Originally Posted By: loconnor
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Bill
I just performed a new construction draw inpection for a modular home. Although it is built in a factory, as a manufactured home; the wood framing, along with the state or local building codes it was built from, is what differentiates the two.
A manufacyured home is built to HUD specifications and codes and should have a tag located on each section, usually at the rear of each section.
As James pointed out, when a manufactured homes has its tongue and hitch removed, along with the axles and wheels, then placed on a permanent foundation, it should be considered real estate. But in Michigan, I am told, (but don'r quote me), the home owners have to make application to local authorities to have it documented as a real estate, and not personal property.
The general contractor I worked with last week, during the installation of the modular home, gave me an interior tour of the home 10 minutes after it was put together. This took only 1 1/2 hours. It was interesting watching them put it together, on top of a full basement.. This was in the outskirts of Benton Harbor.
The contractor told me how mobile home manufacturers were referring their homes as modular or manufactured. The Modular home industry had to take them to court to get them to stop using the term modular inreferencing mobile homes. They are now called manufactured homes.
You should not see a difference between a regular home or a modular home, according the the GC I talked to. However, being an inspector, we're bound to see something that would indicate this is not a stick built home. Sorry this post is so long. I took my vitamins today.
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Larry
Western Michigan NACHI Chapter
http://www.w-michigan-nachi.org
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