Home-Buying Process:
Factors to Consider in Housing Selection

Type of Construction

Houses can be constructed in different ways. Two methods are described below:

Conventionally built or site-built houses — Constructed at the site where it is located, using few, if any, factory-built components.

Factory-built houses — The structure is built in a factory for long-term residential use. Types of factory-built housing include:

Manufactured house — A house built entirely in a factory under a federal building code administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Sections of the house are built in the factory and assembled on site. Manufactured housing can be less expensive because mass production methods are employed.
Modular house — A structure built in a factory to be assembled on site and built to the state, local or regional codes. Sections are transported and assembled on site.
Mobile house — A term used for factory-built houses prior to 1976. Mostly, because of size, these are not easily mobile, but can be moved if the owner relocates. They may be placed on rented or owned land.

See the Deciding to Buy a Home module for more information on types of construction.