Is a pre-engineered home different from a manufactured or mobile home?
Yes. Like pre-engineered homes, manufactured or mobile homes are also assembled in a controlled factory environment. However, there are some important differences. Manufactured or mobile home units rest on a steel chassis as opposed to a poured foundation pre-engineered houses are set on. Custom designs are not readily available. Instead, the manufacturer will offer various styles from which to select. And although manufactured homes do tend to cost less, they have other important drawbacks. Because they are not set on a foundation they are difficult to finance. Some communities also place restrictions on manufactured homes being placed on certain lots or neighborhoods. The longevity of these homes can be less than comparable site-built homes. Furthermore, these homes tend to depreciate over time; so earning equity is difficult—if not impossible. These characteristics contrast sharply with a pre-engineered home. Pre-engineered homes are also built in a factory, but are assembled by loc
