciation will normally more than cover the added initial expense.

Modular homes also provide many opportunities for customization, greatly increasing your owner satisfaction. Also the adherence to local building codes provides a normal home ownership experience and means that you will have a much safer home for years to come.

Check out all the Modular Home options at Trailhead Cabins today!