“Mother-in-law” Manufactured Homes
“Mother-in-law” or “dual occupancy” homes are sometimes used to refer to the development of two detached homes on one allotment of land.
Often utilized by homeowners in primarily rural areas, Manufactured homes
accommodate multi-generation families. These families share their homestead property
with other relatives, friends, or other adults. The manufactured model has become
the preferred choice for dual occupancy due to the affordability, quality construction,
flexibility of design and features, easy transition from delivery to occupancy.
Manufactured homes are ideal for parents who can enjoy privacy and security in their
own home, while still close to family members and loved ones. Seniors sometimes feel
that they are a “burden” when living and sharing a household with family members. A
manufactured home located adjacent to the family home gives the senior a sense of
independence and self determination that they desire.
To accommodate any additional homes on one’s property, a manufactured home
retailer can access a variety of smaller square footage floor plans with all the comforts
and requirements of the resident, including single homes and double section homes
with 800 or more square feet of living space. A 20’ by 40’ model will contain one or two
bedrooms with one or two baths, modern kitchen, laundry room, and a large living area.
A two bedroom plan may be preferable if the resident will be downsizing and would
want the extra room to use for work, storage, or additional activities.
All manufactured homes provide a safe and energy efficiency home, equal or superior
to site built homes and is the only residential housing subject to a federal building code
(HUD code). However, there are metropolitan areas that prohibit secondary homes
because they either do not conform to the zoning and land use requirements of the
district or they do not meet local building codes.
There are some localities that will make exceptions if the second dwelling is not a rental
property and is occupied by a family member or guest, hence the term, “mother-in-law”
home.
