What is one of the primary characteristics of a manufactured home?

A primary characteristic of a manufactured home is that it is built on a permanent chassis. This feature distinguishes manufactured homes from traditional site-built homes. The permanent chassis allows the home to be transported and set up in various locations while maintaining structural integrity. This design is essential because it enables the home to comply with the federal building code established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which governs the construction, design, and safety standards for these homes.

The permanent chassis ensures the manufactured home can be moved if necessary while allowing it to remain stable and secure once it is placed on a foundation. This characteristic makes manufactured homes a flexible housing option, appealing to buyers who may wish to relocate in the future.

In contrast, other options present features that may not accurately describe manufactured homes. For instance, they do not need to be built on-site; they are constructed in a factory setting. Additionally, while manufactured homes can be placed on larger plots of land, they can also fit on smaller lots, depending on local zoning regulations. Finally, manufactured homes are not designed strictly for temporary living; many residents use them as permanent residences. These aspects highlight the significance of the permanent chassis as a defining feature of manufactured homes.