Clayton modular homes

[beckycat]

So, what's the deal with these hybrid modulars? Clayton claims to build a modular on a frame. I know people say it's a double wide (manufactured home) then. But, if the standards are the same as a stick built home, why isn't it considered a modular even though it's on a frame? The HUD standards on a manufactured home are definitely different than a modular. I certainly know the difference between a manufactured home and a modular.

[NYS2Tennessee]

Originally Posted by beckycat

So, what's the deal with these hybrid modulars? Clayton claims to build a modular on a frame. I know people say it's a double wide (manufactured home) then. But, if the standards are the same as a stick built home, why isn't it considered a modular even though it's on a frame? The HUD standards on a manufactured home are definitely different than a modular. I certainly know the difference between a manufactured home and a modular.

The frame makes it a manufactured in the eyes of insurance and the real estate market. Their modular on frame are double widex, but altered. It affects insurance, loans, lots with restrictions against manufactured homes, resale, etc. I believe the exterior walls are thinner too, but I could be wrong.

[Beaconowner]

Originally Posted by NYS2Tennessee

The frame makes it a manufactured in the eyes of insurance and the real estate market. Their modular on frame are double widex, but altered. It affects insurance, loans, lots with restrictions against manufactured homes, resale, etc. I believe the exterior walls are thinner too, but I could be wrong.

The exterior walls are not thinner than either modular or stick built homes. Todays quality manufactured homes by reputable manufacturers use standard size lumber on all the exterior walls based on the climate the house will be in. Some manufacturers do use smaller lumber in inside walls, 24 inches on center, because it's cheaper, and it increases floor area, oh and did I mention, it's cheaper?


So for example, in New Hampshire you will find thicker walls in order to handle the snow loads, in Florida manufactured housing will have to stand up to high winds, in the Pacific North West, wind and rain is a factor. This is why some homes are only available in certain regions and not others. What you will find is that some manufacturers will space their studs at 24 inches on center, while most stick built homes and modular typically space their studs at 16 inches on center. However, you always have the option to upgrade a manufactured home from 24 inches to 16 inches on center. In the home I plan on buying that change means almost a 50% increase in lumber in the walls.


For those concerned about resale, it's still the same rule as always in real estate - location, location, location. So if your home is in a well maintained over 55 park, with a reasonable rent with reasonable increases, and the owner maintained the home, you can expect better resale value than if you are in a family park with nothing for the kids to do.


To see what used mobile homes go for, check Zillow for manufactured homes in your area. In the Pacific North West even manufactured homes from the 1970's are still going for 20,000 to 45,000 in parks and newer homes from the 1990's and later go up to the $200,000's in the right park, or on private land, some homes are even higher. Still, there are some very good bargains out there if you look, and especially if you can pay cash. Also in the Pacific North West (Washington state) if you buy a manufactured home and put it on private land on a permanent foundation it can be considered real property and can be mortgaged and taxed just like a modular or stick built home. If it is in a park, it will be considered personal property, no matter what kind of foundation it has.


The worst manufactured homes are made in the South and the South West. There wages are generally lower and people that buy manufactured homes are mostly lower income. These homes are bare bones homes with all the shoddy practices that used to be seen generally in the industry, until the Feds came in, an established HUD standards. However, besides shoddy construction, the companies in these areas that site the homes are often not doing a good job, so these homes often have misaligned center seams in the double wides, as well as doors that don't close properly, and floors that are not level. But these are most often site installation problems not manufacturing issues.

[beckycat]

Seems like Clayton does build off frame modulars now. Is the quality any better? Any good or bad experiences?

[Chowgirl]

I don't recommend them. We were going to buy one a few months ago. Buy the time all is said and done a stick built house isn't much more. We ended up buying new construction for $10,000 more.

[easy62]

Clayton makes homes all the way from inexpensive to very expensive and everything in between. The higher the price the better building materials. The basic will have baton strips on the wallpaper covered, walls and the high end will be finished smooth drywall finish. The Appliances will be of a higher end in a higher price home. It’s like buying a nice full-size pickup the more you spend the better options you get. A fwiw Warren Buffett owns Clayton homes. And you will have no problem getting insurance if the home is on your own property. A modular home is not a manufactured home, similar but different roof pitches, and you can get a 2 story modular home unlike a manufactured home. And you can get a regular mortgage if the home is on your own property. Unlike a manufactured home in a park.

[MichiganGreg]

Originally Posted by beckycat

Seems like Clayton does build off frame modulars now. Is the quality any better? Any good or bad experiences?

We just built a Clayton Modular (OFF FRAME, IRC CODE) on our 10 acres in northern LP Michigan in 2019. The house has performed perfectly, even in heavy, heavy snow, with temps down to -19F. Worst-case propane for heat/cooking that month was $180. Total cost of the house with all upgrades including 9' ceilings, 6' tall windows, full walkout basement, came in at $176K. The same size site-built house in our area was quoted between $400K-$500K with the same options. One thing though, since the pandemic, like all houses, the cost of modulars has increased due to lumber costs.

This is our seventh house, and our last and final home for retirement. It is built as well as the best of the site-built homes we have owned over the last 40 years. Would we do this again? In a heartbeat.