Every year, the manufactured housing industry releases new, innovative products and advances for their homeowners, sending the home experience to the next level. But there are just a few facts that remain true day in and day out about manufactured homes that remind us how great they really are.
1. Popular and cost-effective housing solution.
Amid rising housing costs and economic hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic that have made site-built homes and apartments harder to afford, manufactured homes are providing housing solutions when and where they’re needed.
When you look at the numbers, it’s easy to see why manufactured homes are popular. They cost, on average, just $49 per square foot, whereas site-built homes cost an average of $107 per square foot. Furthermore, as we’ll see, what homebuyers get for their money is just as good, if not better, than a site-built home.
2. When properly maintained, manufactured homes appreciate at a rate similar to site-built homes.
Because today’s manufactured homes are so well-built, they often actually maintain their value or appreciate at a rate similar to site-built homes. Research by the Federal Housing Finance Agency has found that home value trends for manufactured homes and site-built homes are relatively similar (assuming that a home is properly cared for and maintained), meaning that a manufactured home is a solid investment for many homebuyers.
3. Manufactured homes are regulated by the only federally enforced building code.
The Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, commonly known as the HUD code, is a federal law that regulates manufactured home building standards. Manufactured homes today are required to meet strict federal rules in critical areas such as:
Structural integrity
Fire resistance
Height and width
Energy efficiency
Transportability
Wind resistance
These standards have made manufactured homes among the most reliable housing options for a safe and comfortable living space.
4. Millennials are increasingly enjoying the benefits of manufactured homes.
As millennials start their own families and begin to look for their own housing, they’re finding that manufactured homes are an attractive option. Many millennials want to put their future on a firm financial foundation by leaving behind renting for homeownership, and manufactured homes present a perfect opportunity to buy a great home at an affordable price.
5. Manufactured homes are increasingly placed on private land in addition to mobile home parks.
Living in a mobile home park can be a great experience and provide a fantastic community. But in today’s market, the prevalence of manufactured homes on private land is higher than it’s ever been. In fact, 66 percent of new manufactured homes are placed on privately owned lots. That means greater freedom for the homeowner to alter their home and land as they see fit.
6. Manufactured homes are just as durable as site-built homes (or more).
Manufactured homes are built using tough materials that stand up to the elements. Every manufactured home is constructed on a steel frame, which provides exceptional structural durability and helps keep the structure of the home sound during transportation and siting. Some manufactured homes are even built with 2×6 framing rather than the standard 2x4s used in site-built homes. Finally, according to one study, manufactured homes are actually superior to site-built homes in terms of fire safety, with up to 44 percent fewer fires reported in manufactured homes.
7. Manufactured homes often feature customization options.
Although they don’t allow the extensive customization possible with site-built homes, mobile home floor plans still often offer options for customizations. Frequent points of customization include:
Extra bedrooms and bathrooms
Home offices
Porches and garages
Expanded master bedroom or bathroom suites
Upgraded kitchen appliances
Interested in learning more facts about manufactured homes? Contact us or visit our website, bellegladeclarksville.com.
