Below is a structural comparison of construction standards.
| Structural Design Requirements: | Site Built & (§)Modular/NY Code: | Double Wide/HUD Code: |
| Live Load Minimum, Wind Load | Horizontal, 10psf | More (Horizontal, 15psf) |
| Live Load Minimum, Roof Load | Snow/live, per zone map NYCRR | Per zone map, HUD |
| Floor Distribution Load | Live, 40psf (§ Floor system may be wood w/removable steel frame carrier or wood w/non-removable steel framt that is permanent part of home) | Same, (Floor system wood witn non-removable steel frame that is permanent part of home) |
| Load Deflections (Max.), Floors | Unplastered, 1/240 span | Same |
| Load Deflections (Max.), Roof | Unplastered, 1/180 span. Wall stud & roof rafter spacing 24" |
Same. More wall stud & roof rafter spacing 16" |
| Windstorm Protection: Siding & Overturn | Standard Methods | More, designed provisions for support & anchoring |
| Windstorm Protection: Resistance to Weather | Exterior cover materials & construction duly tested for resistance to elements & use. | Same |
| Structural Tests | Assemblies not subject to engineering design, are tested per appropriate Code. | Same |
| Fire Safety: Interior Finish | Flame spread rating not exceeding 200 | Same |
| Fire Safety: Furnace, Water Heater & Cooking Range Areas | Combustible surfaces not to exceed surface temperature of 175° | More (special protection with gypsum/asbestos/sheet metal) |
| Fire Safety: Smoke Detection | One @ sleeping area, one inside each sleeping room. | Less one per sleeping area. |
| Heating System | § May be factory installed or completed on site. | Factory Installed. |
| Exit Facilities (Minimum): Exterior Door |
One | More, two. |
| Exit Facilities: Egress | One per habitable area. | Same. |
| Structural Design Requirements: | Site Built & Modular/NY Code: | Double Wide/HUD Code: |
| Appliances | With or without appliances. | Same. |
| Space Planning (Min. Req.): Overall Floor Area | Not specified. | Same |
| Space Planning (Min.Req.): Size of Rooms | At least one habitable area of 150 sq.ft. All others expect kitchen, 80 sq.ft. | At least one living area of 150 sq. ft. Bedroom minimum of 50 sq. ft. if single occupied, 70 sq. ft. for double. |
| Kitchen Cabinets | § May be installed or completed on site. | Kitchen cabinets and carpets factory installed. |
| Ceiling Height | 7½ ft., except if sloped roof, it can be 7 ft. if 50% of ceiling area is 7½ ft. | Less, 7 ft. minimum |
| Hallways | Not specified. | Minimum 28" wide. |
| Walls | May be finished or pre-prepared dry wall. | Same |
| Light & Ventilation (Min.): Glazed Area | 8% | Same |
| Light & Ventilation (Min.): Unobstructed Area | 4% | Same |
| Light & Ventilation (Min.): Mechanical Ventilation | Per ASNI 62-89 and 62a-1990 | Habitable: 2 air changes/hour. Bath: 5 air changes/hour. |
| Thermal Protection | Equipment & insulation to provide 68° inside temperature during winter months. | More (equipment & insulation to maintain 70° inside temperature during winter months) |
| Windows | To meet envelop thermal heat loss requirements, usually thermopane. | Same. |
| Plumbing Material | Water supply: galvanized or copper pipe. Drain/vent: all types. |
Water supply: galvanized, copper or PVC.
Drain/vent: all types. |
| Construction & Safety | Accepted methods. | Same. |
| Testing & Inspections | Only local inspection required. | Testing & inspection required during production. |
| Electrical: Material | Acceptable under NEC. | Same. |
| Electrical: Construction & System | NEC Standards. | More testing & inspections are required during production. |
| Transportation & Sales | NYS Code does not regulate transportation or sales. | Designed to fully withstand shocks & vibrations during transportation. HUD regulates transportation & sales. |
| Design Evaluations | Site-built residence not necessarily designed or checked by professionals. | More (designed by professional Engineers/Architects and checked by independent professionals). |
| Inspections During Construction | Local inspections only. § Factory & local inspections. |
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§ Denotes modular homes only. 
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