New Manufactured Homes

The perception of new manufactured homes is changing. While many still associate manufactured homes with mobile homes and question the quality, the industry has been working to prove that new manufactured home are virtually indistinguishable from site-built homes. In fact, homebuyers in some areas can save an average of 10% to 35% over the cost of traditional construction when they order new manufactured homes, but receive the same quality in material and construction.

Manufactured homes today are different from mobile homes and roughly 90% of new manufactured homes never the destination site, meaning they are not really mobile, they are permanent housing. In neighborhoods with no restrictions on the installation of manufactured homes, the homes retain a value comparable to similar site-built homes in the area.

One of the biggest misconceptions about manufactured homes is that they do not contain modern features and amenities. The fact is, manufactured homes can be tailored to an individual’s preferences and the options are limited only by budget. Vaulted ceilings, drywalled interiors, and whirlpool baths are just a few examples of modern features available in today’s new manufactured homes.

Fully equipped kitchens with all the modern amenities and design features are also available in manufactured homes just as they are with site-built homes. A dealer or manufacturer representative can show you stock floor plans and standard features, which you can modify to suit your personal needs and budget. Most of the popular and more common modern home features and amenities are available with a manufactured home.

Quality of manufactured homes is regulated by strict federal building standards and all aspects of the construction and delivery of a new home are closely monitored and inspected. The materials are comparable quality to traditional construction materials and often come at a savings that can be passed on to the homebuyer because the materials are purchased in bulk. Warranties come standard with most manufactured homes and as a consumer, you should demand one.

If you are considering investing in a home, you owe it to yourself to thoroughly research manufactured housing as an option for construction. Buying a new home is a large investment that should not be made without all the information. Visit several dealers or manufacturer representatives of manufactured homes to learn more and help dispel any previous thoughts or concerns you might have had about manufactured homes.

While you might find that many aspects of owning a manufactured home are like owning a traditional site-built home, such as taxes, utilities, insurance and mortgage financing, you may be surprised to learn some of the differences. New manufactured homes have significantly improved in quality and design over the last ten to fifteen years.

Before you spend a significant amount of time researching your options, you should be sure that the municipality in which your building lot is situated does not have codes that prohibit manufactured housing. The majority of cities now allow manufactured homes providing their installation adheres to specific standards and codes, but some areas will not permit a manufactured home within their limits. Call your local building inspector or appropriate government office.