23 years ago, I started my offsite construction career as a sales rep for HUD manufacturer Champion Homes. I couldn’t imagine then that someday Champion, now Skyline Champion, and its Hud competitor Clayton, would be offering a HUD product that could be sold into residential neighborhoods across the country and look this great.
Cross Mod homes, also known as “Cross-Modular” homes, are a relatively new concept in the world of affordable housing. These homes are designed to bridge the gap between traditional site-built homes and manufactured homes, offering an affordable and customizable option for those looking to own their own home.
So what exactly are Cross Mod homes?
Essentially, the term CrossMod applies to HUD code manufactured homes and not modular homes as the name implies. CrossMod homes have specific exterior and interior features to make them somewhat indistinguishable from site-built homes.
They are built in a factory like manufactured homes, but unlike manufactured homes, they are designed to meet the same building codes and standards as site-built homes. This means that they can be placed on a permanent foundation and are eligible for traditional financing and insurance.
What are the Advantages of Cross Mod homes?
One of the main advantages of Cross Mod homes is their affordability. Like manufactured homes, they are built in a factory setting, which means that they can be produced more quickly and efficiently than traditional site-built homes. This can help to keep costs down, making Cross Mod homes a more affordable option for many people.
Another advantage of Cross Mod homes is their flexibility. Because they are built in a factory, they can be customized to meet the specific needs and preferences of the homeowner. This means that you can choose from a wide range of sizes, styles, and floor plans, and you can even choose the materials and finishes that you want.
One of the most exciting things about Cross Mod homes is the way that they are changing the affordable housing landscape. For many years, manufactured homes were the only affordable option for people who want to own their own home. But while manufactured homes have come a long way in terms of quality and durability, they still face many challenges, including zoning laws and regulations that make it difficult to place them in desirable locations.
Cross Mod homes offer a new and exciting alternative to manufactured homes, providing an affordable and customizable option for people who want to own their own homes. By meeting HUD codes and standards, they offer a level of quality and durability that is comparable to traditional homes, while still remaining affordable and flexible.
Of course, like any new concept, Cross Mod homes face some challenges. One of the biggest challenges is awareness – many people are still unfamiliar with the concept of Cross Mod homes and may not realize that they are a viable option for affordable housing. This means that there is a need for education and outreach to help people understand the benefits of Cross Mod homes and how they can be a viable option for affordable housing.
Another challenge is regulation. While Cross Mod homes meet HUD codes and regulations, they may still face some regulatory hurdles in terms of zoning and placement. This means that there is a need for advocacy and policy changes to help make it easier for Cross Mod homes to be placed in desirable locations.
Despite these challenges, I believe that Cross Mod homes have the potential to revolutionize the affordable housing landscape. By offering a customizable and affordable alternative to traditional site-built homes, they provide a new option for people who want to own their own homes but may not have the resources to do so.
As awareness of Cross Mod homes grows and regulatory barriers are overcome, I believe that we will see more and more people turning to these homes as a solution to our affordable housing crisis.
Gary Fleisher, the Modcoach
