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Manufactured Home Education |
Understanding Manufactured housing
Manufactured housing (also known as prefab housing) is a type of housing unit that is largely assembled in factories and then transported to sites of use.
The term "manufactured home" specifically refers to a home built entirely in a protected environment under a federal code set by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Manufactured homes are not mobile homes. The term "mobile home" describes factory-built homes produced prior to the 1976 HUD Code enactment.[1]
The original focus of this form of housing was its mobility. Units were initially marketed primarily to people whose lifestyle required mobility. However, beginning in the 1950s, mobile homes began to be marketed primarily as an inexpensive form of housing designed to be set up and left in a location for long periods of time, or even permanently installed with a masonry foundation. Previously, units had been eight feet or less in width, but in 1956, the introduction of the 10-foot wide mobile home was made. This helped solidify the line between mobile homes and house/travel trailers, since the smaller units could be moved simply with an automobile, but the larger, wider units required the services of a professional trucking company. In the 1960s and '70s, mobile homes became even longer and wider, making the mobility of the units more difficult. Today, when a manufactured home is moved to a location, it is usually kept there permanently. Since the 1970s, the term "manufactured home" has largely replaced "mobile home," since the mobility of the units has considerably decreased.
The manufactured homes of the past (mobile homes) developed a negative stereotype because of their lower cost and the tendency for their value to depreciate more quickly than site-built homes. The tendency of these homes to rapidly depreciate in resale value made using them as collateral for loans far riskier than traditional home loans. Terms were usually limited to less than the thirty year term typical of the general home-loan market, and interest rates were considerably higher. In other words, mobile home loans resembled motor vehicle loans far more than traditional home mortgages. They have been consistently linked to lower-income families, which has led to prejudice and zoning restrictions, which include: limitations on the number and density of manufactured homes permitted on any given site, minimum size requirements, limitations on exterior colors and finishes, and foundation mandates. There are many jurisdictions that will not allow the placement of any additional manufactured homes, while others have strongly limited or forbidden all single-wide models, which tend to depreciate in value more rapidly than modern double-wide models. The derogatory concept of a "trailer park" is typically older mobile homes occupying small, rented lots and remaining on wheels, even if the home stays in one place for decades. Modern manufactured homes, especially modular homes, belie this image and can be identical in appearance to site-built homes. Newer manufactured homes, particularly double-wides, tend to be built to much higher standards than their predecessors and meet the building codes applicable to most areas. This has led to a reduction in the rate of value depreciation of most used units.[2]
Both manufactured (mobile) homes and modular homes are commonly referred to as manufactured housing, but they are not identical. Modular homes are transported on flatbed trucks rather than being towed, and lack axles and an automotive-type frame typical of manufactured homes. However, like manufactured homes, some modular houses are towed behind a semi-truck on a frame similar to that of a manufactured home. The house is usually in two pieces and is hauled by two separate trucks. Each frame has five or more axles, depending on the size of the house. Once the house has reached its location, unlike a manufactured home, the axles and the tongue of the frame are then removed, and the house is set on a concrete foundation by a large crane. Most zoning restrictions on modular homes have been found to be inapplicable or only applicable to manufactured homes. This occurs often after considerable litigation on the topic by affected jurisdictions and by plaintiffs failing to ascertain the difference. Most modern modular homes, once fully assembled, are indistinguishable from site-built homes. Their roofs are usually transported as separate units, eradicating the telltale roofline of the manufactured home. As the legal differentiation between the two becomes more codified, the market for modular homes is likely to grow. The traditional manufactured home industry would seem to have a bright future as well. As the demand for housing continues to grow, the price of housing continues to increase rapidly. The constant improvement of quality and features of manufactured homes has led to greater acceptance by a growing segment of the marketplace. Additionally, insurers and lenders are now more likely to treat the higher-end manufactured home as they would a traditional home.
Answers to Your Questions About Manufactured Housing
What is a manufactured home?
Manufactured homes, formerly called mobile homes, are built in a factory. Each home conforms to the US government's Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (HUD code), rather than to building codes enforced at the home's destination. Each home or segment of a home is labeled with a red tag that is the manufacturer's guarantee the home was built to conform to the HUD code.
Manufactured homes are built on a non-removable steel chassis and transported to the building site on their own wheels.
Where can I find details about my manufactured home's build date and origins?
To find the date of manufacture, look for a data plate located inside your home, usually on or near the main electrical panel, in a kitchen cabinet, or in a bedroom closet.
The data plate offers information about the home's heating, cooling, and other appliances and components. The data plate also shows you the wind zone and snow load for which the home was built.
A red HUD label with a stamped serial number should be attached to the exterior of the home.
May I put my manufactured home on any lot or tract of land?
No. Some communities and developments do not allow manufactured housing. Research local zoning ordinances, deed restrictions, restrictive covenants, and other similar documents before purchasing land for a manufactured home.
May I move my manufactured home to another location?
Yes, but make sure you use a transport company that is familiar with the laws for moving such structures. You should also consider the zone for which the manufactured home was originally constructed. Never move a manufactured home to a zone with more restrictive wind, thermal, or roof load requirements than the zone for which it was built. Check the data plate for zoning information.
Climate differences and the cost of moving your manufactured home might make it more practical to sell it and purchase another at your new location.
Who will finance my manufactured home?
Many manufactured homes are financed with a retail installment contract, available through the retailer that sells you the home. Many lenders will grant a conventional mortgage for manufactured homes, but will likely require that the home is placed on a permanent foundation. Manufactured homes are eligible for FHA and VA home loans.
Is my new manufactured home covered by warranty?
Most manufacturers offer a warranty that covers the home and its systems during a stated warranty period. Some appliances may be covered by their own warranties. Before you purchase a manufactured home, find out which items are covered by warranty, who offers the warranty, and how warranty repairs are performed.
What if I have problems with my manufactured home?
HUD recommends that you first contact the retailer who sold you the home. If problems cannot be resolved, contact the manufacturer. If you still have complaints or concerns, contact HUD or a related state agency. or FTC manufactured study
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Law defines a mobile home park as a parcel or contiguous lots of land which contains, or is laid out or adapted to accommodate three or more mobile homes. |
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