In today’s market, alternative housing options are becoming more and more popular due to there not being enough options available, housing that’s affordable, or, in general, that you like, and you’re not interested in building or unable to build your own home. It can seem suffocating when you feel like you’re trapped by choices, rather than excited by them.
I have an alternative, and, in all likelihood, not one that you’re expecting. When you see the words “mobile home”, most likely a distinct image pops into your head – and it’s probably not an overly positive one. Manufactured and mobile homes have become a competitive alternative to traditional homes, with many different design options to make it feel like a home of your own.
Manufactured Homes (aka Mobile Homes)
Actually, the term mobile home isn’t correct anymore. After HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) put the National Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards into effect in 1976, they’ve changed the term to manufactured homes to be more accurate. The HUD code is quite stringent, ensuring manufactured homes meet standards in things like construction, design, fire safety and energy efficiency. According to HUD, a mobile home is now considered anything built prior to 1976, but it rolls off the tongue a lot smoother than manufactured homes.
Here's the need-to-knows about manufactured homes:
- The home is built in one piece in a climate-controlled environment.
- It has to comply with strict federal standards, ensuring quality construction.
- They’re significantly more affordable on average than traditional homes.
Modular Homes (aka Prefabricated Homes or Prefabs)
What’s a modular home, then? There’s a few main differences between modular homes and manufactured homes:
- The modular home is assembled on-site rather than being complete once it leaves the factory.
- Modular homes are permanent structures, i.e. cannot be moved once built.
- Modular homes are built according to state, local and regional codes where the home will be, not HUD guidelines.
- While manufactured homes run cheaper than traditional homes, modular homes in and of themselves can be cheaper, but it’s not a guarantee.
What’s great about them?
Now that I’ve given you a rundown of what they are and the differences between them, let’s move on to the benefits:
- Affordable:As I said above, both manufactured and modular homes are more affordable on average than a site-built home.
- Customization:Manufactured and modular homes’ greatest strength is the breadth of customizability they offer. While they were once cookie-cutter, this is no longer true. There are still set floorplans, but builders now offer an array of custom options to make the home more unique – more you.
- Energy efficient:Not only are these homes built to ensure energy efficiency to save you money in long run, there’s also manufacturers who offer homes designed specifically to be environmentally friendly. Along with this, both of these types of homes are considerably less wasteful during the building process.
- Speed:Because they’re built in a factory that is climate-controlled and with stockpiled materials, many of the delays site-built homes experience are nonexistent. Additionally, because the process is so streamlined, there aren’t any unwelcome surprises that may come up during construction. All-in-all, much less of a hassle.
Any drawbacks?
There are some downsides as well, so weigh these against the positives and your priorities:
- Land:Unfortunately, you can’t just plop the home down anywhere. You have to either rent or own the land it’s on.
- Payment:Builders often have you pay upfront for the home, but don’t fear! This is where home loans come in. There are many different financing options available to you, just like with a traditional home.
- Value:The value on manufactured homes does not appreciate quickly; in fact, the land it’s on will probably appreciate faster (if you own it). Additionally, they’re more difficult to resell.
So, manufactured or modular?
Manufactured and modular homes have become a new alternative to choosing between buying a home and building one. How you decide on which type you should choose depends on your preferences and individual situation. To find out more about this type of home and the kind of financing available to you, reach out to your local Flat Branch family!
