It's Time to Dispel the Myths About Mobile Homes
Mobile homes have gotten a bad rap in the past. Stories about tornadoes blowing them away and about them depreciating, rather than appreciating, in value have kept consumers from thinking of them as viable single family home alternatives. The term mobile home is often used interchangeably with manufactured home. More stringent standards for mobile homes ensure better quality for these permanent dwellings. Since the standards have been raised, the term, “manufactured” home, has become a more acceptable choice. With regular maintenance and upkeep, it has a lifespan of 60 years. Perception is the other difference between the mobile home and the manufactured home concept. After Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) mandated improvements in the construction of mobile homes so that they are built to sustain winds up to 100 miles per hour in certain zones that are prone to hurricane force winds. In areas of the country that are not hurricane prone, they are built to withstand winds of 70 miles per hour. This does not take into account a direct hit from a tornado. In this scenario, any home, regardless of whether it is mobile or site-built, is likely to sustain damage.
Many people are misinformed about mobile homes. HUD requires that today’s mobile home manufacturers adhere to strict building codes. They are no longer considered low quality, and the name change to “manufactured” has altered the view of these affordable residences. Home financing has also changed. Funding for the original mobile home (prior to 1976) was tantamount to financing a car. Mobile homes are now financed more like homes built on-site if the home is on a permanent foundation, the home and land are considered a single chunk of real estate, and both are owned by the homeowner. Of course, those in mobile home parks must rent the space on which it is located.
Mobile home owners should use a licensed contractor to ensure that the home is tied down adequately. In addition, owners should make a point of inspecting the tie-down system often to check for cracks, rust or tears, and it may behoove them to install extra tie-downs.
Common Myths About Mobile Homes
Some of the common myths about mobile homes are:
- They are more vulnerable to fire. Actually, they are no more prone to fire than site-built homes if people simply use common sense.
- They are not built as well as those built on-site. The fact is the same building materials are used. They are energy efficient and have the same requirements for heating, plumbing, and electrical systems.
- They attract tornadoes. The truth is that they are built strong to withstand high winds. Images of mobile homes being destroyed by tornadoes give the appearance of poorly built units. The majority of people who live in mobile homes live in tornado-prone states.
- They are poorly insulated. In fact, the energy efficiency controls are heavily regulated by the government and equal or surpass site-built homes.
- Mobile home owners are lower class people. As with single family, or any other type of home ownership, the quality of the home and the “class” of the occupants depend on the character of the people who live there, not the structure.
- They are standard cookie cutter designs. Mobile/manufactured homes can be customized in the same way as site-built homes. Luxurious amenities, such as large walk-in closets, skylights, gorgeous fireplaces, can all be found in a manufactured home just as in a site-built home.
Questions and Answers:
Q: Is insurance for a mobile home less expensive than a site-built home?
A: No. It may actually be more expensive because of perceived increased risk.
Q: Do mobile homes hold their value?
A: They can appreciate in value, but location, a permanent foundation, and additions to original home are major factors in their resale value.
Q: Is a permit required to place a mobile home on a property?
A: Yes. Generally, a building permit is required.
Q: What is the difference between a mobile, manufactured, and modular home?
A: A mobile/manufactured home is built on a chassis with wheels so it can be repositioned; a modular home is built in a factory and assembled on-site on a permanent foundation. Single units can be joined to create much larger spaces. Even large complexes with multiple stories can be modular.
Q: Is a mobile home a good rental investment?
A: It can be. Like any other investment, it requires research and diligence.
