Both are built in the factory, which is why the two types are often confused. Manufactured homes, sometimes called Mobile homes, are built only to the federal building code (HUD) and do not have to meet the code requirements of the specific destination where the home will be erected. Under HUD requirements, it is also not mandatory that inspectors approve the structure. The building requirements under HUD code are often more lax. For example, manufactured homes are only required to use 2” x 2” studs in the walls, whereas modular homes in New Orleans must use 2” x 4” studs.

Modular homes are, like manufactured homes in that they are built in the factory, but have to pass a much stricter set of guidelines. Modular homes are held to the same IRC code requirements as site built homes, and must adhere to state and local codes of the final destination of the home. These homes often have the same longevity of site built homes and therefore will appreciate as investments.

When is it better to go Modular?

Going modular is almost always the best way to go for real estate investors and builders who are taking on very large projects. Modular offers some real advantages:

1. Faster to Develop – Developers who are under time constraints will benefit greatly from going modular. For example, a 10-unit subdivision could take 6 months to complete using stick built methods, and this same 10-unit subdivision may only take 10 weeks by going modular.

2. Less Labor Worries - Modular homes are a great choice for real estate developers building in areas of tight labor markets. The quick assembly process reduces local labor needs. In areas where the quality of labor is a factor, it is much harder to perform quality control for site built homes.

3. Quality Control – As modular homes are constructed in the factory, they are engineered better and are tested stringently for quality control.

With so many architectural styles to choose from and build on options, Modular homes are very similar to site built homes. It is important to note that each situation is different and each project should be carefully considered. For example, modular homes can become expensive depending on the final location of the home. As these homes must be transported in sections, greater distance to the end site increases the cost to the real estate investor.

When distance isn’t an issue and the project is large, modular is certainly an option that should be considered. Investors and contractors will benefit from the reduction in labor needs, quicker builds, and quality control standards of modular homes. These types of homes last just as long a site built homes and are very different from the manufactured homes that we also know as mobile homes.

There is no shortage of historical Dallas homes that are on the market and there are historical Dallas homes available in many price ranges so it won’t be too hard for you to find several historical Dallas homes to choose from. There are a lot of advantages to living in historical Dallas homes.

If you have a family you’ll love the size of most of the hold Dallas homes which are quite large. Families with several children most often buy a mid priced historical Dallas home if they want to have enough room for each child to have his or her own bedroom. Many of the newer Dallas homes that are on the market just don’t have the space or the charm and character of the older Dallas homes.

Plus, if you have a family you’ll appreciate that most of the older Dallas homes are in very family friendly neighborhoods where houses come attached to large yards and there are plenty of parks and activities for kids nearby. If you’re looking for a new home that’s a bit higher end there are plenty of Dallas homes that fit that bill too. There are some very expensive Dallas homes that were designed by some of the best architects in the world that are for sale in the best Dallas neighborhoods.

No matter what your price range is there are plenty of historical Dallas homes to choose from. If you are handy with tools you can find a fixer upper home for very cheap and turn it into a show stopping home in no time. With so many beautiful old Dallas homes on the market it’s hard to believe anyone would want a home that was all new construction but there are plenty of new homes available too if you want a more modern home that is brand new.

If you work for Frito Lay or one of the other large companies that have headquarters in the Dallas area then you will probably be looking for Dallas homes that are close to work but don’t worry, the average commute time in Dallas is only 20 minutes so no matter where you live in the city you’ll never be that from work.

One of the advantages of buying a Dallas home is that you will have access to everything that makes a big city great like fine restaurants, great shopping, and great old historical homes and neighborhoods but unlike some other big cities you won’t have to spend 45 minutes each way commuting to your job. Come and check out the great historical Dallas homes that are waiting for you.

However, grounded or mobile, all homes are prone to damage. Mobile homes are usually more susceptible to certain kinds of damage than grounded homes, especially in areas prone to tornadoes, hurricanes, or even just high winds. It is much easier for a hurricane to pick up a mobile home than it is to pick up a grounded brick home. Therefore, just like traditional grounded home owners, mobile home owners should consider getting home owner insurance quotes for their mobile homes.

Home owner insurance quotes for mobile homes cover basically the same aspects as home owner insurance quotes for grounded homes:

•Protection for the mobile home
•Protection for your possessions/valuables
•Personal liability protection for yourself

When you begin shopping for home owner insurance quotes for your mobile home, you will have to give information about your mobile home, its structure, materials, age, and condition, as well as a list of your valuables and their costs and how much personal liability protection you want to purchase.

One feature mobile home insurance quotes usually do not include is coverage for your mobile home while it is in transit. In other words, if you do decide to move down the street or across the country, your mobile home most likely will not be protected if it becomes damaged or destroyed. If you are settled, you probably are not concerned with this. However, if you have plans to move you should purchase additional coverage to protect your mobile home.

Fortunately, modular homes do not exhibit any of these misconceptions. While it is true that modular designs were fairly basic during the start of the industry, today’s technology and consumer demand for this product has made these homes virtually indistinguishable from traditional site built homes. Today, modular homes are constructed in sections or modules in a controlled factory environment. All modular homes are 80% to 95% built in factories and then transported to a foundation where it is then assembled.

To dispel some of the common misconceptions about modular housing take a little basic common sense research. First, Modular homes are less expensive on average than site built homes. A modular homes cost per square foot to construct is generally 15% - 25% less expensive than a comparable quality site-built home. Secondly, modular homes insurance costs are the same value as that of an on site homes.

In addition, on-site homes are not superior to modular homes for the simple fact that modular homes are more closely supervised and built in a factory-controlled environment which improves the structural quality of modular homes. On-site built homes are subject to weather exposure which can lead to future water damage problems and mold issues. Modular homes are often structurally stronger than traditional site built homes due to the fact additional framing and structural support is built into the module designs so they can withstand transportation load factors. On general wear and tear matters, just like any other home, modular homes are subject to weather damage, broken windows, and anything else a normal home would encounter.

On-site homes can take up to 4 to 6 months to complete, depending on season, and how long it takes to break ground and lay a foundation. Modular homes take 1 to 2 months from initial customer design to delivery of the home from the factory to the foundation. Finally, modular homes can be customized to the owners’ preference, or can be customized exactly like the homes in the surrounding neighborhood.

You can find the home of your dreams for an awesome deal by taking the risk of buying in the slow economy. There are so many people selling Arizona homes and very few people actually buying, so you’ll find plenty of Phoenix homes for sale and homes for sale Arizona, no matter what you’re looking for.

If you take the time to learn the different elements of buying a home, you’ll be much better prepared to get the deal that you deserve on Arizona homes. Finding Arizona homes that you can afford is essential. After all, buying homes that people couldn’t afford is what got the real estate market into the mess that it’s in currently. Phoenix homes for sale are priced aggressively, as are homes for sale Arizona that are located in other communities. Everyone needs to sell, but no one is willing to buy, which is causing the market to go bad. You can take advantage of this and find Arizona homes for very affordable prices, including by checking out foreclosed Arizona homes offered by banks and lenders that people couldn’t keep up with. The requirements for getting a mortgage might be a little stricter, but you can find what you need if you’ve got the credit and the guts to buy a home in today’s economy.

Having a good realtor can help with your Arizona homes search, too. If you know the area and understand the markets, you might be okay buying Arizona homes without one. However, you’re probably not that savvy, so you should check into a realtor before you get too deep into buying Arizona homes. They can help with Phoenix homes for sale and homes for sale Arizona that you might not find elsewhere, and can help tell you which neighborhoods and communities are best based on your personality and your family or other needs. Realtors that specialize in Arizona homes can save you a lot of time and effort in the home buying process.

Ultimately, the whole process of buying Arizona homes comes down to being informed and prepared. There are so many different Arizona homes available, and homes for sale Arizona that you might feel overwhelmed with options. However, if you take the time to learn about Phoenix homes for sale and other Arizona homes, you’ll be much wiser and more able to handle the home buying process efficiently and to the best of your ability. You’ll be able to make a good investment in Arizona homes rather than buying something you don’t need or can’t afford. What more could you ask for in home ownership? Inform and prepare yourself and you’ll get exactly what you want and need.