There has been a tremendous rise in consumer interest in factory built housing because they are generally less expensive, have quicker build times and are more environmentally friendly than traditional stick-built homes.

MANUFACTURED HOMES Within the factory built housing industry there are three main types of products for consumers to choose. The first and least expensive are manufactured homes – sometimes referred to as mobile homes, which average around $45 to $65 per square foot. Manufactured homes are starting to incorporate residential type features like steeper pitch roofs, residential size windows and covered decks. To learn more about manufactured homes please click here. MODULAR HOMES The second option home buyers have when considering a factory built home are Modular homes - sometimes referred to as system built homes or prefab homes. Like manufactured homes, modular homes are built in a controlled environment, utilizing cutting edge technology. A modular home can be built from existing floor plans or from custom plans. Modular homes typically cost around $55 to $80 per square foot, with many styles and designs to choose from. To learn more about modular homes please click here. A site built home is built at the job site to the local building code. Meaning, the walls are framed, floor joists set, etc. on location. A modular home is also built to the local building codes, but is built in a factory instead of onsite. When the sections arrive they are placed together with a crane and permanently attached to the concrete foundation. This work includes finishing the roof work where the sections meet, finishing the drywall where the sections meet, building decks or patios, hooking the plumbing from the house to the rough plumbing below the home, hooking up utilities and building a staircase to the basement if one exists. One of the key things to remember when comparing these two methods of construction is that both are built to meet or exceed the local residential building code. The difference in quality between the two therefore rests on the quality of the builder and finish product from the factory. The quality of most modular homes is on par with most stick-built construction methods. On average a modular home will cost 10% to 25% less compared to a traditional home built on site. Modular housing is more environmental friendly and they are also more energy efficient compared to stick-built homes. PANELIZED HOMES A third option for those considering a factory built home is a panelized home – sometimes referred to as a prefab home. Panelized construction involves the building of individual walls, or wall sections in a factory. Panelized home producers are the biggest and most diverse segment of the factory-built housing industry. Panelized homes are different compared to modular homes and manufactured homes. There are some similarities, but panelized homes utilize “Components” or “wall units” that are pre-built in a controlled environment, (factory). The main advantage of panelized homes over stick-built homes is - shorter build time with lower labor costs. To learn more about panelized homes please click here.     Would You Like to Know Which Manufacturers in North America Build the Best Homes at Affordable Prices? Updated March 2009! Are you considering buying a modular, manufactured or panelized home? Would you like to know which Companies build quality homes at affordable prices? Would you like to save thousands during the negotiation process? Would you like to know how to choose the right builder for your project? What is the difference between a modular home and a manufactured home? Do factory-built homes appreciate in value? Learn how to prepare your job site for your new home and save thousands. Want to act as the owner-builder? My book will show you how! Modular home construction is more environmentally friendly than its conventional home counterpart. Engineered construction materials are employed, and effective in-plant recycling is in place at most factory built home manufacturing facilities. This means that all the materials are able to be recycled. This may not sound amazing, but one of the dirty secrets of site builders is the amount of waste traditional new homes generate. A factory built home delivered and placed on a permanent concrete foundation could save you 30% or more compared to a traditional site-built home. Factory built homes are typically more energy efficient compared to traditional homes and offer quicker build times, which is going to save you valuable time and money!   Mr. Eaton, We have bought several homes in our lifetime but our retirement home purchase in Florida has been the best thanks to your book. Your book helped us select the right manufacturer and builder. We did a lot of research on the Internet but could not find any ratings or comparisons on factory built homes until we found your website. The rating charts alone are worth the cost of your books. Mr. & Mrs. Samuel (Florida)     Mr. Eaton, Your book is just what I was looking for. I have been trying to research which modular home companies deliver to my area. The Internet provided some answers but after reading your book I was amazed to learn all the different factories within a short distance from my location. A great resource, thanks! Bruce, PA     My wife and I are getting ready to purchase a manufactured home and don’t know if the price we are being quoted is fair. After reading your book we realized the asking prices was too high and used your buying tips to negotiate a better deal. We saved over $5,000 just by following your buying tips. Thanks! Robert & Sue, CT     I was not sure if a modular home was a good investment. I am retiring and want to downsize. After reading your book I realized I had some misconceptions about modular housing. I now know the advantages and I appreciate all the effort you put into this publication. I now have a beautiful modular home, which cost much less compared to building a home, thanks. Timothy, GA   Since 1999 my company has been providing ratings for the factory built housing industry. Click here to see a list of builders we rate. We have done the research and now it can be yours. Learn which manufacturers received top ratings in the areas of: RESIDENTIAL APPEAL QUALITY OF CONSTRUCTION CUSTOMER SATISFACTION RESALE VALUE PRICE Detailed rating charts for all FIVE REGIONS of the United States. Each region, (West, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast and Southeast) contains important ratings that allow you to see how each manufacturer rates at a glance. These charts have taken years to produce and will save you valuable time and help you focus on companies that meet your expectations and budget.   If you are seriously considering a modular home, manufactured home or prefab home, the first thing you must do is understand how the factories compare to each other. Most people have it backwards; they search for a builder not knowing which products they represent. While it may make sense to start with a builder, it’s all wrong. You need to start at the source - the factory! You need to know which manufacturers deliver to your area and the type of homes they build. Some factories specialize in only custom modular homes. Other factories specialize in commercial projects and still others focus on entry-level homes. My book will show you which factories deliver into your area and the type of homes they build. Once you have narrowed your search down to a particular factory you can contact them for builder references. We remain committed to our readers by offering unbiased information about modular homes, manufactured homes and panelized homes. We have NO Hidden Agendas. We receive NO commissions or advertising kickbacks. We have not accepted any payments to promote one company over another. We can assure you that all of the information contained in this book is based on independent research, countless interviews and is from an objective point of view. Our company is a consumer based organization and we have not been hired by the housing industry to promote their homes or products. This resource is not available in book stores. We update our book yearly to keep up with the changes in the housing industry. Purchase The Complete Guide to Modular Housing for Just $99.95 NOW JUST $39.95!     E-Book $39.95 (PDF) Immediate Download 168-Pages l File Size 2.5 MB (Only takes a few minutes to download using regular dial-up) Print all or portions of your ebook! It's fast and easy!         Printed Copy $49.95 FREE SHIPPING! 168-Pages l Soft Cover (Printed book shipped priority mail. Please allow 3-4 days for delivery)     Note from the Author: When you purchase my book you will have have access to my email address where you can ask questions concerning your particular situation. Please remember this book is nine years in the making with important data and information you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re just looking for a basic book on modular homes there are a number of books available. But, if you’re looking for a comprehensive guide that provides valuable buying tips along with construction information and ratings, than you don’t have to look any further. Author Randall Eaton