What's the Difference between a Manufactured Home, a Mobilehome, and a "Modular" Home?

A key to understanding today’s manufactured home is distinguishing it from other homes that are, or have been, constructed in a factory. Most homes produced in a factory are comprised of three-dimensional modules. These modules are transported to a home site and installed on a state approved foundations or support systems. California law clearly distinguishes amount the types of homes produced in a factory by the building code to which the home must comply.

Manufactured Home. The manufactured home is constructed to comply with the National Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, a uniform building standard administered and enforced by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD Code). Over 97 percent of all homes constructed in California factories meet this code.

Factory-Built Homes. Often called "modular" homes, factory-built homes are constructed to comply with the California Administrative Code. About three percent of all factory homes produced in California meet this code.

Mobilehomes. These homes were constructed to comply with standards enforced by the State of California prior to June 15, 1976, when the federal preemptive HUD Code became effective. Mobile homes have not been constructed since this date.

Multi-unit manufactured housing. These homes are built to very specific codes and for use as two-or more dwelling units. Structures can include, duplexes, dormitories, hotels, apartment houses, and other structures that contain two-or more dwelling units. Each have different applicable codes. These homes are utilized by developers for higher density and infill development.

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