Chapter 1: Design and Site, presents a number of innovative projects, aspects of which will appear throughout the later chapters of the book. The chapter begins with a discussion emphasizing the relationship between their design and the site. HUD-Code homes evolved in parallel with the automobile, and generally are designed to go anywhere. Site-specific design therefore poses unique challenges for the industry

Chapter 2: Structure, assumes that the reader is familiar with the standard construction of a HUD-Code home, in which a double-beam chassis supports the floor. Featured are a number of projects with perimeter frames, floors that can stack, building envelopes made from structural insulated panels, and various ingenious schemes for tilting roofs up on site.

Chapter 3: Foundations, shows alternatives to the typical installation method in which the floors are supported on stacked blocks and tied down with ground anchors. Along with economical permanent foundations, many proprietary anchorage and support systems are shown.

Chapter 4: Enclosures, addresses the windows, doors, roofing, siding, and insulation of the home.

Chapter 5: Mechanical, Plumbing and Electrical Systems, deals with the home's heating ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, and electrical systems system. The HVAC system is among the most complex and costly parts of any home, and is an area in which innovation is both very possible and much needed.

Chapter 7: Resources, presents a list of organizations, periodicals, published articles, books, and products that exhibit innovation in the manufactured housing industry.