Definitions

[Terry Brenner]

As a home inspector I have been asked to change my definition of a home from a "manufactured home" to a "modular home". The home in question is an older "Fleetwood" model in two sections on steel frame with axle bolt holes set on conc. blocks. Is there a standard definition for a modular home that would include this type of construction?

[Mark]

Who's doing the asking?

There are, in fact, very specific definations of both and they cannot be 'changed' from one to the other once shipped from the factory.

Look in the electrical panel box. There will be a sticker there. It will either say HUD or something else, DCA, UBC.CAC, etc. If it says HUD, it's a manufactured home. If it says DCA, UBC, CAC (or whoever is the regulatory agency in your state for modular homes), then it's a modular.

[Terry]

Thanks for the reply.... The realtor for the buyer is asking me to change the definition. I think they want the change for easier financing. It's not a modular.

[rmurray]

Then if it is a manufactured home..it is a manufactured home...The real estate person would be on very shaky ground misrepresenting this home to the buying public...not to mention to lenders...of course the appraiser would also have to change his appraisal...Glad you are a pro and doing your job correctly..

[Annaz]

Yikes! I think I'd report the real estate agent. I'd hate for that agent to represent yet somebody else and take advantage of them for the benefit of a sale. A real estate agent should find these people a home they can get financed for. Just how far will this agent go in the future?

[Gerri]

I want to make sure the definition is correct! Only a manufacture home has a HUD sticker, any other name or letters is a modular? Does the color and placement of the tag make a difference in manufactured and modular?

[rmurray]

HUD data plate looks like this and is posted inside the home..

http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/mhs/dataplate.pdf

All HUD homes have HUD labels with the HUD number attached to the outside of the home..they are red about 3 inches by 2 inches and on each section of the home..

These are manufactured homes...not modular homes...Most states will require an interior mounted data plate similar to the HUD lable..but it will certify that the home is built to the code your state uses..