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What is a modular home?

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By StaffMay 8, 20256 min read

An exterior of a modular home with blue siding, an arched stone entryway, and stone accents.

Have questions about how modular homes are built and zoned? Read more about modern manufactured and modular homes and have your commonly asked modular home questions answered.

Key takeaways:

The home construction process combines site-built and modern manufactured building methods, like being built in a climate-controlled facility while partially being constructed on-site.
Modular homes are built with many of the same materials as site-built homes and are also subject to local state and county building codes instead of a national HUD code like modern manufactured homes.
The specific building requirements and definitions for a “modular” home vary state-by-state, and are determined by the local county and city ordinances where the home will be located.
Speak to a home consultant at your local Clayton location who specializes in modern manufactured homes to ask questions about local requirements and determine if a modular home may be right for you.

About Clayton

Founded in 1956, Clayton is committed to opening doors to a better life through homeownership. Clayton is a leading single-family, values-driven home builder dedicated to attainable housing, sustainable practices, and creating a world-class experience for customers and team members. The company’s portfolio includes a comprehensive range of site-built, modern manufactured, Tiny, CrossMod® and modular housing. In 2024, Clayton built more than 60,000 homes across the country. For more information, visit claytonhomes.com.

Who we are

What makes a home a modular home?

Like modern manufactured homes, modular homes are constructed inside of a facility, transported to the home site, and installed on a permanent foundation, where the finishing touches take place.

The main difference between manufactured, modular and site-built homes is that, while manufactured homes are built to meet HUD code, modular and site-built homes need to follow all of the applicable state and local building codes.

What do I need to consider when shopping for a modular home?

Modular home zoning

Because there is no national standard for modular homes, you will need to do your research. Start by checking your local zoning requirements in the area you want to live to know what is possible and required.

For example, some states, like North and South Carolina, have standards regarding the appearance of a modular home that regulate the minimum roof pitch, roof overhang length, and foundation wall requirements. Some areas may also require modular homes to be permanently installed at the home site without a steel frame, while others allow on-frame foundations and lower roof pitches.

Modular home financing

Moreover, when seeking a modular home, each individual lender sets their own requirements for financing. So, when you’re working with a lender of your choice, be sure to ask about these loan terms and construction standards that you may need to bring back to your home builder to comply with. This can make your lending options limited so be sure to compare against modern manufactured and site-built terms when comparing lenders of your choice.

The importance of working with experts

If you are interested in a modular home, you can talk to your home consultant, and they can guide you through available options and coordinate with the building facility if needed. Many modern manufactured homes can be built to meet these requirements depending on the floor plan, upgrade options, and your budget.

What are the benefits of a Clayton new construction home?

No matter what home type you select, there's no arguing the benefits and enjoyment of buying a new construction Clayton home built just for you.

When you move in, you won’t have to worry about potentially time-consuming repairs or expensive renovations that may come with an older home. Instead, you’ll be able to enjoy brand-new appliances and also select some of the details for your new home, like different exterior features, paint colors, and interior finishes. Clayton also uses products from trusted home building brands throughout our homes, so you can trust they’re built with both quality and durability in mind.

At the end of the day, we believe homeownership makes lives better and should be possible for more people. That’s why we build a range of homes suited for private land and within neighborhoods that can address your specific needs and accommodate a range of budgets. Whether you’re downsizing for retirement, planning for a growing household, or simply desiring a fresh start, we have home options that work for you.