Building a new home can be confusing, but adhering to the standards of specific codes and regulations can feel impossible to understand. These codes are in place to make sure your home is built safely and according to certain specifications, and we’re breaking down the HUD code for you to help you gain the knowledge you need during your home building process.
What is the HUD Code?
All homes are built to the standards of a certain code. The code is a set of rules that must be met by the builder so the home can have a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) when completed. The CO is issued by the local building department and shows that the home has met the specifics of that code and is safe for people to move in.
Manufactured homes adhere to building standards set forth by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), while modular and site-built homes follow International Residential Code (IRC) standards.
Since 1976, all manufactured homes in the United States have been built according to HUD building codes. It is a national standard that goes above all local building codes. This means that all states and counties have to accept the HUD standards, even if they conflict with local building codes.
Once a home has been approved by HUD, local or state enforcement agencies can’t try to force it to comply with local regulations that conflict with HUD codes.
What is the difference between IRC codes and HUD?
A main difference between the two is that the HUD code requires all manufactured homes to have a permanent steel chassis attached. This helps with transporting the home to the site.
Homes built to IRC do not have this and are placed in a permanent foundation.
HUD codes will also direct the minimum size for a manufactured home, the amount of outside doors, ceiling heights, minimum square footage for bedrooms, the number of windows and other things. In addition, they have requirements that must be met to make the homes safer in case of a fire.
What about the local standards?
Despite being a national standard, manufactured homes still have to meet some regulations that are specific to the location that it will be placed. The HUD divides the country into different zones: Wind, roof load and thermal. The manufactured homes must meet the standards for those areas.
Coastal areas will most likely be hit by hurricanes, so the manufactured home needs to be built in a way to withstand the wind. Homes in areas that receive a lot of snow must be built to have roofs that can withstand that kind of weight.
Why is the HUD code important for manufactured homes?
To be able to move into your home, it needs to be verified to be safe to inhabit and meet the code standards. In fact, homes built to the HUD standards are quicker and less expensive to get approval and allow the homes to be built in a more timely fashion.
Manufactured homes built to the HUD code are often brought to a higher standard than site homes and are structurally high-quality with lovely designs that fit current trends.
Southwest Homes is ready to build your dream home and are with you for every step of the way. We want to help you build a dream home that you can afford and love, that not only looks amazing, but is safe for your family.
We deliver quality and affordable manufactured homes through a hassle-free and fun buying experience. We are a full-service experience for purchasing your next home – from start to finish with no added stress.
Our manufactured homes come in a variety of sizes and price ranges to meet you and your family’s needs. We provide affordable new homes in Prescott, Chino Valley, Prescott Valley and Dewey, Arizona!
Let’s go build your dream home! Call us today at 928-899-3845!