Double wide and modular homes might look similar at first glance, but they are built under very different rules. You may be considering which option would be more suitable for your project.

This article breaks it all down. We’ll start by defining both home types and highlight how their building codes, structure, and placement differ. Then, we’ll walk you through five technical aspects—like regulations, installation, design, and financing—that could directly impact your budget and timeline.

Finally, we’ll take a look at market trends and why more builders are now mixing double wide and modular solutions to stay ahead.

Whether you’re planning a large development or customizing single units, understanding these core differences will help you make smarter, faster decisions.

What Are Double Wide and Modular Homes?

Double wide homes and modular homes are both popular alternatives to traditional site-built houses, but they are built under different standards and serve different market needs. Understanding these housing types is essential for builders, developers, and even homebuyers looking to make informed decisions.

What is double wide home?

A double wide home is essentially a manufactured home built in two sections and joined together at the installation site. These homes fall under the regulations of the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) federal building code. 

Built in a factory setting, double wide homes are often referred to as mobile or manufactured homes and are commonly used in communities designed specifically for these types of dwellings. Structurally, they rest on a steel chassis, which means they are relatively easy to transport but may come with some local zoning or financing limitations.

What is modular home?

Modular homes, on the other hand, are built in modules or sections in a factory under strict state or local building codes — the same standards that apply to traditional stick-built homes. 

Unlike double wides, modular homes are placed on permanent foundations and can be indistinguishable from conventional houses once completed. This makes them a preferred choice for developers looking for long-term residential or commercial solutions.

One of the primary advantages of modular homes lies in their design flexibility. These homes often support multi-story layouts and allow for a wide range of customizations in floor plans, finishes, and facades. Whether you’re developing a suburban housing project or planning custom-built homes, modular construction offers greater versatility in architectural expression and space planning.

By distinguishing between double wide and modular homes at this early stage, you can better align your building strategy with the performance, regulatory, and design requirements of your project.

Key Differences between Double Wide and Modular Homes

When builders and developers evaluate double wide and modular homes, understanding the technical and regulatory differences is essential to making informed choices. This section highlights the core distinctions that impact everything from project feasibility to long-term investment value.

Structural Standards and Code Compliance

Double wides are manufactured under federal HUD (Housing and Urban Development) standards, which apply uniformly across states. These codes primarily address manufactured housing, often emphasizing affordability and ease of transportation. 

Conversely, modular homes must comply with state and local building regulations, similar to traditionally constructed site-built homes. This means modular units often have higher structural integrity and more rigorous compliance requirements, aligning with conventional construction practices.

Transportation and Installation Process

Double wides are delivered in two halves, each with an integrated steel chassis, allowing for quick transportation and simpler site set-up. They are usually placed on piers or blocks. 

Modular homes, however, are transported in fully enclosed modules without a permanent chassis. Cranes are required to lift and position modules onto permanent foundations, adding complexity but resulting in a more stable, long-lasting structure.

Designflexibilität

Modular homes offer broad customization possibilities. Their construction method supports multi-story layouts, irregular shapes, and bespoke floor plans. Builders can develop high-end, energy-efficient designs tailored to buyer specifications. 

Double wides, by contrast, adhere to standardized floor plans and widths (typically 28–32 feet), limiting flexibility, especially for upscale or urban development projects.

Land Use Regulations and Financing

From a regulatory perspective, modular homes are typically viewed like site-built homes, making them easier to place on a wider range of land parcels and qualify for conventional mortgages from banks. 

Double wides, categorized as manufactured homes, often face zoning restrictions and may require specialized financing. Developers seeking streamlined approval processes and financing options may find modular homes more advantageous.

Cost of double-wide vs modular home

Initial Cost Comparison

• Double-wide homes are generally more economical, costing between $50,000 and $100,000. Since the construction process is relatively simple, costs are lower.
• Modular homes have higher initial costs, usually $70,000 to $150,000, but they have advantages in quality control and material selection. Modular homes use higher-quality building materials to ensure the durability and stability of the home, and although the initial investment is slightly higher, it may be more valuable in the long run.

Long-term Maintenance Costs

• Modular homes have an advantage in energy efficiency. Improved insulation makes them more efficient for winter heating and summer cooling, which lowers energy bills.
• Double-wide homes, while more energy efficient, are generally not as good as modular homes, especially in older or less expensive double-wide homes, which may result in higher heating and air conditioning bills.

Shipping and Installation Costs

• Double-wide homes are more expensive to ship, especially for large homes or remote areas, and the cost can be thousands to tens of thousands of dollars. Double-wide homes are complex to install, usually costing $5,000 to $15,000.
• Modular homes are more efficient to transport and install, with lower shipping costs and installation costs between $3,000 and $10,000.

Overall, modular homes, while more expensive initially, are more cost-effective in terms of energy efficiency, long-term maintenance, and hidden costs during installation. Double-wide homes, while cheaper, may be more cost-effective in long-term maintenance and energy efficiency.

Please note: Whether choosing a double-wide or modular home, you need to consider the costs of land preparation and infrastructure, including the construction of electricity, water supply and drainage, and other infrastructure. If these costs are not included in the cost of purchasing a home, they will increase the total investment.

Application Comparison

Double-Wide Homes: Double-wide homes are perfect for families or individuals seeking ample living space but operating within a constrained budget. With their spacious design, they are particularly suitable for rural or suburban areas, providing ample space for families, retirees, or first-time homebuyers. Double-wide homes are easy to install and do not require complex foundations, making them a quick and cost-effective housing solution.

Fertighäuser: Modular homes are suitable for those who need high-quality construction, faster occupancy, and have a higher budget. They are commonly used in urban, suburban, or multi-story residential projects. Modular homes offer customization options and are ideal for buyers looking for better quality control, faster construction, and flexible designs. First-time homebuyers, families, and developers can benefit from modular homes, particularly when high-quality construction and quick build times are essential.

Understanding these differences helps professionals align product choice with project goals—whether speed, customization, location suitability, or investment value.

Which Home is Right for Your Needs?

When choosing the right home type, consider the following factors:

• Budget: If your budget is tight, double-wide homes are a more economical choice, ideal for buyers seeking larger space at a lower cost. Modular homes, though more expensive, offer higher quality and long-term energy efficiency benefits.
  
• Living Needs: If you require higher quality and more customizable space, modular homes will better meet your needs. They offer more design options and greater long-term durability, suitable for buyers focused on details and long-term residence.
  
• Bauzeit: If you need to move in quickly, modular homes generally complete construction and occupancy faster. While double-wide homes are quicker, transportation and installation complexities may cause delays.

Besonderheit	Double-Wide Homes	Fertighäuser
Budget	Economical, ideal for budget-conscious buyers	Higher initial cost, but better long-term value
Living Needs	Spacious, suitable for families	Customizable design and higher quality structure
Bauzeit	Quick build, but may be delayed by transportation and installation	Pre-fabrication speeds up construction, faster move-in
Energy Efficiency & Maintenance	Lower efficiency, higher long-term energy costs	Better energy efficiency and long-term savings

Market Trends: Opportunities in Prefabricated Housing

The prefabricated housing industry, including modular and double-wide homes, has seen significant growth in recent years, with double-digit annual growth globally. This trend is gaining attention from builders and developers.

A key driver is the increasing demand for cost-effective, energy-efficient housing. Modular and double-wide homes are ideal for sustainable building projects, as their factory-controlled construction reduces waste and allows for energy-saving features like solar panels, advanced insulation, and smart HVAC systems.

The distinction between modular and double-wide homes is also becoming less clear. Developers are blending both solutions to increase flexibility. For example, double-wide units are used for suburban neighborhoods, while modular homes are suited for urban or multi-story projects. This hybrid approach allows developers to scale faster and reach multiple market segments.

For property developers, these trends present valuable opportunities. Adopting prefabricated solutions can lower construction costs, speed up time to market, and offer modern, in-demand features. Modular and double-wide homes are transforming modern construction.

Understanding these options helps you select the best solution for your projects, making them quicker, more flexible, and more profitable.

Now is the time to build smarter with prefabricated housing. Explore our Doppelbreite Fertighäuser today to stay ahead of the curve!