What Are Double Wide Modular Homes?

If you’re looking for the value, convenience, and sustainability of modular construction but still want some space in your home to spread out or grow your family, double wide modular homes may be the best choice for you.

Let’s explore the differences between single and double wide modular homes, as well as what sets modular homes apart from manufactured homes.

What Is a Modular Home?

Modular homes are available in almost any possible size and layout, including modular double wide homes. These are permanently affixed on a basement or crawlspace foundation and are effectively prepared to the same specifications as a site-built home, but with less wasted material and higher efficiency.

Single Wide vs. Double Wide Modular Homes

Both single wide and double wide modular homes can be built with multiple bedrooms and plenty of luxury add-ons. But as the name implies, double wide modular homes are larger than their single wide counterparts.

Typically, single wide modular and manufactured homes are around 1200 sq. feet or smaller. This makes them a great option for homeowners who are looking to downsize or don’t need a lot of space from the start.

Double wide manufactured and modular homes tend to start a bit larger than their single wide cousins—most start around 1500 sq. feet. However, many of our double wide homes can exceed 2000 sq. feet, making them ideal for enjoying plenty of space, entertaining guests, or starting a family.

Modular vs. Manufactured Homes

Modular homes and manufactured homes are often confused with each other, but there are differences between the two. Here are some of the most common distinctions:

• Construction: While both types of homes are built in climate-controlled factory settings, manufactured (sometimes called mobile) homes are built on a steel chassis so they can be transported from one destination to the next. Modular homes are created in sections, and then these sections are transported to your property for assembly.

• Foundation: Manufactured homes are typically anchored onto piers once they’re delivered. While some can be placed permanently, many are still elevated off the ground with just the anchors and the steel chassis underneath the home. On the other hand, modular homes are placed on permanent foundations like traditional homes.

• Design customization: Modular homes are extremely customizable by nature and offer endless opportunities to mix and match modules based on available floor plans. Conversely, manufactured homes have a more standardized layout and fewer options for customizing the home to make it your own.

• Building requirements: Modular homes must adhere to the same local and state regulations or building codes as site-built homes, while most contemporary manufactured homes adhere to the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Code. While these codes have very similar safety requirements, there are differences between the zoning specifics depending on the state in which your modular home is located.

In short, modular homes are similar to traditional, site-built homes in that they’re permanent structures, with the only major difference being where and how they’re constructed. Manufactured homes are built differently, have fewer customization options, and follow a different set of building regulations.

How a Modular Home Builder Makes a Double Wide

1. Making the House Sections

Once you’ve chosen the floor plan of your dream home, our building experts will get to work constructing your double wide modular home in sections, including any custom pieces. Our manufacturing partners work inside large, climate-controlled factory settings to build your modular home, which allows them to build your home without any weather delays and with all the equipment they need nearby.

This process typically takes a minimum of several weeks to complete, but it can take up to several months depending on supplies and our current backlog.

2. Transporting the House Modules

Once our construction experts have finished building the modules of your new double wide home, it’s time to transport the modules to the site you choose. The crew places the modules onto large trucks with weather protection covers to keep out the elements. Then, the modules are delivered to your purchased or leased lot and the building process continues.

3. Combining Two Units Into a Double Wide

Once we’ve laid the foundation for your new modular home, it’s time for us to start assembling all the pieces. This typically involves using a crane to lower all the pieces and the roof into place before the crew comes in and connects the modules like giant puzzle pieces. This process is essentially the same whether you’re purchasing a single wide modular home or a double wide modular home.

While it is possible to purchase a second single-wide unit later on and connect it to your existing home, it can ultimately be more cost-effective to purchase a double wide modular home from the start.

However, if you know you’ll want to include an additional room or two in your modular home later down the line, it’s also relatively easy and cost-effective to add more modules in the future.

4. Finalizing Installation on Your Modular Home

Once all the pieces are assembled on the site of your new home, the crew will put the finishing touches in place. For our modular home builders, that typically means connecting your home to utilities like gas and water lines, laying down carpeting, installing cabinets and stairs, and more.

Before you’re able to move into your new home, we’ll also do a final cleanup. From there, the home is yours.

How Much Do Double Wide Modular Homes Cost?

Costs for double wide modular homes can vary depending on several different factors, including:

• Total square footage: Larger double wide modular homes will generally cost more than smaller floor plans as a matter of course.

• Customization: If you’re looking for a design with a wrap-around porch, a fully finished basement, more robust heating and cooling options, custom floor plans, or other modifications, you can typically expect your double wide modular home to cost more.

• Location: Just like any other home or piece of property, manufactured and modular homes are subject to property taxes and local property values. Therefore, the price of the land will also affect the cost of your modular home.

Find Double Wide Modular Homes in Michigan

At Preferred Homes, we have new double wide modular homes for sale throughout West Michigan. Choose the floor plan of your dreams and customize your home, or schedule a tour of our available homes today and take the first step toward owning your luxury modular home.