Many types of structures are built in the factory and designed for long-term residential use. In the case of manufactured and modular homes, units area built in a factory, transported to the site and installed. In panelized and pre-cut homes, essentially flat units (factory-built panels or factory-cut building materials) are transported to the site and assembled.

A home built entirely in the factory under federal building code administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (the HUD code) went into effect June 15, 1976. Manufactured homes may be single or mulit-section and are transported to the site and installed. The federal standards regulate manufactured housing design and construction, strength and durability, transportability, fire resistance, energy efficiency and quality. The HUD Code also sets performance standards for the heating, plumbing, air conditioning, thermal and electrical systems. It is the only national building code.

This is the term used for homes built prior to June 15, 1976, when the HUD Code went into effect.

These factory-built homes are built to the state, local or regional code where the home will be located. Multi-section untis are transported to the site and installed.

Factory-built homes in which panels-a whole wall with windows, doors, wiring and outside siding-are transported to the site and assembled. The homes must meet state or local building codes where they are sited.

Factory-built housing in which materials are factory-cut to design specifications, transported to the site and assembled. Pre-cut homes include kit, log and dome homes. These homes must meet local or state building codes.