Please proof this article on Modular vs. Manufactured.

[Paul Pendley]

UMMM....I will proof read this more in detail tomorrow but there are some off base details about the difference and requirements for both in CA.

[Jeffery L. Haynes]

When it comes to rating types of homes I put them in this order:

Quality of materials & products
1. Custom builder
2. Track builder
3. Modular
4. Manufactured

When it comes to speed;
1. Manufactured (pick one on the lot)
2. Track builder (I worked for a track builder where we were turning them in 30 days)
3. Modular - 8 - 12 weeks average
4. Custom - 3 months and up.

Versatility
1. Custom
2. Track
3. Modular
4. Manufactured

Value
1. Custom
2. Track
3. Modular
4. Manufactured

Overall modular homes will always be one step up from a manufactured home and always below a site built home. As with any business, the quality will vary depending on how much you want to spend. Just like track homes.....you have the lower end stuff to the more extragavent which you pay for. Some modular homes companies are trying to rid themselves of the stigma that is associated with modulars however in doing so they have to increase the quality of products they offer which increases their price; that put them in direct competition with the track and custom builder.....this is where their marketing machine comes in........presenting half truths.

My inlaws looked at 5 different modular home companies.....it started out with excitement in thinking they would get a quality home with all the amneities at less than $40.00 per square ft. (several companies were quoting a base price without amenities). When all was said and done they purchased one of my custom homes for 20,000 less and yet still had all the amenities.

For the home inspector its important to pay attention to the foundation as well as the roofing system where they are tied together.

Nick.....in regards to proof reading.......is it really necessary to use semicolon when doing bullets. Semicolons typically represent a longer pause or a comparative or independant thought........does not the bullet do all of the above?

Jeff

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by klott

Modulars are set in place by a crane.

Be very careful in generalizations.

There is such as thing as "on-frame" modular that is practically indistinguishable from a double-wide manufactured home, except that it has a higher pitched roof with an attic. It is NOT transported to the site on a flat bed truck, but has an integrated steel frame like a manufactured home, so that characterization in the article is also incorrect.

Here's more discussion about it: http://www.nachi.org/forum/f11/learn...85/#post287189

[klott]

Hard to tell until you get there then. I have never seen one, thanks for the correction.

[Robert J. Wind]

Nick

good article. We have used Modular homes when we replaced 499 homes built in the 1960's we built about 550 units new with modular.

We are currently finshing 17 more buildings total of 34 homes in the same area.

Our next project to start shortly is a 220 unit town home project using modular.

If anyone plans are using modular homes, do research on the company.

All of our homes meet the UBC do to year built and new homes meet the IBC, IRC

Some homes built in VA are built with still framing and steel studs due to wind and placement

Some builders leave the steel trailer frame as the unit, if they are building 4 or more floors.

[smeyer]

[QUOTE=jhaynes;514086]When it comes to rating types of homes I put them in this order:

Quality of materials & products
1. Custom builder
2. Track builder
3. Modular
4. Manufactured

When it comes to speed;
1. Manufactured (pick one on the lot)
2. Track builder (I worked for a track builder where we were turning them in 30 days)
3. Modular - 8 - 12 weeks average
4. Custom - 3 months and up.

Versatility
1. Custom
2. Track
3. Modular
4. Manufactured

Value
1. Custom
2. Track
3. Modular
4. Manufactured

Overall modular homes will always be one step up from a manufactured home and always below a site built home. As with any business, the quality will vary depending on how much you want to spend. Just like track homes.....you have the lower end stuff to the more extragavent which you pay for. Some modular homes companies are trying to rid themselves of the stigma that is associated with modulars however in doing so they have to increase the quality of products they offer which increases their price; that put them in direct competition with the track and custom builder.....this is where their marketing machine comes in........presenting half truths.

My inlaws looked at 5 different modular home companies.....it started out with excitement in thinking they would get a quality home with all the amneities at less than $40.00 per square ft. (several companies were quoting a base price without amenities). When all was said and done they purchased one of my custom homes for 20,000 less and yet still had all the amenities.

For the home inspector its important to pay attention to the foundation as well as the roofing system where they are tied together.

Nick.....in regards to proof reading.......is it really necessary to use semicolon when doing bullets. Semicolons typically represent a longer pause or a comparative or independant thought........does not the bullet do all of the above?

Jeff[/QU

Will have to agree with you on your opinion of building styles. I found "manufactured homes" very difficult to "repair" due to the indivudal building methods, and next to impossible to add on to! I'll take a "stick" built home any day of the week, know what I am getting into. As a contractor, heve "walked away" from repairs of mfg. homes, just to many issues concerning the original "construction"! How do you tell the customer,"it looked great when you ordered it, but the material sucked!!"

Due to my negative opinion, , a wide blade John Deere is the best option, I stay away from such inspections.

[dbelmont]

Nick,

There are structural differences between modular homes and manufactured that are striking and legitimate. But I think you should reconsider the tone that makes judgments on those differences as it's really comparing apples and oranges. I inspect for all sorts of folks. Some can afford multimillion dollar estates and some work hard to afford a manufactured home. Yet they are both my respected client. People who buy what they choose and what they can afford. Having known many people from both environments I have found no superiority among those who have the resources for the fancier home.

[Paul Pendley]

Nick,

Where are you at with this? I have a few ideas to include marketing for the inspections of Manufactured/Mobile homes. Give me a call sometime when you are free.