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 Definition of: Modular Construction, Mobile Homes, Campers, Double-Wides, Trailers, Pre-Cut Homes, & Panelized Construction
- DEFINITIONS of Mobile Home, Doublewide, Modular, Panelized Construction
- CONTAINER HOUSING - separate article
- KIT HOMES, Aladdin, Sears, Wards, Others - separate article
- MOBILE HOMES, DOUBLEWIDES, TRAILERS - separate article
- MODULAR HOME CONSTRUCTION - separate article
- PANELIZED CONSTRUCTION - separate article
- Questions & answers about the definitions of modular home, mobile home, panelized construction, dioublewide, trailer &c
- References
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Definitions of modular Construction, mobile homes, trailers, campers, doublewides, panelized construction -
what are the differences and how are these structures recognized? This article describes the history and
characteristics of these different types of factory-built structures. This set of definitions and identifying characteristics of these homes and construction methods is
a supplement to our more detailed paper, Mobile Home Inspections. Readers should also see ARCHITECTURE & BUILDING COMPONENT ID.
Green links show where you are. © Copyright 2013 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Author Daniel Friedman.
Definitions: What is a Mobile Home, Trailer, Doublewide, Modular Home, Factory-Built Home, Panelized-Construction-Built Home?
At ARCHITECTURE & BUILDING COMPONENT ID we included US DOE definitions for the following classes of "manufactured homes":
Manufactured homes are those built entirely in a factory. They are then transported to a building site and installed. Manufactured homes include:
Modular Homes
Modules are transported to the site and installed. See MODULAR HOME CONSTRUCTION for a detailed look at modern modular home construction.
Panelized Homes
Panels—a whole wall with windows, doors, wiring and outside siding—are transported to the site and assembled. See Panelized Construction for a detailed look at a 1950's panelized construction home that was war surplus (Fishkill NY).
Pre-Cut Homes
Building materials are factory-cut to design specifications, transported to the site, and then assembled. Pre-cut homes include kit, dome, and log homes.
LOG HOME GUIDE - provides an example of pre-cut homes, how to inspect, diagnose, and repair problems on log houses; how to identify and determine the age of different types of log homes: traditional log homes, manufactured log homes, slab-sided log homes, and alternative log homes using concrete logs and fiberglass logs.
How to Identify Sears Kit Houses provides the most famous example of pre-cut home construction.
Mobile Homes
This is the term used for factory-built homes produced prior to when the HUD Code went into effect.
See MOBILE HOMES, DOUBLEWIDES, TRAILERS for a detailed look at the wide range of quality and condition of these homes.
The following is the opinion of the author and has not had a technical review by other industry experts.
Various trailer, mobile home, and modular housing
manufacturers may disagree with some of these views. Corrections and content suggestions are welcome.
Characteristics of Trailers as Living Space
Trailer traditionally describes a usually small, wheeled, home with a history and image of flimsy construction
such as wooden 1x3 wall framing clad with aluminum siding, virtually no insulation, and low quality leaky windows.
"Trailers" up until the 1970's (my estimate) included both campers (photo at left) which really were intended to be towed
by a car or truck and moved often from site to site (though some were left parked for decades at campgrounds),
and also lightweight factory-made homes which were intended to be towed once to a home site and then
kept there.
The camper shown in our photo (left) was abandoned but had previously served as a summer camp for many years.
The little blue structure used as an addition to the left of the small house in the photo
at the top of this page was undoubtedly a small camper.
 No one building "trailers" calls them that any longer because of the "flimsy" image. The closest thing to a "trailer" in
current products on the market are motor homes and campers such as these campers parked along Wappingers Creek in our photo (left).
The least-costly campers (such as our pickup truck "slide-on camper") built after 2000 are probably
considerably better constructed than the "trailers" of old.
In current language (2009), a "trailer" is either a "mobile home" that is more than 20 years old (see below),
or it is a camper designed to be moved easily and often from site to site.
(Or in different usage, a "utility trailer" is a utility vehicle intended to haul goods or large
items and designed to be fastened to the back of a car or truck, and a "tractor trailer" is of course
a larger (typically 40 ft long) hauling system for moving goods by highway from city to city.)
Trailers may have had their wheels left on, but normally they'd be set on a masonry pier foundation and a skirt installed
around to hide the under-trailer area.
Characteristics of Mobile Homes as Living Space
In the past few decades (to 2006), "trailer" manufacturers have considerably improved the quality of construction of
such homes. The national manufacturing and building code standards for these structures have also been improved.
Perhaps in part to escape the less than wholesome image of "trailer", manufacturers use the term "mobile home" to
describe what is usually larger and better made home than "trailers" of old, though perhaps with similar materials.
Mobile homes are built in a factory and are designed to be moved (once and uncommonly, perhaps once again)
on its own wheels attached to its own frame to a site where a foundation is prepared and connections to utilities are made.
In the U.S., states have regulations about the siting, foundation, steps and entry, wiring, plumbing,
tie-downs for wind and storm safety that apply to these homes. Some examples of mobile
home regulations for New York State are this website.
Individual state regulations will vary - you'll want to see what your state requires.
Even within states regulations vary as wind and weather conditions do also.
Examples of mobile home improvements include stronger overall wall and roof construction,
less leaky roof covering, and windows that are less notoriously leaky. In addition
newer mobile homes have, for fire safety, bedroom windows that can be pushed out to a wide opening for
emergency exit in case of fire - an important safety improvement.
Usually building departments grandfather in
older structures, but sometimes they will insist that certain life-safety improvements be made, for example
if an older mobile home is being brought to a new site in a new community. If this is the
case one or two windows may need to be replaced to provide this important safety improvement.
When there is a severe storm or hurricane, mobile home communities are among the worst damaged as a strong
wind can completely turn over or demolish mobile homes. For this reason, mobile homes set up in high wind-risk
zones have extra requirements for tie-downs to secure the building against upset during a storm.
Mobile homes may arrive on wheels but they will be jacked enough to be set on some type of approved
building foundation, such as masonry piers or a masonry foundation.
In case these terms are not confusing enough, some mobile home makers
like to call these "factory built homes". But that use of "factory-built homes"
is confusing too since modular homes are also "factory built" but are quite different from trailers or mobile homes.
Characteristics of a "Doublewide" Mobile Home or Trailer
Some manufacturers provide mobile homes constructed to be joined together, side by side to form a double-width
living unit.
While a double-wide mobile home is basically constructed by the same materials and methods
just described above, the tie-down and connection requirements for these living units may be different
in some jurisdictions, since their risk of being blown away in high winds is different.
Other installation
and support requirements, such as connection of the two units and placement of foundation support will also
have to accommodate this variation.
Modular home construction and inspection are discussed on a separate series of articles beginning at MODULAR HOME CONSTRUCTION.
Characteristics of Panelized Construction
Panelized construction makes use of wall, floor, ceiling or roof "panels" which have been framed off-site and brought
to the site by truck. Panels are lifted into place by crane and fastened together on a foundation, and possibly a framed-in
floor which have been prepared before the panels arrive.
Some framing panels make use of special materials, such as plywood and foam roof panels for insulated cathedral
ceilings
- "Modular Home Construction, special defects and inspection methods" Dan Friedman, NY Metro ASHI Seminar, Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, White Plains NY, October 4, 1996
- Mobile Home Inspections
- Trailer vs Mobile Home vs Modular vs Panelized Construction an explanation of terms and how to identify these structures.
- "Modular Home Construction, special defects and inspection methods" Dan Friedman, NY Metro ASHI Seminar, Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, White Plains NY, October 4, 1996
- Manufactured Housing: types, US DOE - see original source:
energysavers.gov/your_home/designing_remodeling/index.cfm/mytopic=10210
- The HUD codes for manufactured homes are at
http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/designing_remodeling/index.cfm/mytopic=10220
- Characteristics of manufactured homes built before 1976, and retrofit suggestions
http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/designing_remodeling/index.cfm/mytopic=10230
- Renewable energy applications for manufactured homes are at
http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/designing_remodeling/index.cfm/mytopic=10240
- Mobile Home Inspections
- Trailer vs Mobile Home vs Modular vs Panelized Construction an explanation of terms and how to identify these structures.
- New York State:
"Manufactured Homes: an installation guide for the code enforcement
official," undated. [Div. of Code Enforcement & Admin. - 518-474-4073,
George E. Clark, Jr., Director] - this is a guide tool, not an enforcement code
or standard.
- HUD State Administrative Agency (for 36 states) (NY: 518-474-4073) - for complaints
- Manufactured Housing Institute, 2101 Wilson Blvd. Ste. 610, Arlington VA 22201 703-558-0400 www.mfghome.org
- NYMHA, 35 Commerce Ave., Albany NY 12206-2015 518-435-9859 800-721-HOME (they want the Star Program to provide for separate assessment of manufactured homes)
- Consumer Reports: www.consumerreports.org - special report 2/98
- Mobile Home Inspection Checklist, Florida, Town of Lady Lake Building Department
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about modular construction definitions & terms
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Technical Reviewers & References
Related Topics, found near the top of this page suggest articles closely related to this one.
- Mark Cramer Inspection Services Mark Cramer, Tampa Florida, Mr. Cramer is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors and is a Florida home inspector and home inspection educator. Contact Mark Cramer at: 727-595-4211 mark@BestTampaInspector.com 11/06
- Mark Cramer Inspection Services Mark Cramer, Tampa Florida, Mr. Cramer is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors and is a Florida home inspector and home inspection educator. Mr. Cramer serves on the ASHI Home Inspection Standards. Contact Mark Cramer at: 727-595-4211 mark@BestTampaInspector.com
- John Cranor is an ASHI member and a home inspector (The House Whisperer) is located in Glen Allen, VA 23060. He is also a contributor to InspectApedia.com in several technical areas such as plumbing and appliances (dryer vents). Contact Mr. Cranor at 804-747-7747 or by Email: johncranor@verizon.net
 Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd., 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 info@carsondunlop.com. The firm provides professional home inspection services & home inspection education & publications. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors. Thanks to Alan Carson and Bob Dunlop, for permission for InspectAPedia to use text excerpts from The Home Reference Book & illustrations from The Illustrated Home. Carson Dunlop Associates' provides:
- Commercial Building Inspection Courses - protocol ASTM Standard E 2018-08 for Property Condition Assessments
- Home Inspection Education Courses including home study & live classes at eleven colleges & universities.
- Home Inspection Education Home Study Courses - ASHI@Home Training 10-course program.
Special Offer: Carson Dunlop Associates offers InspectAPedia readers in the U.S.A. a 5% discount on these courses: Enter INSPECTAHITP in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.
- The Home Reference Book, a reference & inspection report product for building owners & inspectors.
Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.
- The Home Reference eBook, an electronic version for PCs, the iPad, iPhone, & Android smart phones.
Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference eBook purchased as a single order. Enter inspectaehrb in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.
- The Illustrated Home illustrates construction details and building components, a reference for owners & inspectors.
Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Illustrated Home purchased as a single order Enter INSPECTAILL in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.
- The Horizon Software System manages business operations,scheduling, & inspection report writing using Carson Dunlop's knowledge base & color images. The Horizon system runs on always-available cloud-based software for office computers, laptops, tablets, iPad, Android, & other smartphones.
- Roger Hankey is principal of Hankey and Brown home inspectors, Eden Prairie, MN. Mr. Hankey is a past chairman of the ASHI Standards Committee. Mr. Hankey has served in other ASHI professional and leadership roles. Contact Roger Hankey at: 952 829-0044 - rhankey@hankeyandbrown.com. Mr. Hankey is a frequent contributor to InspectAPedia.com.
- [1] Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program, U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, web search 1/5/2012, original source: portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/public_indian_housing/ih/homeownership/184 - Quoting:
The Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program is a home mortgage specifically designed for American Indian and Alaska Native families, Alaska Villages, Tribes, or Tribally Designated Housing Entities. Section 184 loans can be used, both on and off native lands, for new construction, rehabilitation, purchase of an existing home, or refinance.
Also see Freddie Mac & Fannie Mae
- [2] Native American Housing Loan Guarantee Program HUD Section 184 Loans At A Glance, FannieMae, web search 1/5/12, original source: efanniemae.com/sf/mortgageproducts/pdf/section184aag.pdf
- [3] Mobile Home Inspections - Daniel Friedman & Steven T. Vermilye
- [4] Trailer vs Mobile Home vs Modular vs Panelized Construction an explanation of terms and how to identify these structures.
- [5] "Modular Home Construction, special defects and inspection methods" Dan Friedman, NY Metro ASHI Seminar, Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, White Plains NY, October 4, 1996
- [6] MOBILE HOME INSPECTIONS
- [7] Trailer vs Mobile Home vs Modular vs Panelized Construction an explanation of terms and how to identify these structures.
- [8] "Modular Home Construction, special defects and inspection methods" Dan Friedman, NY Metro ASHI Seminar, Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, White Plains NY, October 4, 1996
- [9] New York State: "Manufactured Homes: an installation guide for the code enforcement official," undated. [Div. of Code Enforcement & Admin. - 518-474-4073, George E. Clark, Jr., Director] - this is a guide tool, not an enforcement code or standard.
- [10] HUD State Administrative Agency (for 36 states) (NY: 518-474-4073) - for complaints
- [11] anufactured Housing Institute, 2101 Wilson Blvd. Ste. 610, Arlington VA 22201 703-558-0400 www.mfghome.org
- [12] NYMHA, 35 Commerce Ave., Albany NY 12206-2015 518-435-9859 800-721-HOME (they want the Star Program to provide for separate assessment of manufactured homes)
- [13] Consumer Reports: www.consumerreports.org - special report 2/98
- [14] Mobile Home Inspection Checklist, Florida, Town of Lady Lake Building Department
- [15] Thanks to home inspector Peter Bennett for eagle-eye editing assistance regarding spelling at this web article series. Little Silver, NJ 07739 Office 732-758-9887 Fax 732-758-8993 Cell 732-245-9817 afullhouseinspectionco@gmail.com
- [16] Wikipedia provided background information about some topics discussed at this website provided this citation is also found in the same article along with a " retrieved on" date. NOTE: because Wikipedia entries are fluid and can be amended in real time, we cite the retrieval date of Wikipedia citations and we do not assert that the information found there is necessarily authoritative. - Entry on Mobile Homes, original source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_home#Regulation, retrieved 8/14/2012
Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair
 The Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume. Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.
Or choose the The Home Reference eBook for PCs, Macs, Kindle, iPad, iPhone, or Android Smart Phones. Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference eBook purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAEHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.
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