What typically distinguishes a manufactured home from traditional homes?

A manufactured home is primarily distinguished from traditional homes by its size and mobility options. Manufactured homes, also known as mobile homes, are built in a factory and designed to be transported to their final location, which gives them the characteristic of mobility. They are typically larger than traditional mobile homes but smaller than single-family homes, and they can be relocated if necessary, which is a feature not found in traditional site-built homes.

While construction materials, location, and type of ownership can certainly vary between homes, these factors do not inherently define a manufactured home. Construction materials might be similar across different types of homes, and ownership agreements can apply to both manufactured and traditional homes. The defining characteristic is their systematic construction in a controlled environment and their ability to be moved to different sites.