What is a manufactured home and how does it differ from a modular home?

A manufactured home (also known as a mobile home) is a single or multi-sectional home built on a permanent frame, like a steel undercarriage/chassis, with a removable transportation system (hitch and wheels). The unit should be permanently attached to a site-built foundation and is subject to the 1976 federal standards established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

A modular home is constructed in a factory using conventional home floor joists, can be on-frame or off-frame units and delivered to a site on a trailer, flat bed truck or removable transportation system. The delivered home may be in the form of panels that are assembled at the site, may be pre-cut and assembled on site, or may be pre-built and delivered in one piece. The home, panels or pre-cut panels are lifted from the trailer or flat bed and attached to a foundation. A modular home may be single or multi-storied. The most visible and reliable method of determining if a home is a modular home is that they are not subject to HUD standards, but must be built to state and local Uniform Building Codes. In North Carolina there is a NC Modular Home Stamp attached to the unit.