10 Reasons Why Manufactured Homes are Better than Site-Built Homes
The evolution of the modern manufactured home has been quite extraordinary, and can truly be anointed as the realization of the American Dream of homeownership. Unfortunately, many potential home purchasers have not yet explored the world of manufactured housing and it’s many advantages.
Below is a list of the top 10 benefits of manufactured housing based on my extensive experience in the industry.
10 Reasons Why Manufactured Homes are Better than Site-Built Homes
With apologies to David Letterman, here is today’s Top 10!
10. Quality Construction:
Manufactured homes are built to the Manufactured Home Construction and Standards (HUD) Code. This Congress mandated code makes manufactured homes the only form of housing that has a single nationally enforced and regulated standard. This federal code includes requirements that exceed site building codes including materials, construction, health and safety, inspections, and site installation.
9. Fire Safety
A study issued by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in July 2011 shows that both the occurrence of fire and the injury rate is lower in manufactured housing than site built homes. The reasons for the superior fire safety is in the requirements of the Health and Safety provisions of the HUD code which are more stringent than those set by the IRC Code (site-built).
8. Energy Efficiency
Regulations require that a manufactured home be designed for overall energy efficiency to account for heat loss through the insulated surfaces such as floors, ceilings, sidewalls, windows, and doors. In addition, the installation of high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment is an alternative to meet mandated efficiency standards. Utility bill savings may be as much as 30%, and can be attained with the ENERGY STAR program that most manufacturer’s offer as a standard or optional feature.
7. Floor Plans and Customization
Manufacturers offer hundreds of approved floor plan choices available in numerous square footage sizes. Nearly any floor plan design that you can visualize is likely available. Customization of these plans to your personal needs and desires is offered by most manufacturers. The decor design choices are virtually limitless, including floor coverings, window treatments, name brand appliances, countertops, bath fixtures, interior and exterior paint colors, exterior elevation, siding materials and much more.
6. Handicapped Accessibility
The flexibility of the manufactured home building process allows the production of specialty homes for people with special needs or disabilities. Manufacturers are capable of modifying existing floor plans and features to meet the unique personal requirements in compliance with the American Disabilities Act. This can be accomplished in a shorter period of time and at a much lower cost to the buyer than it would with a site built home.
5. Financing Ability
Financing for property attached manufactured homes are financed with the same terms, rates, and conditions as site built homes, including government supported programs such as F.H.A and V.A. mortgage financing. There are several lenders that specialize in financing for homes in mobile home rental communities nationwide, or on private property that is usually not included in the financing. The terms and interest rates of these companies are very competitive with traditional lenders such as banks and credit unions.
4. Value Maintenance
Since the 1980’s, studies consistently indicate that the modern era manufactured homes appreciate in value at the same rate as site built homes. The condition of the home, age, initial purchase price, inflation rate, and most important, where the home is located, all factor into how the home increases in value over time. The appreciation in the value of a manufactured home comes back to the old real estate axiom:”location, location, location!”
3. Amazing Home Warranty
A manufactured home warranty covers defects in material, workmanship,and structural integrity for one year. Many manufacturers also offer extended third party warranties for up to 10 years, which should put your mind at ease.
2. No Wait Time for Occupancy
From the moment your new manufactured home has been customized and ordered from the factory, delivery and installation is usually accomplished within a time frame of a few weeks. Occupancy follows immediately, contrasted with site built homes, which take several months to be ready for occupancy. A manufactured home is built in a factory environment and is never delayed due to weather conditions.
1. Affordability and Value
When compared to site built homes, manufactured homes cost 20% to 35% less — with more quality construction and features. Many community developers across the country are now beginning to utilize manufactured homes or manufactured home modules in their home projects to give their buyers a more bang for their buck.
As demonstrated in the below 3-D tour of the Palm Haven 3410 CT by Skyline Homes.
