Frequently Asked Questions

In the simplest form, factory-built homes are constructed off site in a controlled indoor environment. However, there is a bit more to it than that. Whereas a typical site-built home is required to pass county or state building codes throughout the construction process, the term "manufactured home" specifically refers to a home built entirely in a protected environment under a federal code set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Manufactured homes are NOT mobile homes. The term "mobile home" describes factory-built homes produced prior to the 1976 HUD Code enactment.

The HUD code requires each manufactured home to meet the following requirements:

• Built as a one, two or three section home in a protected building center, transported to the home site on a frame and installed.
• Meets the strict HUD code restrictions for design and construction, durability and strength, fire resistance, transportability, energy efficiency and quality.
• Built on steel beams with wheels under each section.
• Meets the high standards for heating, plumbing, air conditioning and thermal and electrical systems' performance.
• Passes stringent third party inspections.

Our Cavco family of builders use a factory-crafted construction process to ensure precision and quality in every home we built. All of our homes are built inside our environmentally-protected manufacturing facilities, then carefully inspected to ensure they meet HUD standards and finally transported to the prepared site, where they are professionally affixed to foundations.

The cost of a Cavco home depends on several factors, including the floor plan, size, finishes, where the home will be placed and distance from the production facility or retail center.

Cavco offers manufactured homes and modular homes for every budget, need and lifestyle – from affordable entry-level manufactured homes typically starting at around $50,000 to spacious multi-section modular homes with premium luxury features.

Because each home is built to meet local codes and site requirements, Cavco does not list one-size-fits-all pricing online (although some home retailers do list prices online). Instead, we make it easy to explore options and get accurate information on the perfect home that meets your needs:

• Browse our floor plans and model galleries for an overview of home sizes, layouts and features that fit your lifestyle.
• Contact a local Cavco retailer for a personalized quote that includes your chosen home, delivery, installation and any region-specific fees or to schedule a home tour. Many retailers provide specific home pricing on their website or you can schedule a visit for an in-person quote.

This ensures you receive a clear and honest, tailored price for your Cavco home in your area, reflecting both your selections and local requirements.

Visit the Cavco Find Your Home tool, enter your city, state or ZIP code and filter by bedrooms, square footage and more to instantly see in-stock Cavco manufactured and modular home at local retailers – complete with photos, video walkthroughs, floor plans and contact details so you can schedule a tour of your favorites.

Cavco homes are sold through independently owned local retailers, and each retailer sets its own turnkey pricing. In most cases, a retailer’s turnkey quote will include:

• The price of your Cavco home
• Delivery to your home site
• Setting the home on its foundation
• Basic site preparation

Because pricing and services can vary by location, it’s always best to confirm the details directly with your local Cavco retailer. They can provide a clear, itemized quote so you’ll know exactly what delivery and setup services are included in your purchase.

Yes, Cavco retailers often assist buyers who need help securing land, whether leased or purchased, for their new manufactured or modular home. Depending on your location, retailers may provide:

• Guidance for buyers without land – tips and resources to begin your search
• Referrals to local real estate professionals – realtors who specialize in land suitable for manufactured homes
• Retailer-owned land – in some markets, Cavco retailers may offer lots for sale with your home
• Move-in-ready homes – already placed on land and available for quick purchase
• Local land listings and partnerships – access to area developers and real estate agents

Connecting with your local Cavco retailer is the best way to explore which options are available near you.

Building homes in a factory – just like a car, a computer or anything else built in a factory - allows for much more control over the building process, so they are not affected by the delays and costs that come with outdoor construction. There are several clear advantages.

Controlled Environment

Unlike site-built construction, homes built in a climate-controlled factory are protected from unpredictable weather conditions. Building materials are never exposed to the elements – extreme temperatures, moisture, rain, snow or hale damage. This eliminates problems such as expansion, contraction, warping or mold, not to mention theft or vandalism.

Time Savings

Every construction process, including electrical and plumbing, is completed at the factory. This eliminates many of the scheduling hassles  that slow down site-built construction. And the foundation and site work can take place while construction is underway. Plus, there are no weather delays, which are common outdoors. All of this makes for a shorter, more reliable timeline – putting you in your new home in fraction of the time required for site-built construction.

Cost Savings

Our factory-crafted homes are less expensive than site-built homes for several reasons. The building process is quicker, with no construction delays or cost overruns. There is no wasted time and no wasted materials because we reuse or repurpose everything. And because we buy construction materials in large quantities, we can pass that savings along to our customers. These add up to major cost savings – usually anywhere from 10 to 30 percent from the cost of a site-built home. This can make upgrades to your home more possible as well.

Quality

Cavco homes are constructed using advanced building technologies and quality building materials. Our skilled workforce is made up of highly trained men and women who are committed to building superior homes. They come to the same place to work every day and work on similar models and products day in and day out.  They know their job requirements and they do them well.  Every Cavco manufactured home meets or exceeds the code requirements of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). And each one is carefully tested and inspected.

Cavco builds a variety of different types of homes within the controlled environment of our indoor manufacturing facilities. They are all built using our factory-crafted construction process to ensure precision and quality.

Manufactured Homes

Manufactured homes are built to very specific building specifications that are laid out by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). One of these requirements is that they are built with quality materials inside a climate-controlled building. The HUD code also provides specific construction guidelines to ensure that all homes meet safety and quality standards.

Manufactured homes can be produced in a variety of sizes, styles and floor plans, with some customizations available.

Modular Homes

Modular homes are similar to manufactured homes. The primary difference is that rather than following national HUD codes, modular homes are built to all applicable state and local building codes. These codes can differ by state, as well as by county, city or township.

Modular homes can be produced in a variety of sizes, styles and floor plans, and are fully customizable. Cavco is a leader in building residential modular homes, and we can convert most of our models from a HUD code to a modular code, if requested.

Park Models

Park Models, often called Tiny Homes, are smaller versions of Modular Homes. They are usually limited to no more than 400 square feet as specified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) code.  This size makes them ideal for vacation getaways, especially those located at a state or national park.

Planned Communities

These are manufactured homes already located in a community development. Explore planned communities.

Factory-built homes – whether a manufactured home, a modular home or a park model - are growing in popularity among American homebuyers. However, there are still some misconceptions out there. Let’s set the record straight on a few of those myths with the facts:

Are factory-built homes as safe as site-built homes?

Today’s factory-built homes are designed and constructed to withstand the severe weather. The building materials used are the same as those used in site-built homes and are engineered to the strict safety standards of the national and regional codes. When built to the HUD code (which has been in effect since 1976), factory-built homes are durable and structurally sound.

Since 1994, the HUD code has included an even stricter standard for factory-built homes in areas prone to high winds and hurricanes. These are called Wind Zone Rules. They rate the amount of sustained wind speeds a factory-built home is made to withstand. And manufactured homes are built according to a defined wind zone, based on the typical wind pattern of where you live. This means they are comparable to site-built homes in terms of safety.

Are Factory-built homes made to last?

Since 1976, all factory-built homes have been constructed to the highest standards in every way. They use the same quality materials as site-built homes and must even pass a rigorous inspection process during construction. Factory-built homes can reliably last for decades with the appropriate maintenance. According to HUD, the average life expectancy of a manufactured home is between 30 and 55 years. And this life span is expected to increase as advances continue in the industry. Additionally, research following some of the most recent hurricanes in Florida has proven that homes built to the new, strict HUD standards have fared well in surviving the harshest storm winds.

Do Factory-built homes appreciate in value?

A home’s value does not appreciate based on whether it is factory-built or site-built. There are other major factors that determine appreciation for both types of homes. These factors include things such as the location of the home, how well it is maintained, and the state of the housing market. Overall, factory-built homes generally increase in value at the same rate as other homes in the same area.

Do Factory-built homes all look alike?

Today’s factory-built homes come in a wide variety of architectural styles and floor plans. And they can be customized to fit every lifestyle and budget. This flexibility will allow you to meet your individual needs and unique tastes, while also blending into a neighborhood setting. Often, Cavco’s in-house engineering and design team can customize your home by enlarging rooms, reconfiguring kitchens and baths, and making other changes based on your preferences.

Are Factory-built homes energy efficient?

Energy efficiency is now a top priority for the Cavco family of factory-built home builders. We use energy-efficient lighting, windows and appliances, as well as sustainable and recycled materials during the construction process. Cavco’s construction method is green because it increases the efficiency with which our homes use resources, such as energy, water and materials, while reducing their impact on the environment.

Is it difficult to find financing for Factory-built homes?

The process of financing a factory-built home is actually very similar to that of site-built homes. There are many options to help you become a homeowner, depending on your situation and circumstances. Contact your local Cavco brand retailer for information on financing options in your area.

Cavco homes are built using our factory-crafted construction process to ensure precision and quality. We build our homes efficiently in a climate-controlled environment. Every construction process is done right there at the factory in an environmentally responsible way by skilled men and women. Here is an overview:

Our Workforce

Our team members are committed to quality. They are highly trained. They are dedicated. And they are invested in our company and their communities. As Cavco employees, they work consistently in the same location every day, performing specialized jobs, rather than being moved from site to site as happens in site-built construction. They have all the construction training, materials, tools and supervision to do their jobs right. And, as part of the Cavco family, they take pride in producing superior homes that drive referral business for the company and its retailers.

Materials

The construction materials we use in our factory-built homes are the same as those used in site-built homes, meeting the highest standards in every way, including energy efficiency. And because everything takes place indoors in a controlled environment, none of the building materials are ever exposed to the weather – before or during construction. This helps ensure quality in everything from the lumber we use to the carpeting, fixtures and appliances we install.

Assembly

Practically everything we build is an assembly process. With Computer Aided Design, or CAD, precise measurements and cuts are made for every Cavco home, with minimal waste or overage. Our skilled team performs thousands of tasks on every home we build. Here are highlights of our factory-crafted construction process:

1. Steel cross members and outriggers are welded to massive steel I-beams to form the base frame. The underlying base frames are engineered to support the weight of the structure and meet federal building codes.
2. Floor joists are laid over the base frame. Insulation, heat ducts and plumbing are installed.
3. While the frame is constructed, the walls are built. For extra strength and stability, sheetrock is both nailed and glued to wall studs.
4. Once the walls are installed, truss rafters are attached, and high-grade insulation is added.
5. Roof sheathing and roofing paper are installed. This is sealed with tar three feet from the edge for extra protection. The roof is then shingled. This process varies by home type and where the home will be installed.
6. All interior finish work is done, such as appliance installation, trim work, painting, light fixtures, mirrors, tile work and carpeting. This phase also includes installation of custom, state-of-the-art cabinetry from our industry-leading cabinet shops.
7. Siding is mounted and windows are set.
8. Multi-section homes are checked to ensure seams and patterns match, final inspection is conducted, and the home is prepared for transportation.

The numbers tell the story:

• According to a study by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, modern factory-built homes use 35 percent less energy a year, on average, than site-built homes.
• The construction process of factory-built homes produces much less waste – 50 to 70 percent less – than site-built construction.
• The factory-built process is more streamlined and efficient, with a smaller carbon footprint. With the site-built process, materials, tools, and workers are all sent to different sites during the process. This ends up producing 43 percent more carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

Green Home Construction

Cavco manufacturing facilities are designed to be environmentally friendly. We have always focused on the efficient use of materials, and we have developed innovative ways to minimize waste and conserve energy.

Our green construction process simply means that we use smarter building methods and more energy-efficient materials to save money and reduce the impact on the environment.

There are several important ways we accomplish this:

• Protected building materials — Keeping building materials inside eliminates any damage from the weather, theft or vandalism, which reduces waste.
• Our assembly processes — We use pre-cut components carefully measured by computer-aided design, which also results in much less waste.
• Recycling — Instead of disposing of any excess materials (which are taken to landfills in site-built construction), we sort, reuse and recycle.
• Indoor facilities — Building indoors reduces the environmental impact of the noise pollution and erosion of soil created by long-term site-built construction.

Green Homes

At Cavco, our focus is building quality, energy-efficient homes for today’s home buyer. Our green construction practices increase the efficiency with which a home uses resources such as energy, water, and materials, while reducing the home’s impact on the environment.

Everything from the insulation to the ductwork to the plumbing is designed to be better for the environment and better for the homeowner.

Our homes feature the best use of space, environmentally friendly maintenance requirements and specially designed ventilation systems. We also build homes designed to use alternative energy sources, such as solar and wind. All of these things save you money on your new home and on utility costs once you move in.

Cavco’s precise construction and sealed air duct system give our homes major benefits that enhance the lives of our homeowners.

• Better indoor air quality with less pollen, dust, and other outdoor allergens
• Reduced noise pollution for a more peaceful living environment
• Conservation of heated and cooled air for increased comfort, cost savings, and reduced impact on the environment

ENERGY STAR® Program

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR® programs and products help preserve the environment. They also save consumers money by using less energy through advanced design and construction.

Cavco is proud to be an EPA homebuilding partner. This partnership reflects our dedication to constructing energy-efficient factory-built homes.

Yes, Cavco publishes an annual Corporate Responsibility Report and began to include ESG information in its Proxy Statement as well as the 10-K starting in 2023.

Cavco considers sustainability to be a foundational component of our long-term success and guides Cavco to stay true to our ONE Cavco principle of “What Matters.” For our Company, sustainability means making efficient use of resources and increasing efficiency across our value chain to minimize the impact of our operations on the environment. Although our home manufacturing process is significantly more environmentally friendly than the site-built process, we will not settle and will continue to strive to be responsible stewards of the environment.

Cavco is committed to being a responsible steward of the environment by considering our environmental impact and risks while conducting business and complying with environmental laws and regulations. We must pay attention to and improve our impact on the environment in order to consider ourselves a successful company. We are working to foster a company culture dedicated to protecting the environment while meeting the needs of our customers and building high-quality homes. Our goal is to minimize our waste and water usage throughout all levels of the organization. We have implemented several environmental initiatives and are continuing to evaluate ways to minimize our impact further.

At Cavco, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive working environment. This begins when everyone in the company experiences fair and respectful treatment regardless of age, gender, religion, race, and ethnic background. As we mold our respectful workplace, we will see it expressed in our diversity, and it will result in having a greater impact as a company. We track our diversity data both at a company level and within each operation. We consider the process of looking at the data to be one of reflection and opportunity identification.

Please visit the Cavco Corporate Policies section of our ESG home page on to find out more about our ongoing ESG efforts and policies.

Cavco is committed to building ESG into its long-term strategy for the success of the company, as well as the communities that Cavco serves. Therefore, consistent with applicable corporate fiduciary responsibilities, Cavco will:

• Incorporate ESG issues into our strategic analysis and decision-making processes
• Work to incorporate ESG issues into our policies and practices where it can be done in a way consistent with our building practices
• Report, when appropriate, on our relevant activities and progress

Cavco’s manufacturing process operates with distinct advantages. We are committed to further incorporate sustainable practices into our business model:

• Our homes are built with upgraded insulation thus eliminating air gaps and maintaining the set indoor temperature.
• All our homes are built with internally pre-constructed panels leading to minimal waste and pollution and better insulation.
• Materials are shipped directly to our manufacturing facilities, reducing gas consumption and pollution.
• We use oriented strand board (OSB) made from wood chips which require fewer large framing members and the need for additional timber to be cut.
• All our facilities actively reuse and recycle materials.

Cavco is committed to making product safety an integral component of its long-term strategy for the success of the company. We continuously engage suppliers and train employees across business segments to increase product safety and quality. To accomplish this, the Company has and will continue to do the following:

• Update and train employees in product safety procedures and testing requirements
• Implement a product testing process and enable an audit procedure over products sold
• Implement a process for monitoring of product safety performance
• Ensure all relevant product safety and quality guidelines are communicated to vendors and suppliers

Ethics and integrity are key tenets of the company's ONE Cavco principles, and we demonstrate this through our robust leadership oversight of the Code of Conduct and Policies. Cavco also takes a strict stance against all forms of harassment and discrimination. Through our Speak Up Cavco! Hotline, employees are provided with a safe and confidential outlet to report workplace incidents. Speak Up Cavco! is available to everyone, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, online at www.speakupcavco.com.

Cavco sees great value in going beyond benefits and fostering the dream of homeownership for our Cavco family. Our Homes for Our Own program aims to educate and provide financial assistance to our Cavco family in the home-buying process. We believe this is a wonderful opportunity to put our commitment to affordable housing into action close to home and to make a meaningful contribution to the success and prosperity of our team members.

Buying a Cavco manufactured home is a big decision, but it does not have to be a stressful one. We can assist you along the way to help you own your own home. Here is a breakdown of the basic process.

1. Selecting Your Home Design

To determine the home that fits you best, there are certain things you need to consider:

• What type of home are you interested in? Choose from Manufactured Homes, Modular Homes, Park Models, or Planned Communities, by browsing through our floor plans.
• What size home suits your family? How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Will you need space to grow?
• What type of floor plan do you want? There are hundreds of floor plans to choose from. You can view the floor plan options online or visit your nearest retailer to decide which model and floor plan works best for you.
• Do you want to customize your home? Cavco builders can customize your home by enlarging or reconfiguring rooms, as well as other changes. You can also choose your favorite décor packages, upgrade your appliances or change your floor covering, among other things. Your local retailer can provide more information on customization.

2. Finding Pricing Information

Cavco sells our homes through a large network of individual family home brands. Each of these brands sells their homes through a unique network of local retailers, and all home pricing is set by these local retailers. They will be able to provide quotes that include the final installation costs after the entire construction and set process is complete. Find a list of Cavco retailers based on your location. The individual brand sites will provide a list of the retailers in your area.

3. Choosing a Retailer

After you have selected the home you are interested in, choose the Cavco individual family home brand that best suits your needs and location. Find a list of Cavco family home brands based on your location. The individual brand sites will provide a detailed listing of their area retailers.

4. Touring a Factory

You are welcome to visit a Cavco factory to see how our homes are built! However, Cavco does not sell homes to the public directly from the factory. You will need to find a licensed retailer in your area. Have your retailer contact one of our many factories, and they will schedule an appointment for you to take a tour and even meet some of the members of our workforce.

5. Locating Land

Deciding on the right location for your home is obviously a major part of the home buying process. Perhaps you already own a piece of land. If not, here’s an overview of your options. (Your local retailer may be able to provide you with information about your specific area.)

• Buying Private Property. This can be a great place for your factory-built home, especially if you desire privacy. Depending on your circumstances, it may be important to choose a site close to schools or family and friends. Developing property has its own set of processes, which include zoning regulations and permits, adequate road access, utility hook-ups and site preparation.
• Buying Land in a Subdivision. Purchasing a lot in a planned subdivision is becoming increasingly popular. A major advantage is that much of the preparation work, including streets, utilities and landscaping has already been done. Be sure to find out about the community management and homeowners’ associations, as well as the available amenities.
• Leasing a Site. Leasing land can be an affordable option and much less expensive than buying the land outright. It’s important to understand the specific terms of your lease and what you are committing to, especially as it involves tenant rules and any costs or fees.
• Land/Home Transaction. Buying property and a factory-built home at the same time offers some big advantages, primarily conventional financing with lower interest rates. Some local retailers offer land/home packages for sale.
• Buying in a Planned Community. In these developments, you purchase the home and lease the land, which is another more affordable option. They feature amenities, such as clubhouses and swimming pools, and usually have a homeowners’ association and detailed rules.

6. Obtaining Financing

When purchasing a manufactured home, you have many financing option, depending on your own unique financial situation. In fact, Cavco even has its own internal bank, CountryPlace Mortgage. With 25 years of experience CountryPlace is one of the nation’s leading lenders for factory-built homes. Be sure to check with your local manufactured home retailer, as they also have many other relationships with local and regional banks, as well with national finance and mortgage specialists. This means your Cavco retailers typically have all the resources to evaluate your financial situation and guide you through the financing process.

Once your financing is in place, your retailer will proceed with ordering your home.

Insuring your factory-built home is an important step as well. Standard Casualty Company has been protecting owners of factory-built homes for more than 40 years.

7. Homebuilding, Installation and Inspection

When your home is ordered, it will be scheduled for production. While it is being built, your local retailer will be working with you to obtain the necessary building permits, preparing your lot for building, installing the foundation and planning for utility hookups and other necessary site work.

Once your new Cavco-built home is complete, it is then transported to the home site for installation. When you close the funding on your new home, it will undergo final inspection. And then …  you move in!

When purchasing a manufactured home, you have many financing option, depending on your own unique financial situation.  In fact, Cavco even has its own internal bank, CountryPlace Mortgage. With 25 years of experience CountryPlace is one of the nation’s leading lenders for factory-built homes. Be sure to check with your local manufactured home retailer, as they also have many other relationships with local and regional banks, as well with national finance and mortgage specialists. This means your Cavco retailers typically have all the resources to evaluate your financial situation and guide you through the financing process.

Once your financing is in place, your retailer will proceed with ordering your home.

Insuring your factory-built home is an important step as well. Standard Casualty Company has been protecting owners of factory-built homes for more than 40 years.

Deciding on the right location for your home is obviously a major part of the home buying process. Perhaps you already own a piece of land. If not, here’s an overview of your options. (Your local retailer may be able to provide you with information about your specific area.)

• Buying Private Property. This can be a great place for your factory-built home, especially if you desire privacy. Depending on your circumstances, it may be important to choose a site close to schools or family and friends. Developing property has its own set of processes, which include zoning regulations and permits, adequate road access, utility hook-ups and site preparation.
• Buying Land in a Subdivision. Purchasing a lot in a planned subdivision is becoming increasingly popular. A major advantage is that much of the preparation work, including streets, utilities and landscaping has already been done. Be sure to find out about the community management and homeowners’ associations, as well as the available amenities.       
• Leasing a Site. Leasing land can be an affordable option and much less expensive than buying the land outright. It’s important to understand the specific terms of your lease and what you are committing to, especially as it involves tenant rules and any costs or fees. 
• Land/Home Transaction. Buying property and a factory-built home at the same time offers some big advantages, primarily conventional financing with lower interest rates. Some local retailers offer land/home packages for sale. 
• Buying in a Planned Community. In these developments, you purchase the home and lease the land, which is another more affordable option. They feature amenities, such as clubhouses and swimming pools, and usually have a homeowners’ association and detailed rules.

A duplex contains two homes on one lot, under one roof and separated by a firewall. The homes can be mirror images or they can be different floor plans, each with a separate entrance. Like all manufactured homes, they are built off-site in an indoor facility that protects them from the elements.

While real estate investors and community developers have always understood the value and benefits of multi-unit properties, Cavco worked with HUD to ensure it was fully HUD-approved manufactured duplexes when Cavco introduced The Anthem in 2023.

While the words are often used interchangeably, there are differences between modular and manufactured homes. Both are built offsite in environmentally protected building centers and then transported to a designated location and may have similar, or identical, internal and external building features. The difference is how they are regulated. Like site-built, or stick-built, homes, modular homes are built to state and local building codes. HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) regulates manufactured homes through what is commonly referred to as the HUD Code.

HUD's Manufactured Housing Program protects individuals who own and live in manufactured homes.

Its HUD Code regulates the construction, safety and installation of manufactured homes. If a manufactured home has passed HUD’s Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (HUD Code), it must display a certification label prior to its transportation. The HUD Code includes, but is not limited to, regulations related to body and frame construction, thermal insulation, plumbing, electrical systems and fire safety. A manufactured home not displaying a HUD certification label may result in the homeowner being subject to safety, financial, legal and insurance challenges.

Offsite construction results in faster homebuilding times and lower costs. This translates into more affordable housing that is produced faster than traditional, site-built homes, which can take months to build and be slowed by inclement weather. Cavco home construction can be completed in as little as one week. The build speed, combined with rigorous testing and HUD Code compliance, means Cavco customers enjoy manufactured homes that are as strong and eco-friendly as site-built homes.