How are manufactured homes built?
Manufactured homes are simply that, homes constructed in a manufacturing facility. The process is similar to car construction in that the homes are constructed in phases in an assembly line type process. This allows for high levels of quality control and assurance. Manufactured homes are the only type of housing built to a federal standard. Since June 15, 1976, manufactured homes have been required by law to meet the standards of the HUD Code, which is regulated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The HUD Code prescribes performance standards for heating, plumbing, air-conditioning, thermal and electrical systems. A third-party HUD certified agency inspects every manufactured home in at least one stage of production. Also, each manufactured home is inspected at every stage of the construction process according to a quality assurance manual; this inspection process is also monitored by a third-party agency.
Materials used to produce a manufactured home are the same used to build a site-built home, the only difference is that they are made in a factory, and later transported to a site to be assembled. Materials in a manufactured home include 2×4 and 4×4 frames, insulation, shingles, siding, and mostly anything else used in a site-built home. Building a home in a factory may seem strange at first, but there are many benefits. The factory-building process is efficient in that it saves time, while increasing reliability and lowering costs. Manufactured home walls are usually around 6 inches thick, and filled with insulation, for fire proofing and energy efficiency. Outside walls are covered with siding, and there are many aesthetic options available in an assortment of textures or colors. Shingles are also offered in good variety. Roofs on manufactured homes are made to withstand severe weather. Energy efficient windows are selected by the manufactured home’s owner to reflect their personal t
