If you did not know otherwise, you could be inclined to think the term manufactured home is just another fancy name for a mobile home. However, you will perhaps be surprised to know that manufactured homes are currently the rage in the United States due to their relative affordability compared to conventional homes while offering owners the quality, convenience, and customization they typically desire. If you were looking around for affordable housing, you could benefit from a hard look at the facts of manufactured homes.
What Is a Manufactured Home?
A manufactured home begins its life in a factory. After building it, the manufacturer puts it on a steel chassis mounted on wheels to tow it to its destination, a permanent site, typically in a manufactured home community. After the home reaches its destination, the manufacturer removes the wheels and anchors it to its foundation, and it often never moves again. In 1976, the government established the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards or HUD Code to establish strict building and safety standards regulating factory-built homes.
Manufactured Homes Score High in Popularity and Affordability
Countless people in America and indeed, all over the world have discovered the attractions of owning a manufactured home – namely affordability, flexibility, customizability, and energy efficiency. The Manufactured Housing Institute reports that around 22 million people live in manufactured homes in the U.S. because it is usually the cheapest type of housing available without government subsidies. The prime reason driving the popularity of manufactured homes is their affordability, typically due to economical designs and the efficiency of factory production. The average cost of a manufactured home in America is $87,300 compared to $428,700 for a traditional home as per the U.S. Census Bureau.
Plenty of Choices in Manufactured Home Communities
A manufactured home community is a residential development designed specifically for manufactured homes. These communities typically consist of individual home lots or pads on which residents can place their manufactured homes. Often, the community will provide spec homes options so that the customer can buy or rent a home that is already on-site. They may offer amenities like swimming pools, community centers, playgrounds and dog parks. A community owner like fourleafprop.com is responsible for maintaining the common areas and infrastructure, such as roads, utilities, and landscaping. In addition, the owner is responsible for the community lifestyle experience. That often includes fun community events, clubs, parties and more. A quality community is really a master planned community, but with factory-built homes that are actually affordable, providing an experience far better than apartment living. Manufactured home communities can provide affordable housing options for individuals and families who may not be able to afford traditional site-built homes.
Manufactured Homes Are Durable
A common misconception among many people is a manufactured home is flimsy and does not last long. However, the reality is that all manufacturers abide by the federal HUD Code and implement a highly standardized manufacturing process and strict quality control. Some aspects specified by the code include ceilings of a minimum of seven feet high, a width of a minimum of eight feet, a solid foundation, egress windows for sleeping areas, plumbing and electricity standards and more.
Conclusion
Manufactured homes are a great choice for buyers looking for single-family homes on a budget but not willing to compromise on quality, durability, flexibility, and convenience. What’s more, unlike mobile homes or trailer homes, a manufactured home often appreciates in value over time, adding to its appeal.
