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The HUD Code is designed for compatibility
with the factory production process. The
Code sets performance standards for heating,
plumbing, air-conditioning, thermal and electrical
systems. Additionally, it sets performance
requirements for structural design, construction,
fire resistance, energy efficiency
and transportation to the home site.
Constructed with virtually identical material to
those used in site construction, but, unlike traditional
site-building techniques, manufactured
homes have the advantage of using
engineered design and cost-effective assembly
line techniques that result in quality construction.
To ensure quality, design and construction
are monitored by both HUD and the National
Conference of States on Building Codes and
Standards (NCSBCS), the same organization
that is involved nationally with the development
of model construction codes for the sitebuilt
industry.
Generally, a building code is only as good
as its enforcement system. The manufactured home enforcement program
required by HUD
is a thorough and efficient inspection system
designed for the factory production environment.
Unlike many site-built codes, which lack uniform
and consistent enforcement, the HUD
system relies on a cooperative federal/state
program for ensuring compliance with the
National Manufactured Home Construction
and Safety Standards.
HUD enforces the Code through NCSBCS,
in California. NCSBCS and the California
Department of Housing and Development
(HCD) monitor the performance of third-party
HUD certified agencies, which inspect the
design of a manufactured home for its compliance
with engineering standards and check
the in-plant construction process as the home
moves through the factory. HCD also administers
a consumer warranty program for HUD
Code homes.
Each manufacturer must prepare a quality assurance manual,
which includes tests and inspections required at each assembly station
in a factory. This manual commits the manufacturer to adequate inspections
and tests of every part of each manufactured home produced. This manual
must be approved by a HUD certified agency. Additionally, all manufactured
home designs must be reviewed by an independent design agent who must
certify that the engineering plan meets the performance requirements
of the HUD Code.
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The frequency of inspection is timed so that every manufactured
home is inspected, by HUD certified inspectors, in at least one stage
of production. The inspector makes a complete inspection of each phase
of production and of all visible parts of every manufactured home.
If a manufacturer shows evidence of performance deficiencies, the frequency
of inspections may be increased.
The quality assurance manual is the basis for performing
comprehensive inspections as the home is being constructed. HUD certified
agents conduct inspections to assure the manufacturer is performing
its operations in a manner consistent with its approved quality assurance
manual and internal inspection system. Additionally, NCSBCS inspection
teams conduct independent inspections as a check on the performance
of the inspection agents and the manufacturer.
Only when homes are certified by the manufacturer to
have been inspected in accordance with the HUD enforcement procedures
and to have been constructed in accordance with the HUD Code, is a
HUD certification label affixed to the home. |
