What is the difference between manufactured housing (“HUD-Code homes”) and modular housing?
Both manufactured and modular housing are built in a factory, transported to a site and then installed. The key difference between the two types of housing is how they are regulated. Manufactured housing is regulated by the HUD Code, which was established in 1976 and is the only federal building code. The HUD Code sets standards for heating, plumbing, ventilation, air conditioning and electrical systems, design, construction, transportation, energy efficiency, wind resistance and fire safety. Every manufactured home that leaves a factory bears a metal plaque certifying its compliance with the HUD Code. Another characteristic distinguishing manufactured homes from modular homes is that each manufactured unit is built on a metal chassis. In contrast, modular housing is built to the standards of the regional, state or local building code of the area where the home will be sited. Both manufactured and modular housing may have site-built structures (garages, porches, etc.) added to them aft
