A trailer home is a prefabricated residence built in a factory on a permanent chassis, designed to be transportable to a site. While the term "trailer home" or "mobile home" historically referred to homes with a wheeled chassis, today's versions are often referred to as "manufactured homes" and are typically placed on a permanent foundation and are not frequently moved. They are an affordable housing option that must comply with federal construction standards set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Key characteristics

Factory-built: Built in a controlled factory environment, leading to shorter construction times and potentially lower costs compared to site-built homes.

Chassis-based: Built on a permanent steel chassis with wheels, which allows them to be transported to a final location

Transportable: Can be moved from the factory to a permanent site, though most are not designed for frequent relocation

Manufactured home: The modern term for these homes, which are built to strict federal standards under the HUD Code

Affordable housing: A more budget-friendly housing option compared to traditional site-built homes.

Permanent foundation: Once at their final site, these homes are often placed on a permanent foundation, making them function like a traditional house and potentially qualifying for a traditional mortgage.

Mobile Home Types

Glossary of Manufactured Homes in California