Myths and Truths About Manufactured Homes

In the last couple of weeks I have placed on the market a couple of properties with manufactured homes. This along with the recent surge of storms, I thought I would take a moment and debunk some myths manufactured homes.

1. Are they trailers or mobile homes? Since 1976 manufactured homes have fallen under specific and rigid HUD building code enforced by the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974.
2. They are built poorly or unsafe. Manufactured homes are built with 20 - 30% more materials than a site built home. They do travel the roads to a permanent destination and must be constructed to withstand the travel.
3. Storms blow them away. Any dwelling can be damaged or destroyed by a storm. Manufactured homes are built with the HUD code seal of approval ensures that a manufactured home meets regional standards for roof load, wind resistance, thermal efficiency, safety and durability. These codes are designed to give the home the strength needed to fight against hurricane force winds.
4. They are cheaper because of the materials used. Even though new homes have increased in prices due largely to customer demand for amenities, these homes are built with the same materials used in site built homes. The lesser construction cost can be attributed to being built in a factories on assembly lines. This makes the building process much more efficient.
5. They are unattractive. Manufactured homes come with very modern amenities. high energy efficient products, and very modern floor plans and designs. They can be custom made to a customers specification. The days of the unattractive box trailers are long gone.
6. They are just tied down to a stake in the ground. Manufactured homes can be mounted on a traditional foundation. Many are tied down using engineered and code approved systems. These systems use items such as hurricane straps designed to keep the home secure during hurricane force winds.