Best Manufacture Home Builders
Customer Ratings of Top BRANDS in the 2025 America's Most Trusted Study
Purchasing a new manufactured home is an exciting yet significant decision for many consumers, offering a pathway to affordable, comfortable, and efficient living. Manufactured homes have evolved dramatically over the years, with modern designs incorporating energy-efficient features, customizable layouts, and innovative technology. These homes provide an appealing alternative to traditional housing, offering lower upfront costs and reduced maintenance compared to conventional site-built homes. As more consumers seek homeownership in an era of rising costs and housing shortages, manufactured homes stand out as a practical solution for families, retirees, and individuals looking to establish roots in a way that aligns with their budget and lifestyle.
However, beyond the features and functionality of a manufactured home, one of the most influential factors in a consumer’s decision-making process is brand trust. Buying a home—whether traditional or manufactured—is a long-term investment, and trust plays a pivotal role in ensuring that consumers feel confident in their purchase. From quality control to customer service, brand reputation is a key indicator of reliability and value. For shoppers, knowing that a brand has a track record of delivering on promises can make all the difference in selecting a manufactured home. It’s not just about the home itself, but the peace of mind that comes with choosing a brand that consumers feel they can count on.
Here, we review the findings of the America’s Most Trusted® study, a comprehensive survey that sheds light on how brand trust impacts purchasing decisions for new manufactured homes. The study provides a detailed look into which brands consumers rated as the most trustworthy, offering valuable insights into the factors that drive homebuyers' choices.
Who is the most trusted manufactured home builder?
The 2025 America’s Most Trusted Study
The America’s Most Trusted® study began more than 10 years ago to explore how trust influences consumer buying decisions. Today, it’s recognized as the go-to source for understanding brand trust, with many people eagerly awaiting the latest findings each January.
The study gathers insights from real consumers through detailed surveys, reflecting their opinions and trust ratings of specific product brands. Unlike other reviews that rely on third-party ratings or industry experts, the America’s Most Trusted® study is based solely on feedback from people who independently share their experiences. It’s a trusted source because it follows strict survey standards and uses large, diverse sample sizes to make sure the results accurately reflect what homebuyers truly think.
The main goal of the America’s Most Trusted® Manufactured Home Builder study is simple: to determine which builders are most trusted by consumers. The results offer valuable insights for anyone looking to buy a home and wanting to know which builders are the most reliable and respected in the industry.
2025 America’s Most Trusted Manufactured Home Builder
The Lifestory Research 2025 study on America’s Most Trusted® Manufactured Home Builder has identified Skyline Homes as the most trusted brand among people shopping for a manufactured home. Skyline Homes rated the highest trust among the in the manufactured home industry with a Net Trust Quotient Score of 98.4.
The most trusted manufactured home builder brands were Skyline Homes, Fairmont Homes, Genesis Homes, Champion Homes, Legacy Housing, Cavco Homes, Chariot Eagle, Clayton Homes, Palm Harbor Homes, and Fleetwood Homes. The brands featured in the ranking were acknowledged by individuals seeking to purchase a manufactured home. The Lifestory Research 2025 America’s Most Trusted® Manufactured Home Builder ranking is based on 24,490 opinions of people surveyed in the United States over the last 12 months.
The top manufactured home brands ranked in the 2025 America’s Most Trusted® study are listed below.
TOP 10 Ranked Manufactured Builders – 2025 Customer Ratings
| 1 | Skyline Homes | 98.4 | ★★★★★ |
| 2 | Fairmont Homes | 97.9 | ★★★★★ |
| 3 | Genesis Homes | 97.8 | ★★★★★ |
| 4 | Champion Homes | 97.5 | ★★★★ |
| 5 | Legacy Housing | 97.5 | ★★★★ |
| 6 | Cavco Homes | 97.3 | ★★★★ |
| 7 | Chariot Eagle | 97.1 | ★★★★ |
| 8 | Clayton Homes | 94.8 | ☆☆☆ |
| 9 | Palm Harbor Homes | 92.4 | ☆☆ |
| 10 | Fleetwood Homes | 90.7 | ☆☆ |
No promotional use or advertising can be made of America's Most Trusted® survey results without the express prior written consent of Lifestory Research. America's Most Trusted® is a registered trademark of Lifestory with all rights reserved. Study results are based on survey responses and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Your experiences may vary.
Looking for quality customer ratings of products to make informed and trusted purchasing decisions? Discover genuine customer reviews that focus on various products' quality, reliability, and trustworthiness. Our independent research offers detailed product ratings, insights into quality, performance, durability, and overall value for money based on customer trust ratings. See the results of 75 different product studies here.
Brands Ranked in Study
The Lifestory Research America’s Most Trusted® research study surveys manufactured housing shoppers throughout the year in the United States. The study is focused on measuring consumers' opinions of the most recognized manufactured home brands in the market. In the study, consumers rate the quality of the manufactured home brand, their likelihood of recommending the manufactured home builder to others, how favorable they feel about the brand behind the manufactured home builder, how they rate the reputation of the manufactured home builder, and their trust in the manufactured home builder brand.
Here, we provide information on the brands in the 2025 America’s Most Trusted® study in the order they ranked in the 2025 study.
Skyline Homes
Skyline Homes is a prominent name in the manufactured and modular home industry, with a history dating back to 1951. As a division of Champion Home Builders, it has a strong presence in the market for affordable, quality-built homes. The company's headquarters are located in Elkhart, Indiana, a hub for manufactured housing. Skyline Homes is known for offering a wide variety of manufactured and modular homes, catering to different budgets and preferences. Their homes range from single-section to multi-section designs, with multiple floor plans, styles, and sizes available. This allows customers to choose homes that suit their needs, whether it's a smaller, more compact home or a larger, family-sized unit.
Fairmont Homes
Fairmont Homes, founded in 1971 and headquartered in Nappanee, Indiana, is a well-established brand in the manufactured and modular home industry. The company is part of Cavco Industries, one of the largest manufacturers of modular and manufactured homes in the U.S. Over the decades, Fairmont has built a solid reputation for craftsmanship, quality, and innovation. The company offers a diverse range of homes, from affordable single-section models to larger, customizable multi-section units, catering to various customer needs and budgets.
Genesis Homes
Genesis Homes is a brand within the Champion Home Builders family, a leading manufacturer of modular and manufactured homes based in Troy, Michigan. The brand offers a wide range of home styles and floor plans, catering to a diverse clientele seeking affordable, quality housing options. Whether for first-time homeowners or those seeking larger, more customizable homes, Genesis provides solutions that meet varying customer needs and budgets. With a focus on affordability, craftsmanship, and innovation, Genesis Homes remains a popular choice in the manufactured and modular home market
Champion Homes
Champion Home Builders, headquartered in Troy, Michigan, is one of the most prominent companies in the manufactured and modular home industry. Established in 1953, the company has built a strong reputation over the decades for its commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation in home construction. As one of North America’s largest manufacturers of modular and manufactured homes, Champion has played a significant role in shaping the affordable housing market. Champion offers a wide selection of floor plans and customization options, catering to different budgets and preferences with a focus on energy efficiency and durability.
Legacy Housing
Legacy Housing Corporation is an independent manufactured home manufacturer based in Bedford, Texas. Founded in 2005, Legacy Housing specializes in affordable, quality-built homes focusing on innovation. The company offers a range of floor plans and sizes to cater to different preferences.
Cavco Homes
Cavco Industries, founded in 1965 and headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a leading manufacturer of modular, manufactured, and park model homes. The company is recognized for its extensive range of affordable housing solutions, offering homes that cater to various market segments, including single-section, multi-section, and custom-designed models. Cavco is known for its commitment to quality construction, energy efficiency, and sustainability.
Chariot Eagle
Chariot Eagle is a Cavco Industries family brand specializing in manufactured homes and park models. The company is known for its commitment to quality craftsmanship and energy-efficient construction. Chariot Eagle homes are designed for both residential and vacation living.
Clayton Homes
Clayton Homes is one of the largest builders of manufactured and modular homes in the United States. A subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Clayton Homes is headquartered in Maryville, Tennessee, and was founded in 1956. The company offers a wide range of homes under various brands, providing diverse options for homebuyers.
Palm Harbor Homes
Palm Harbor Homes is a brand within the Cavco Industries family, known for its high-quality manufactured and modular homes. Headquartered in Addison, Texas, Palm Harbor Homes has a history dating back to 1977 and is recognized for its commitment to energy-efficient and customizable home designs.
Fleetwood Homes
Fleetwood Homes, a brand within the Cavco Industries family, is known for manufacturing a variety of manufactured and modular homes. The company has a long history dating back to 1950 and is headquartered in Riverside, California. Fleetwood Homes is recognized for its commitment to quality and innovation in home construction.
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When it comes to affordable housing, modular, manufactured, and park model homes are often considered as viable alternatives to traditional site-built homes. While they share some commonalities, each type of home has distinct characteristics regarding construction methods, design, and intended use. Here’s an in-depth look at the similarities and differences between these three types of homes.
Similarities:
All three types of homes—modular, manufactured, and park model—are prefabricated homes, meaning they are built in sections or modules in a factory and then transported to their final location. This construction method allows for faster assembly and can offer more cost-effective housing compared to traditional site-built homes. Additionally, all these homes must meet certain safety standards set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or the International Building Code (IBC), depending on the type of home. This ensures that they are durable, safe, and structurally sound, though the specific regulations differ slightly between them.
Differences:
1. Manufactured Homes:
Construction Standards: Manufactured homes are built according to HUD regulations set in 1976, ensuring consistent quality and safety standards. These homes are constructed in a factory and then transported to a prepared site.
Design: Manufactured homes are often single- or multi-section homes, and they can be larger than modular homes, sometimes stretching up to 80 feet long. These homes often feature a more standardized design, but there is still room for customization in terms of interior layouts and finishes.
Foundation: Manufactured homes are typically placed on a permanent chassis (which includes wheels and axles, though these can be removed after placement), and they are often set on concrete foundations or piers. This allows them to be moved if necessary, though they are intended for long-term placement.
Uses: Manufactured homes can be used as primary residences and are often found in communities or on private land.
2. Modular Homes:
Construction Standards: Modular homes are built to the same local building codes as traditional site-built homes, unlike manufactured homes, which follow HUD standards. This means that modular homes are subject to more stringent construction regulations, and they can be indistinguishable from traditional homes in terms of quality and design.
Design: Modular homes are made up of multiple sections (modules) that are assembled on-site. The modular approach offers greater flexibility in terms of design, with many options for custom layouts, sizes, and finishes. These homes can include basements, attics, or additional stories.
Foundation: Modular homes are built on a permanent foundation, just like a traditional home, and they are not intended to be moved once installed. The home sections are transported to the site and assembled on this foundation.
Uses: Modular homes are typically used as primary residences and can be found in both rural and suburban settings. They are considered permanent structures and add long-term value to the property.
3. Park Model Homes:
Construction Standards: Park model homes are governed by the ANSI 119.5 standards for recreational vehicles, though they are still considered a type of manufactured home. These homes are designed for short-term or seasonal use rather than long-term residency.
Design: Park model homes are usually smaller in size than manufactured and modular homes, often ranging from 300 to 400 square feet. They are designed to be compact and efficient, offering basic living amenities in a cozy, space-efficient layout.
Foundation: Park model homes are often placed on a temporary or permanent foundation, depending on the local regulations and the homeowner’s preferences. They are designed to be moved, but unlike manufactured homes, they are usually placed in recreational vehicle (RV) parks or vacation communities where they are used seasonally or for recreational purposes.
Uses: Park model homes are typically used as vacation homes, seasonal residences, or for short-term stays in RV parks, campgrounds, or mobile home parks. They are not generally intended for full-time living.
Summary:
Manufactured homes are built to HUD standards, often larger, and intended for long-term living with the option to be moved.
Modular homes are built to local building codes, can have customized designs, and are set on permanent foundations.
Park model homes are smaller, built for recreational or seasonal use, and often found in RV parks or campgrounds.
While all three types of homes share the benefit of factory construction, which can offer faster and more affordable housing solutions, the choice between them depends on factors such as desired size, intended use, and location. Understanding these distinctions can help homebuyers select the option that best meets their needs.
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Foundational Principles
At Lifestory Research, we pride ourselves on being an independent research company committed to delivering unbiased and accurate insights into consumer behavior. Unlike many studies that lean on expert opinions or committees, our approach is rooted firmly in the voices of consumers themselves. This commitment ensures that our findings seek to reflect public sentiment.
By prioritizing consumer opinions, we effectively eliminate the biases that can come from personal agendas or industry affiliations. Our research methodology captures a wide array of perspectives, allowing our results to be representative of the broader population.
Core Principles of Quality Research
We uphold several foundational principles that define top-tier consumer research:
Reliability: We ensure our research consistently produces accurate results.
Validity: Our methods guarantee we measure what we intend to measure.
Objectivity: We take great care to avoid bias throughout the research process.
Generalizability: Our findings can be applied to the larger population.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Lifestory Research adheres to these principles through a series of rigorous practices:
Rigorous Sampling Methods: We carefully select representative samples to generalize our findings to the broader population.
Standardized Survey Instruments: These ensure consistency and reliability in data collection.
Quality Control Measures: Our team meticulously reviews and analyzes data to identify and rectify inconsistencies.
Ethical Standards: We prioritize the well-being of our participants and uphold their privacy throughout the research process.
When you explore our findings, you can trust that they are grounded in the authentic opinions of real people. This dedication to integrity makes our research a valuable resource for businesses and consumers.
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Rating Methodology
What Is the America’s Most Trusted® Study?
The America’s Most Trusted® study focuses on evaluating brands that offer products or services to consumers in their homes, particularly in the residential new home industry. Instead of attempting to survey every brand, the study specifically targets the largest and most impactful brands in this sector.
How Does the Survey Work?
Conducted throughout the year, the America’s Most Trusted® survey aims to gather consumer opinions while minimizing biases that might arise from external events or trends. This year-long approach helps capture a more accurate snapshot of consumer sentiments.
Participants are surveyed based on specific criteria, such as whether they are actively considering a purchase in a relevant category—like buying a home, faucet, HVAC. Only those who express familiarity with a brand are invited to share their opinions on its trustworthiness, ensuring that the study reflects genuine consumer insights.
The Importance of Brand Awareness
An essential component of the study is brand awareness. Participants are first asked to identify brands they recognize. Only those who are familiar with a brand proceed to answer questions about it. This criterion ensures that only brands with sufficient public recognition are included in the final trust rankings.
Sampling Methodology
The study employs a non-probability sampling design, relying on online panels to recruit participants. Online panels are organizations that have an established relationship with consumers who agree to complete opinion surveys. Lifestory randomly ask consumers questions that identify consumers shopping for a specific product. Qualified consumers complete an online survey in which they are asked a set of questions about specific product brands.
The number of people completing a survey is referred to as the sample size. Each of the America’s Most Trusted studies seek to obtain a sample size that is large enough to be representative. The sample size is also designed to collect a large number of consumer opinions to minimize error and to assure the study results reflect the majority of consumers sentiment about a brand.
Calculating Trust Scores
At the heart of the America’s Most Trusted® study is the Net Trust Quotient Score. Participants evaluate brands based on their trustworthiness through a series of targeted questions. The responses are then categorized into three groups:
Advocates: Consumers who express strong trust in the brand.
Neutrals: Those who trust the brand but do not consider it superior to others.
Antagonists: Consumers with little to no trust in the brand.
These evaluations are quantified using a statistical method called a z-score, which standardizes the responses, allowing for easy comparison across brands. The results are ultimately transformed into T scores, which are more intuitive for understanding how each brand ranks relative to the mean score of all brands surveyed.
Additional information about the study can be found on the survey methodology page of this website.
Additional insights and questions about the America’s Most Trusted® study can be found in the frequently asked questions section of this website.