Modular homes are built to the state building code. It is the same building code that site builder will have to build to. When contractors build a home on site, they have to comply with the same regulations that we do. However, manufactured homes are built to a Federal Manufacture Home Standard. This is not specific in any state. It's a federal code established by HUD. This is technically the only regulated difference. There are others. Manufactured homes that are built by the HUD code are titled entities. They have a VIN number just like vehicles do. They can be moved around. Modular homes are only moved one time. Then it is a permanent structure. The manufactured home industry has evolved in a way that allows for homes to be mobile. In some of the products they are producing, it's evolved away from that and for practical purposes. They aren't very transportable other than one time. With manufactured homes, I hesitate to give this because it all changes over time, but the manufactured home is what is generally conceived as a double wide movable home. The image goes with it. You could have a low pitch roof and a rectangular box. It is probably not really exciting architecturally. Modular homes for the most part don't fit that image. Their sizes vary. They are part of a normal subdivision. Once they are set up, the garages are attached, and the porches are put on, they often are indistinguishable from the rest of the homes in the community. Now there are exceptions to that too. But generally speaking, that's the difference between the manufactured and modular home. The modular home is going to look much more like a site built home. Hopefully, you won't be able to tell the difference.
