TERMINOLOGY

At Rochester Homes, we specialize in modular home construction, where each home is built to meet local building codes and set on a permanent foundation, just like a traditional house. Working with trusted Local General Contractors (LGCs), customers can select from a wide range of customizable floor plans and design options, creating modern, high-quality homes without the limitations of manufactured housing or the challenges of DIY construction.

Core Housing Types & Construction Methods

Modular Home – A home built indoors in factory-controlled conditions, then transported in sections and assembled on-site. Modular homes meet or exceed local building codes. Modular Homes are NOT Mobile Homes. 

Manufactured Home – A factory-built home constructed under federal HUD standards, usually on a permanent steel chassis. Different from modular homes. These are more commonly thought of as, “trailers.”

Mobile Home – A type of prefabricated housing built on a chassis with wheels. Often confused with modular homes but built to different standards/same as a “trailer.”

Single-Wide – A prefabricated home built on a chassis with wheels. The home is set on piers, blocks, or a foundation system. The steel frame stays in place permanently — it is part of the home’s structure.

Double-Wide – A mobile home built in two sections and joined on-site for more living space.

Prefab (Prefabricated) – General term for homes or building components built in a factory before being transported for assembly on-site. 

Site-Built Home – A traditional house constructed entirely at its permanent location.

On-Site Construction – The process of building directly on the property rather than in a factory.

Scattered Site Building – Constructing homes on multiple, non-contiguous lots across a community instead of one concentrated development. 

Construction Process & Features

Crawl Space – A narrow space beneath the first floor used for plumbing, wiring, or HVAC access.

Conditioned Crawl Space – A sealed, insulated crawl space kept within the home’s conditioned air envelope.

Factory Construction – Building home sections indoors in a climate-controlled facility.

Controlled Environment – A weather-proof, climate-regulated factory setting for consistent quality.

Permanent Foundation – The structural base where a modular home is placed. For modular construction, you can place the home on a crawl space or a basement, both of which are permanent foundations.

Home Set – The on-site process of placing factory-built modules on the foundation and finishing assembly.

Flatwork – On-site concrete work such as foundations, driveways, or patios.

Roof Pitch – The slope or angle of a roof.

Gables & Dormers – Architectural features that add style and depth to a roofline.

Windows & Doors – Customizable options in size, style, and function.

Design, Customization & Styles

Custom Home Building – Designing and constructing a home tailored to a buyer’s preferences.
    • Personalized Design – Unique floor plans, layouts, and finishes chosen by the buyer.
    • Choice of Materials & Features – Options for flooring, cabinetry, fixtures, and more.
    • Flexibility & Control – Full control over design decisions.

Customization Options – Choices available to personalize a home, such as finishes, cabinetry, or layouts.

Home Styles:

    • Ranch Style – One-story, open floor plan, wide profile.
    • Cape Cod Style – Steep roof, dormers, symmetrical layout.
    • Multi-Level Style – Split-level or two-story layouts.
    • Split Bedroom Floor Plan – Bedrooms separated by living space for privacy.

Codes, Standards & Quality

Compliance with Building Codes – Modular homes must meet the same local/state codes as site-built homes.

HUD Codes – Federal building standards for manufactured homes.

IRC Codes –  International Residential Code, a set of standards developed by the International Code Council that ensures safety, durability, and consistency in residential construction. The IRC is adopted by each state and may be modified to address regional differences in building practices and climate. These codes apply across different construction methods, including stick-built, modular, structural insulated panels (SIPs), and concrete homes. 

Energy Star Standards – Guidelines ensuring energy efficiency.

Energy Efficiency – Design and construction that reduces energy use.

Quality Assurance – Inspections and processes that ensure high standards.

Financing & Legal

Appraisal – Professional valuation of a home for mortgage approval.

Financing – Obtaining a mortgage or loan to purchase a home.

Financial Research – The process of comparing lenders, loan types, and interest rates before securing financing.

Purchase Agreement – Legally binding contract between buyer and manufacturer/dealer.

    • Change-Order Policy – Rules for making modifications after signing.
Warranty – Builder/manufacturer guarantee covering workmanship and materials.
    • Warranty Periods – Typical coverage: 1 year materials, 10 years structural.

Buying Process & Support

Manufacturer – The company that builds the modular home in a factory setting. Rochester Homes is the builder or manufacturer.

Local General Contractor (LGC) – Partner managing site prep, foundation, and finishing.

Production Tour(s) – Factory visit to see modular construction in action.

Build Time – Timeline from contract to move-in (typically 60–120 days).

Delivery & Set – Transport and assembly of modules on-site.

 

Click below to learn more about the process of building your custom dream home.

HOW IT WORKS