What defines factory-built housing?

Factory-built housing is defined as homes that are constructed in a controlled factory environment, as opposed to being built on-site using traditional construction methods. This process typically involves prefabrication, where various components or entire units are manufactured in a factory, and then transported to the site for assembly. The factory setting allows for greater efficiency, consistency, and quality control in the construction process.

In contrast, homes built on-site using traditional methods involve different construction practices, often relying on local building materials and labor, which can lead to variations in quality and time frames. Fully custom-designed homes may also not fit the definition, as they could be built either in a factory or on-site and do not specifically align with the factory-built characteristic. Additionally, while homes made from shipping containers can be considered a type of factory-built housing if produced in a factory setting, the defining characteristic of factory-built housing focuses primarily on the construction environment rather than the materials used. Therefore, the essence of factory-built housing is encapsulated in the definition of homes constructed in a factory setting.