As an expert in the housing industry, I have come across many questions about the different types of homes available. One common question that often arises is whether a double wide home is the same as a manufactured home. While both of these homes fall under the category of prefabricated homes, there are some key differences between them that are important to understand before making a decision. A double-width house, also known as a double wide, is a type of prefab house that is not built on site. This means that there are a lot of customization options available for these homes.
They consist of two sections that are joined together to create a larger house. This also means that they can be moved anywhere you want, making them a popular choice for those who want the flexibility to relocate in the future. On the other hand, manufactured homes come in a variety of sizes, including single-width and double-width options. Single-width mobile homes are generally between 8 and 12 feet wide and can have as little as 400 square feet of living space inside. Prefab homes that meet certain requirements, such as being at least 20 feet wide and having at least 600 square feet of living space inside, are considered double width. One of the main differences between single-width and double-width homes is the way they are built.
Single-width homes are built in one long section, while double-width homes 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 key difference between these two types of homes is their foundations. Single-width mobile and prefab homes are built on a steel chassis and are transported whole to the property. Multi-section houses, such as double-width homes, are also built on a steel chassis, but are connected to each other at the site of origin.
A double-width home will have two sections, while a triple-width home will have three. When it comes to customization, both single-width and double-width homes offer opportunities for renovations and extensions. However, prefab homes can be more difficult to customize than traditional homes. This is because they are factory-built and have to be transported to the site, making it more challenging to make changes once they are in place. It's also important to note that there are differences between modular and prefab homes. While both are factory-built, modular homes are built in sections that are then assembled on site, while prefab homes are built in their entirety and then transported to the site.
This means that modular homes offer more flexibility in terms of customization and can often be easier to relocate. For a manufactured home to be eligible for funding from NLC Loans, it must be located on land owned by the person who owns the home. This is an important distinction between manufactured homes and other types of prefabricated homes. One common misconception is that a double wide home has three entrances, while a modular home only has two. However, this is not always the case. There are some double wide homes that only have a front door and a small door in the back.
The number of entrances does not determine whether a home is a double wide or a modular home. It's also worth noting that while mobile homes and prefab homes are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between them. A prefab home was built after June 15, 1976, when the Prefab House Construction and Safety Regulations Act came into effect. This act set standards for the construction of prefabricated homes, ensuring that they meet certain safety requirements. The most important distinguishing feature between a prefab home and a mobile home is the state of its foundations. Mobile homes are built on a chassis and are designed to be moved, while prefab homes are built on a foundation and are meant to stay in one place. In conclusion, while both double width and manufactured homes fall under the category of prefabricated homes, there are some key differences between them.
Double width homes offer more customization options and can be moved to different locations, while manufactured homes have specific requirements for funding and are built on a foundation. It's important to understand these differences before making a decision on which type of home is right for you.
