
<p>If you&#8217;ve been out searching for a home for a while now, you&#8217;ve likely heard of the term manufactured home. But what exactly is a manufactured home?</p>



<p>To many home builders and potential buyers, a manufactured home is an affordable solution to the more traditional and expensive real estate. Even with the cost being lower than a traditionally built home, a modern manufactured home can easily feature many of the same desirable amenities that can be found in more expensive housing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is a manufactured home?</h2>



<p>A manufactured home is created in a factory, piece by piece, according to a set of building codes known as HUD. These homes are built on a permanent chassis, equipped with wheels and then hauled off to the home site. It can be shipped either in pieces or all together as a whole and ultimately installed on either a temporary or fixed foundation.<br><br>Modern manufactured homes have three general floor plans:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>Single Wide:</strong> This is a home built in one long section.</li><li><strong>Double Wide:</strong> A home with two sections joined together to make a larger home. This is the most popular floor plan for most first time home owners.</li><li><strong>Triple Wide: </strong>This style home contains three sections that have been joined together for the most spacious of homes. This also is the least common type model.</li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Manufactured Homes Vs. Other Prefabricated Homes</h2>



<p>There can be a lot of confusion when it comes to understanding the differences between the various types of pre-fabricated housing.</p>



<p>While some terms are used interchangeably, they really all do describe a different type of home; and while these distinctions may appear subtle, it&#8217;s important to understand the differences if you&#8217;re planning on purchasing a manufactured home or similar type of prefab home.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mobile homes and trailer homes</h2>



<p>The terms “mobile homes” and “manufactured homes” can often be used interchangeably in the home purchase process. The term “mobile home” has actually been obsolete since the mid-70s once the HUD coding laws went into effect. The same goes for the word trailer. Well these terms are still sometimes used colloquially, they no longer accurately represent what a manufactured home actually is.</p>



<p>Just remember, the word “mobile home” actually is a reference to any manufactured home created before 1976. Modern manufactured homes offer more solid structures with better amenities compared to the predecessors, making this distinction a very important one.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Modular homes</h2>



<p>While modular homes are also built in factories, there are several differences. Unlike a manufactured home, a modular home is:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Delivered in multiple selections and built onsite and almost always residing on a fixed foundation.</li><li>These are typically governed by local state building codes as opposed to HUD coding standards.</li><li>They are subject to the same strict zoning laws that govern a traditionally built home.</li><li>Known for floor plans that are completely customizable</li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What are kit homes?</h2>



<p>A kit home is essentially a “some assembly required” type of housing option. Pieces of the home will arrive at your property essentially in a kit and must be assembled on site either by the homeowner or a contractor. In comparison, a manufactured home will typically arrive already completed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How much does a manufactured home cost?</h2>



<p>According to a US Census Bureau survey, average selling prices for a manufactured home were approximately $90,000. In the Pacific states this type of home is most popular, with the average regional selling price costing around $115,000.</p>



<p>Just like with traditional housing, there are many factors which can affect the cost of a manufactured home. Along with the unit price, the items referenced below can also affect the home’s overall cost.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Square footage</strong></h3>



<p>The size of your home will also play a large role in determining the home’s value. Cost per square foot on a manufactured home can range anywhere from $40-$80, clearly lower than that of a traditionally built home.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Purchasing land</strong></h3>



<p>With manufactured homes, there are two options available: you can lease a spot in a mobile home community, or you can purchase a piece of property in which you can install your home. The cost of land will vary depending on the state, but as a rule, rural land tends to be the most affordable compared to a more urban or suburban area. You can also obtain a land loan if the need arises to help you purchase the land required for your home installation.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Foundation</strong></h3>



<p>If the land you&#8217;re placing your home on is owned by you, it may be worthwhile to invest in a permanent foundation compared to a temporary one. This could include a basement, a crawlspace or any other additions. The most expensive type of option is the slab foundation.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Taxes</strong></h3>



<p>The cost of your taxes will depend on what state you live in. Most states will regard a manufactured home as property and not charge a property tax, whereas other states like Florida will charge a licensing tax that’s very much similar to owning a vehicle.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Delivery and installation</strong></h3>



<p>The delivery and assembly fees will depend roughly on the manufacturer from where you buy the home from. Some builders might offer free delivery if the delivery location is within a certain radius of the facility, otherwise additional fees may apply. Alternatively, you may be tasked with hiring <a href="https://www.wewilltransportit.com/mobile-home-movers/">mobile home movers</a> that have the necessary experience required with <a href="https://www.wewilltransportit.com/heavy-haulers/">hauling oversize loads</a> of this caliber to help transport your new home to its destination.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Utilities</strong></h3>



<p>Just like any other type of home, configuring your utilities like water, plumbing, heat, electricity, or cable can add additional costs to the overall pricing of your home.</p>

Is A Manufactured Home Right For You?
