After a difficult pandemic that left devastating effects on the job market and the economy, many Americans are looking for a good value that stretches their dollar. Purchasing a mobile or manufactured home is an avenue that many Americans are looking into in order to own a quality home in affordable price ranges. The market for new and used manufactured and mobile homes is hot right now. According to the Manufactured Housing Institute, 22 million people are living in manufactured homes. In Manufactured Home Hub’s more than 10 years of experience in the manufactured home industry, we know there are many Americans that are still learning about manufactured and mobile homes and the positive benefits of this type of homeownership. Many are wondering what is the difference between a manufactured and mobile home? Today, we are going to assess the difference between the structures of manufactured and mobile homes to allow a better understanding between these popular home styles.
According to an article from TRIAD Financial Services, Manufactured homes are built in a factory and relocated to a home site. After a manufactured home is installed at its site location, its functionality is much like a traditional site-built home. Manufactured homes are not typically moved after being transported. This method of installation allows for a seamless process where workers are able to set up the house with lots of supervision and care. Thus, many common hold-ups and setbacks that might occur in building a traditional home do not occur when creating a manufactured home. Additionally, Manufactured home building follows specific federal construction codes from Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Mobile homes are often confused with manufactured homes. The reality is that mobile homes are now technically any manufactured home that was created before June 15, 1976. Mobile homes are no longer officially being made as a result of United States Department of Housing and Urban Development policy changes made in 1976. Functional, well-produced, and more structurally sound manufactured homes have replaced the older concept of mobile homes.
Now that we have asserted the difference between a manufactured home and a mobile home, let’s discuss some of the benefits of manufactured home ownership. The biggest benefit by far for many is the price. Due to manufactured homes being built in a factory, this means there can be more controlled production costs and the homes can be built at faster rates. The customer purchasing a manufactured home can save lots of money and be able to achieve their homeownership dreams with great benefits. According to CIS Loans, the new average manufactured home sales price is $70,600. Additionally, square foot costs are $49, compared to $107 in site-built homes. This means there is an opportunity for more than double the savings when comparing a manufactured home to a traditional site-built home.
It is also important to note that manufactured homes follow strict regulations when being built in order to promote a safe living structure for future manufactured homeowners. According to the article “Promoting the Promise Manufactured Homes Provide for Affordable Housing” from the Journal of Affordable Housing and Community Development[1] written by Amy J. Schmitz, Congress enacted the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act in 2000. This Act made it a requirement that the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development had to institute a streamlined process regarding updating/improving installation standards and handling any conflicts between manufactured home manufacturers, retailers, and installers.
If you are in the market to purchase a manufactured home, there is really only one way to tell the difference between a manufactured home and a mobile home: the date it was manufactured.
The appearance of the home may be so similar that the eye cannot distinguish any difference between a mobile or manufactured home. Thus, it is important to make sure to ask the seller if you can see the date that the manufactured home you are looking at was built.
In summary, there are many proponents to owning a manufactured home and it is important to continue to spread awareness about manufactured home ownership and correct misconceptions. Many Americans can benefit enormously from manufactured home ownership due to its excellent pricing, safety, and fast-building process. If you are interested in learning more about manufactured homes and manufactured home living, follow us on Facebook for helpful tips and information.
