Manufactured homes are an American icon. They were once called mobile homes and they first came out in 1926. They’ve been a crucial source of affordable housing in the US. These homes can become customized to fit a buyer’s needs and budget.
A manufactured home is now built in a factory. Each piece of the home manufactured follows strict HUD guidelines. One rule is that the structure should be built on a permanent chassis. This is a base frame with wheels. The chassis has to be at least 320 square feet. The wheels are then removed once the house reaches its final destination. The frame is then placed on either a pier or a concrete foundation.
Manufactured homes are a popular choice for many senior Americans. One survey revealed that around 3.2 million adults aged 60 years old and above live in mobile homes. Most own their mobile homes outright.
How Long Do Manufactured Homes Last?
There are a lot of benefits to living in a manufactured home. One is you don’t have to worry about where to live if you want to move to another state. You can always bring your home with you. Many mobile homeowners also save a lot of money because the structure is very strong. It lasts for a long time.
How long do these homes last? The Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates they last from 30 to 55 years.
These homes can serve at least two generations. Its surprising longevity is due to the manufacturing standards it follows. These homes are always checked to ensure they follow federal standards.
Older mobile homes might not have this type of durability though. The ones made after 1976 will, but not homes made before that.
How Much is a Manufactured Home?
Manufactured homes are more affordable than condo units or two-story homes. Like conventional housing, there are other factors that affect the price of a mobile home. Size is one such factor. These homes come with a single or double-wide floor plan. Some even go for a triple-wide plan. You can also add several rooms inside and a porch outside.
A 2020 study estimated the average cost of a single-wide manufactured home falls at $64,500. This is for a house that’s around 500 to 1,200 square feet. A double-wide house that’s 1,000 to 2,200 square feet costs around $120,300.
The price is only for the home. You also need to rent or buy a plot of land for your mobile home to sit on. You can lease a space in a mobile home park. You’ll have to deal with paying every month for the land and the utilities. You can also opt to buy land outright. The price can go up or down depending on the location. Amenities also have an impact.
4 Key Things to Know About Manufactured Homes
They’re ideal for long-term housing. A lot of people believe these homes are only good to live in for a few years. But most manufactured homes are now installed on a permanent lot. Many builders are also offering new skirting products. These make the structure look like it’s built on-site.
They’re better for the environment. This type of housing produces less waste than a traditional house of the same size. HUD policies also ensure this housing is energy efficient.
You can customize it to your heart’s desire. This is one of the benefits of this house. Homeowners can customize it in the design they want. You have a lot of choices when it comes to the floor layout. You can also determine the countertop materials and the number of bedrooms. The premium materials used to make this house look on par with an expensive site-built house.
They’re easier to finance. You have a lot of loan options if you buy a manufactured house. Many mortgage firms rule that the structure isn’t a house unless it’s installed on a plot of land. This allows you to apply for a private property loan. But if you buy a mobile home that’s already installed on land, then you can apply for a modified mortgage loan.
Affordable Housing at Your Fingertips
You don’t have to break the bank to buy a home. Mobile Home Listing Service can help find you one within your budget. We’re one of the top listing service companies around. We can offer you a choice of many quality manufactured homes. You can find the right one in leased communities. You can also find mobile homes for rent as well. Give us a ring at +1-877-221-4040. You can also drop us a line at [email protected].