The Manufactured Home Dictionary

Confused by some of the verbiage used during the manufactured home buying process? We got you covered. Below we have compiled a list of terms that you may find helpful along during your journey. Remember, we’re here to help! If you get confused, our team is prepared to answer any question you may have. We want to ensure you feel comfortable and confident on your path to homeownership.

Manufactured Home: Commonly referred to as “mobile homes,” these are prefabricated housing structures built in a factory and transported to a site for installation. Technically, the term “Mobile Home” only applies to factory-built homes before 1976, when HUD Code was established. 

Modular Home: Similar to manufactured homes, modular homes are built off-site in a factory and assembled on-site. However, they are built in multiple sections, or modules, which are then joined together to form the complete home. These types of homes are built to local codes instead of HUD code.

HUD Code: The HUD Code, short for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Code, is a set of federal construction and safety standards that govern the design, construction, and installation of manufactured homes in the United States.

Foundation: The base or support system on which a manufactured home is placed. It can be either a permanent foundation using footers and stem-walls, or a non-permanent foundation, such as a dirt pad (or “pad site”) piers or blocks.

Skirting: The material used to enclose the space beneath a manufactured home, providing a finished appearance and protecting against pests and the elements. Skirting options include vinyl, metal, brick, or concrete panels.

Tie-Down: A system of anchors and straps used to secure a manufactured home to the ground or foundation, ensuring stability and resistance to wind and seismic forces. Straps are typically made of steel.

Set-Up: The process of placing and installing a manufactured home on its designated site. This includes leveling the home, connecting utilities, and attaching the home to the foundation or support system.

Manufactured Home Community: Also known as a mobile home park, it is a residential community where multiple manufactured homes are located on rented, leased, or buyer-owned lots or pads.

Title: The legal document that establishes ownership of a manufactured home. It serves as proof of ownership, similar to a title for a traditional site-built home.

Chattel Loan: A loan specifically designed for the purchase of a manufactured home. Unlike traditional mortgage loans, chattel loans treat the home as personal property rather than real estate.

Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI): A national trade organization representing the manufactured housing industry in the United States. MHI advocates for the industry's interests and promotes the benefits of manufactured housing.

Factory-Built Housing: An umbrella term that encompasses both manufactured homes and modular homes, referring to homes constructed in a factory setting.

Site-Built Home: A traditional home built on-site, typically using conventional construction methods. It is not constructed in a factory like manufactured or modular homes.

Park Model RV: A type of recreational vehicle that resembles a small, compact home. Park model RVs are designed for temporary or seasonal living and are subject to different regulations compared to manufactured homes. 

Mobile Home Community: An older term used to refer to residential communities where mobile homes (now referred to as manufactured homes) are located. It is often synonymous with manufactured home communities.

Community Owner/Operator: The individual or company that owns and operates a manufactured home community. They are responsible for managing the community, maintaining amenities, and enforcing community rules.

Resident-Owned Community (ROC): A manufactured home community where the residents collectively own the land and infrastructure. In an ROC, homeowners are typically members of a cooperative association that manages the community.

Land-Lease Community: A manufactured home community where residents lease the land or lot on which their home is located. They own the home but pay rent for the use of the land and access to community amenities.

Manufactured Housing Retailer: A business that specializes in selling manufactured homes. Retailers typically have a variety of homes on display and assist customers in the home-buying process.

Sectional Home: A type of manufactured home that is built in multiple sections, typically two or more, which are then transported to the site and joined together.

Single-Wide Home: A manufactured home consisting of a single section, typically 14 or 16 feet wide. Single-wide homes are narrower and more compact compared to double-wide or multi-section homes.

Double-Wide Home: A manufactured home consisting of two sections, typically 20 to 32 feet wide, that are transported separately and joined together on-site. Double-wide homes offer more space compared to single-wide homes.