True modular homes?

[Sylvia]

I know nothing about the difference between modular homes or mobil homes but I had to laugh at part of your post.



the mobile home I live in now is junk and has been trouble since the day I got it (only 8 yrs ago)


I have a 6 year old Nobilty home that I felt the same way about. What JUNK. Everything inside this house is built so cheap that it is falling apart. LOL but....I just went thru Frances and if my neighbors tree hadn't hit my roof I would have NO damage at all. Can't say that for some of my neighbors so I guess the inside is Junk and the frame and roof were well built. LOL

[Lisa]

I am thinking of buying a modular home from Select modular home outlet in SC and I cant help but wonder if it is really built any better than a mobile home, the mobile home I live in now is junk and has been trouble since the day I got it (only 8 yrs ago) so I am very worried that I would get ripped off again. Is there a difference between a modular or system built home and a double wide mobile home, besides the metal frame the double wide is built on? Is there anyone out there that has heard of or bought from Select Homes, Inc.?

[rmurray]

This is in my area of the country.....Modular homes are built to a state code..instead of a national building code...SC's code is fairly simple and does not guarantee a better home...In the modular business there is a complete range of homes available..beginning with mobile homes built a little different and meeting the state code...SC still allows the frame to stay on modular homes...does that tell you anything..??..

The part most folks do not understand is that there is little or NO government help with problem homes...unless you count the court and arbitrators as help...There is no organized system of control like HUD..Your state now has a very strong manufactured home over-site agency...but they have nothing to do with modular homes..

Like any product..there is some great stuff out there in your area...such as Nationwide Homes...Arnell..Discovery Custom Homes...Mascot (which is a manufactured home converted to modular)...AND there is some junk...The dealer/builder becomes a much more important part of your decision He/she can make this a good experience...or..a nightmare......Before you buy..ask to get referrals to customers...check their finances (they will check yours)...check their history...Be as careful as you would buying from any building contractor...Remember you will be on your own..

Remember..factories have some warranty...but..builders do much of the set and finish...often all problems are builder responsibilities....NOT..manufactures..

A high quality manufactured home is just as good or better as most stock modulars....Shop with care..

[Lisa]

Thank you very much, that was very helpful. I will do some more in depth investigating.
Thank you!

[Lisa]

rmurray,
I actually just remembered that this company is out of NC (i dont know if they are any better for building standards for modulars) but They are claiming to be built by NC codes. Do you know if that is any better?

[rmurray]

Remember...modulars are built to the 50 states requirments..All mods offered for sale are ONLY built to the SC standards...Misinformation like this leads me to believe the sales person is being a little decieving...

It is possible that a home be built to be approved in various states...but..all standards are those of the state they are sold in...

There is only one home built in SC...Mascot...All others are built in other states to the SC code..Since manufactured and modular homes are built in other states...South Carolina buyers have a disadvantage...the state agencies can do nothing to a manufacturer of modulars outside of the state..(manufactured homes to the HUD code of course must meet the federal standards..which CAN be enforced inter state..)

When a sales person says NC homes are better...remember Oakwood was based in NC..

[Mark Bower]

With some companies, those no distinction between modular and mobile. With other companies, a modular home is basically a site-built home moved to your foundation.

The best way to know what category your modular fits under is to get the construction plans and look yourself to see if its built like a mobile home or a site-built home.

For instance, site-built homes have a 2x4 bottom plate along the bottom of each interior wall and a double top plate across the top (i.e. two 2x4's). Outside walls are 2x6 with a single bottom and double top plates. Rafters are built from 2x4 with a minimum of a 4/12 pitch. Just to name a few items.

Mark

[Bill Fry]

Site built do not necesarily use 2 by 6 exterior walls.Most still use 2 by 4 on 16 inch centers.While a 2 by 6 is better for packing in thicker insulation its not going to double your wall strength.Also a site built on a slab must use a double bottom plate.The one on the slab is pressure treated to prevent rot from moisture.With commercial builders trusses are becoming the norm as they can be set on 24 inch centers and the time to construct a roof is about 8 hours with a crane and good crew.