What Are the Minimum Construction Standards for Manufactured Homes?

There are many beliefs and misconceptions out there that manufactured homes are not built as well as site-built homes. The reason for these crazy notions is usually based on the fact that manufactured homes are typically priced 15%-35% less than a site-built home. People then assume that the reason for the incredibly low pricing on a manufactured home must be because of the inferior building materials used and sub-par standards on building codes and workmanship.

The truth is, most people would be shocked to learn how extensive and particular building codes are for manufactured homes.

Below you will find a list of the absolute minimum standards that a manufactured home builder must adhere to in order to pass inspection. In today’s manufactured home industry, a person would be surprised to learn that manufactured home builders actually go above and beyond these minimum standards! If you are in the market for a manufactured home you will quickly discover that the modern day manufactured home is built equally as well, or superior, to a home built on site.

The Minimum Building Standards Are:

1. Structural graded 2”x 4” (minimum) or 2”x 6” wood studs every 16” in all exterior walls for durability and strength.
2. Solid 3”- 4” interior walls to provide stability, beauty. sound absorption, and privacy.
3. Heavy 2”x 6’ (minimum) perimeter floor joists secured to steel basement type I beams for extra strength.
4. High-density floor decking in order to provide solid, quiet floors, topped with durable carpeting and no wax vinyl floor covering.
5. Sturdy truss-type rafters certified to meet strength and load requirements.
6. Interior walls finished with sound-deadening drywall or gypsum.
7. Vaulted ceilings available standard in many homes.
8. Shingled, pitched residential roofs with dormers.
9.High strength underlayment between shingles and roof decking for extra weather protection.
10. Exterior-grade roof decking for secure fastening of roof shingles and underlayment.
11. Thick, energy saving fiberglass R-11 (minimum) insulation, plus a moisture fighting ceiling-area vapor barrier.
12. Thick, energy-saving fiberglass R-11 (minimum) insulation in all exterior walls.
13. Thick, energy saving fiberglass R-11 (minimum) insulation blankets the entire floor over a weather-resistant basement barrier.
14. Copper wiring throughout with 100 amp (minimum) panel box for convenient, easily activated circuit breakers. Ground-fault circuit protection on bath and exterior electrical receptacles. Mechanical ventilation system provides continuous air circulation.
15. Large, easy opening, screened windows (with optional storm protection) to provide comfortable ventilation and light.
16. Attractive, weather-resistant exterior siding to provide effective air infiltration barriers.
17. Large aluminum, fiberglass or metal ducts in insulated floor cavities for furnace and central air conditioning.
18. Non-corrosive, freeze-resistant water lines in insulated cavities under the floor for extra weather protection.
19. Built-in name brand appliances with warranties for extra reliability and safety. Furnace and water heater compartments are lined with non-flammable gypsum wallboard.
20. Modern, well-equipped kitchens feature name-brand appliances and amenities.

There are over 50 blog articles that I have written and posted on this web-site relating to the quality of manufactured home construction and their comparisons to site-built homes. Feel free to peruse any or all of these web postings, or for a quick view click articled titled “THE ADVANTAGES OF MANUFACTURED HOMES”