How long does a modular home last? 

Although a modular home is built in a factory and transported to the homesite like a mobile/manufactured home, it is different in two important ways: 1) a modular home is manufactured to the essentially the same building code and using the same materials as a site-built home and, 2) the home is installed on a permanent foundation just like a site-built home. So, like a regular home, all of its components are replaceable over time and it will last for as long as the homeowner continues to do repairs and replacements of the home’s individual components when they wear out.
    The photo above is a modular by Palm Harbor Homes. Many other manufacturers of mobile homes, such as Clayton Homes, also offer modular models.

    We recommend reading our blog post “What is the average life expectancy of a house?” for a more detailed evaluation of the factors that affect the lifespan of both a modular and site-built house. 

   To understand the basis, potential use, and limitations of lifespan ratings, see our blog post How accurate are the average life expectancy ratings of home components? Are they actually useful?  

Here’s links to a collection of our other blog posts about MODULAR HOMES:

• What are the tie down requirements for a modular home? 

• How safe is a modular home in a hurricane?

• How can I tell the difference between a manufactured home and a modular home?

• Does a modular home have a serial number?

• Does a modular home have a HUD tag? 

• Can a modular home be moved? 

    Visit our MOBILE/MANUFACTURED HOMES and LIFE EXPECTANCY pages for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles. 

Photo - Palm Island Homes 

NOTE: These life expectancies are based on data provided by InterNACHI, NAHB, FannieMae, and our own professional experience. Because of the numerous variables that can affect a lifespan, they should be used as rough guidelines only, and not relied upon as a warranty or guarantee of future performance.