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Prefabricated & Mobile Homes: There is a difference!

A common misunderstanding in the prefabricated home industry frequently lies in people confusing prefabricated homes with mobile homes. Now as a disclaimer, we at PMHI do not sell mobile homes; we sell prefabricated and modular home kits. The purpose of this post is to educate people on the differences between prefabricated homes and mobile homes as well as to clear up any negative misconceptions people may have regarding prefabricated houses. Let's get to it!

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Definitions (What is a prefab home/mobile home/modular home?)

The easiest way to clear things up about prefabricated and mobile homes is to make sure people understand fundamentally what they are.

A prefabricated house, in its simplest terms, is made in a factory and then assembled on the designated property of the house or delivered there. This comes in the form of manufactured, mobile, and modular houses. Generally, prefabricated houses refer to any one of these

Mobile homes are prefabricated structures (they come in various types, like houses, trailer homes, and more), assembled in a factory, and made with a permanently attached structure at the bottom that usually includes wheels. They are then transported to a designated property. Mobile homes are also referred to as trailer park homes due to the perception of mobile homes before laws that were passed in 1976 changed requirements and government definitions. 

Manufactured houses refer to homes that are fully assembled and prefabricated in the factory. Manufactured houses are often transported to one designated location but have the capability of being moved depending on the foundation used.

Modular homes are mostly constructed at a factory and often go together like a puzzle, where everything fits precisely. The parts are delivered to a designated site where it is then assembled. These homes are not movable, as opposed to some manufactured and mobile homes.

At PMHI we sell customizable prefabricated home kits that are similar to modular homes.

Differences (Fundamental Differences)

Mobile Homes:

  • Mobile homes are made almost entirely within a factory
  • Mobile homes tend to have a chassis that usually includes wheels
  • Mobile homes include older portable vehicles, like trailer homes, made before 1976

Prefabricated Home Kits:

  • Prefabricated home kits are assembled on-site as opposed to a factory and take longer to be complete as a result
  • Prefabricated home kits aren't meant to be moved after installation
  • Prefabricated home kits act like a well-engineered puzzle where the modules made fit together perfectly
  • Prefabricated home kits are held to and built under the same standards as traditional stick-built homes

Pros/Cons (Which one is right for you?)

Prefabricated Home Kits:

PROS

CONS
  • High-quality standards.
  • Faster construction than stick-built homes, leading to lower labor costs.
  • More environmentally friendly building/assembly process due to less wasted materials.
  • Factory precision allows for quality energy efficiency as pieces fit together perfectly. 
  • Customizing prefabricated home kits can become expensive depending on how much customization you'd like.
  • Prefabricated home kits rely on having a good plot of land to build the home on; having the land be uneven/imperfect can cause utility issues.
  • As prefabricated home kits need good land, the cost of purchasing land should be taken into account.

Mobile Home:

PROS

CONS
  • Mobile homes can be taken with you and are transportable, though it can be costly to do so.
  • Most mobile homes are livable upon delivery.
  • Mobile homes are often cheaper than other types of housing.
  • Renting land or finding land to buy for your mobile home is often made difficult in certain states due to cost or restrictions.
  • As an investment, mobile homes do not tend to maintain value and often see decreases.
  • Financing for mobile homes is more complex.

Conclusion

Mobile homes represent a different lifestyle than prefabricated homes. Mobile homes are great for people who own compliant land, live in very high-housing-cost cities, or are looking for an inexpensive housing alternative. Prefabricated homes suit those who are looking for a cheaper housing option, an investment, or a family home to build on owned property. Both are great options depending on your lifestyle, but one thing that I hope we have made clear, they are NOT the same!