The California Manufactured Housing Institute (CMHI) is one of the nation’s oldest professional and trade associations representing the factory constructed housing industry. First organized in 1937, CMHI was restructured in 1986 as an all-industry association of companies that build, sell and finance factory constructed homes and communities.

While most builders rely on factory construction for portions of their construction process, i.e. cabinets, trusses, etc., the most complete forms of factory constructed housing are manufactured homes and factory-built homes. These homes are comprised of three-dimensional modules, which are transported to a home site and installed on a state approved foundation or support system.
California law clearly defines two types of factory constructed homes by the building code to which they must comply.

MANUFACTURED HOMES

These homes are constructed to comply with the National Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (Part 3280 CFR-HUD), a uniform building standard administered and enforced by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Approximately 97% of all factory constructed homes produced in California each year meet this code.

FACTORY-BUILT HOMES

While these homes are often referred to as “Modulars”, the proper term in California is “Factory-Built” (see California Health and Safety Code, Division 13, Part 6, Section 19971).

These homes are constructed to comply with the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, California Building Standards Code and FBH laws and regulations. Some factory-built homes employ panelized construction techniques. About three percent of all factory homes produced in California factories each year meet this code.

Most CMHI manufacturer members produce both manufactured and factory-built homes in their manufacturing facilities on the same production lines, thereby controlling the quality of both products with experienced construction personnel.

So, manufactured or factory-built? It’s your choice; both provide safe, energy efficient and high value home ownership opportunities for California families.