Many types of structures are built in the factory and designed for long-term residential use. It may surprise you to learn that almost all homes built today are comprised of some type of "factory-built" component. The differences in the types of factory-built housing can be summarized as follows:

Modular Homes: These homes are built in a factory as modules that meet the state or local building code where the home will be located. Modules are transported to the site, installed on foundations, and completed. A modular home is comprised of two or more modules.

Panelized Homes: These are homes in which panels - a whole wall with windows, doors, wiring and outside siding - are transported to the site and assembled. The homes must meet state or local building codes where they are sited.

Pre-Cut Homes: This is the name for homes in which building materials are factory-cut to design specifications, transported to the site and assembled. Pre-cut homes include kit, log and dome homes. These homes must meet local, state or regional building codes.

Manufactured Homes: These are homes built entirely in the factory under a federal building code administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Manufactured homes may be single- or multi-section and are transported to the site and installed.