As an expert in the housing industry, I have come across many questions about the various types of homes available. One question that often comes up is whether a double wide home is the same as a manufactured home. The short answer is no, they are not the same. In this article, I will explain the differences between these two types of homes and help you understand which one may be the right fit for you. First, let's define what a double wide home is.
It is a type of prefab house that is built off-site and then transported to its final location. This means that there are many customization options available for these homes. They are made up of two sections that are joined together to create a larger house. On the other hand, manufactured homes come in various sizes, including single-width and double-width options. A single-width mobile home is typically between 8 and 12 feet wide and can have as little as 400 square feet of living space.
In comparison, a double-width prefab home must be at least 20 feet wide and have a minimum of 600 square feet of living space. Both single and double-width homes are built on a steel chassis and transported to their final location. However, the main difference between these two types of homes lies in the way they are built. A single-width home is constructed in one long section, while a double-width home must be built in two separate sections and then joined together on-site. This means that double-width homes are usually twice the size of single-width homes. Another difference between these two types of homes is their foundation.
A manufactured home must be located on land owned by the homeowner in order to be eligible for funding from certain lenders. On the other hand, prefab homes can be placed on any type of foundation, making them more versatile in terms of location. While prefab homes may be more difficult to customize compared to traditional homes, there are still plenty of opportunities for renovations and extensions, especially in a double-width home. It's important to note that the Prefab House Safety and Construction Standards Act, which came into effect on June 15, 1976, sets certain standards for prefab homes. It's also worth mentioning the difference between modular and prefab homes. While both are built in a factory, there are some key differences between them.
In the past, a single-width mobile home may have been considered a prefab home, but it no longer meets the construction standards that are required for a single-width prefab home today. One question that may come to mind is whether there is a difference between modular homes and double-width homes. The answer is yes. While both are considered prefab homes, a double-width home is larger in size and has more customization options compared to a modular home. Additionally, a double-width home typically has three entrances, while a modular home only has two. Finally, it's important to note that while the terms "mobile home" and "prefab home" are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing.
A mobile home refers to any type of manufactured home that is built off-site and transported to its final location. On the other hand, a prefab home refers specifically to homes that are built off-site and then transported to their final location. In conclusion, while both double-width and manufactured homes fall under the category of prefab homes, they have distinct differences. Double-width homes offer more customization options and are larger in size compared to single-width manufactured homes. Additionally, they can be placed on any type of foundation, making them more versatile in terms of location.
As an expert in the housing industry, I hope this article has helped you understand the differences between these two types of homes and which one may be the right fit for you.
