There have been many misconceptions about what classifies as a mobile home. What exactly are mobile homes? Is a mobile home the same as a manufactured home? Are RVs and trailer homes considered mobile homes? In this article, we aim to clarify what a mobile home is and what it isn’t. We will also examine their history and benefits to see if they are worth investing in.
Table of Contents
Mobile Homes Overview
In short, mobile homes are prefabricated houses that are built in a factory. After they are complete, they are then transported on-site, usually with the help of trailers, where they will be placed in a permanent location. Although, they can still be moved if need be.
Mobile homes today are also known as manufactured homes. They are usually used as primary permanent residences. Many consider manufactured homes a more practical alternative to traditionally constructed houses. Manufactured homes are the perfect solution for those who don’t want to spend much money on long-term housing. They can be built quickly, more sustainably, and they are more cost-effective.
Although there have been concerns about their longevity, with the help of advanced engineering techniques, modern-day builders are capable of constructing new mobile homes that are highly durable. Being built in a controlled environment means every part of the home can be scrutinized at a higher level.
History
In the past, mobile homes and trailer homes (house trailers and towable homes) were practically the same. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) got involved to ensure these houses were safe for the public. From June 15, 1976, mobile homes were legally referred to as “manufactured homes”. People often confuse mobile homes with house trailers because they share a long history. Today, however, the two are entirely different buildings that must adhere to different regulations.
Regulations
In 1974, the federal government passed the 1974 National Mobile Home Construction Safety Act. In 1976, HUD established the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (MHCSS), also known as the HUD code. These standards regulate every aspect of construction. This includes:
- Design
- Frame requirements
- Transportability
- Plumbing and electrical systems.
- Fire resistance
- Energy efficiency.
These new codes resulted in the quality-built, beautiful manufactured homes of today. To keep the HUD code updated, a committee comprising builders, users, and public officials meet regularly to develop revisions to the MHCSS that would benefit the general public.
Unlike modular homes, which must abide by state and local building codes, mobile homes don’t have to adhere to local building codes. With that said, it is still important to consult your local building authorities, as most jurisdictions have zoning restrictions specifying where manufactured homes can and can’t be placed.
Features
The features and amenities of the modern-day mobile home are quite similar to that of the basic functionalities of a traditional stick-built home. For instance, the construction materials used are pretty much the same. Generally, mobile homes are equipped with lumber frames, insulation, plumbing and electricals, flooring, HVAC, and other appliances. Today’s mobile homes are built with high standards for durability.
Structurally, a common feature of a mobile home is a metal frame or chassis making up the subfloor. The floor system comprises a wood frame with a blanket of fiberglass insulation. The walls and roof system are also framed with lumber, where insulation and vapor barriers are used. Galvanized steel is often used for the exterior roof.
For the interior features, there are limitless features and upgrades you can incorporate in a mobile home. Builders often give you the option to upgrade to name-brand kitchen appliances and include window treatments. Builders also offer luxury options such as a luxurious bath and specialty light fixtures. Custom features such as custom paint, wall coverings, floor coverings, furnishings, alarm systems, fireplaces, and other extra design features are also available. Some builders can even help you design a fully custom floor plan.
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Benefits
Cost
Mobile homes or manufactured homes generally have a low production cost because builders purchase raw materials in bulk. Prefabricated homes also produce less waste in the construction process. In addition, building in a factory means the construction is not interrupted by external factors such as weather. This significantly improves build times and lowers labor costs. By choosing mobile homes, you can save on your home purchase.
Time-Saving
Due to the nature of manufactured homes, they are much quicker to build and install. Some builds can take as fast as three months to be move-in ready. This is a huge advantage for people on a tight deadline.
Eco-Friendly
Not only do mobile homes generate less waste, but they are also made to be energy-efficient. The HUD code requires mobile homes to have adequate insulation in the walls, floor, and ceiling. To add to that, energy-efficient windows and doors are also required. This saves the user on potential utility costs.
Flexibility
One of the biggest advantages of mobile homes over regular stick-built houses is their flexibility. Due to being semi-permanent, you have the option to relocate to a mobile home anytime you want. Mobile homes are a great option whether you want to avoid committing to owning land or if you are unsure of permanently settling on a certain location.
Downsides
Value
The value of mobile homes can significantly decrease in a relatively short period. Mobile homes do not hold their value as well as stick-built homes. This depreciation is often caused by several factors, such as the demand for mobile homes.
Property Classification
Another huge disadvantage of mobile homes is that they are typically classified as personal property rather than real property. Personal property is assets that are not considered part of the land, as opposed to real property, referring to land and anything permanently attached to it.
Because of this, personal property loans for mobile homes tend to have higher interest rates and shorter terms compared to mortgage loans for traditional homes. Lenders simply consider personal property loans riskier due to the lower market value.
Difficult to Resell
As mentioned earlier, mobile homes tend to depreciate quickly. In addition, the general public has a stigma towards mobile homes, seeing them as built with inferior quality compared to traditional houses. Combining the two results in a smaller market, making reselling mobile homes difficult. This is an important consideration if you are planning to resell your mobile home in the future.
How Do Mobile Homes Differ From Other Types of Modular Homes?
As mentioned earlier, mobile homes are often confused with trailer homes. These are two completely different types of housing. Trailer homes or travel trailers are more temporary living spaces. They are towed by a vehicle and often travel on the road. Because of this, they are often used as vacation homes or campers. Mobile homes, on the other hand, are installed in a permanent location. Essentially, they aren’t built to travel around as much as trailer homes.
Modular homes, conversely, are another type of house that is confused with mobile homes. This is understandable because, just like mobile homes, they are designed and built off-site. The fundamental difference between modular homes and mobile homes is their construction methods and assembly. Modular homes are built in modules and delivered to the construction site where they will be assembled. Mobile homes, on the other hand, are delivered on-site as a completed unit. They are also set on a foundation where landscaping may be required.
To summarize, mobile homes belong to a different category from modular homes and trailer homes. Check out our mobile home vs. manufactured home article for an in-depth look at these homes.
Are Mobile Homes Worth It?
Yes. The manufactured housing industry has been growing in recent years. Mobile homes are great affordable alternatives for home buyers who don’t want to commit to spending too much on a stick-built home. The lower costs of building a mobile home are a huge advantage. However, it is crucial to consider the drawbacks of these types of homes. Remember that they tend to drop in value and are difficult to resell. With that said, they are excellent alternatives to traditional site-built homes.
If you are still in the planning stages of your home-buying journey and the drawbacks of mobile homes have discouraged you, don’t worry! There are a lot of other alternative housing solutions you can look into. This includes barndominiums and pole barn homes. Check out our Instagram Page for content about these homes. They offer greater possibilities as they are quite spacious. Other options you can look into are shipping container houses.
To keep yourself updated on alternative housing, you can follow our Facebook Page.
FAQs
How much do mobile homes cost?
New single-wide homes average around $51,000, while triple-wide homes with a maximum of 3,000 sq ft can go up to $250,000. It is important to understand that several factors can affect the cost of a mobile home. Other than the square footage of the homes, add-ons and custom options also significantly affect the price. You also need to factor in the cost of the land, whether you will lease the land, buy it, or stay in a mobile home park.
How long do mobile homes typically last?
Several factors affect the lifespan of a mobile home. With the implementation of the national HUD code, modern mobile homes are built to higher standards. Mobile homes today are expected to last an average of 30 to 55 years. However, they can last longer with proper care, maintenance, and careful consideration of the climate.
What is the difference between a mobile home and a trailer?
The main difference is that mobile homes settle at a permanent site, while trailers are designed to be towed from one location to another.
