Manufactured Homes: A Guide For First-Time Buyers

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What to look for in Manufactured homes

Manufactured homes are capturing the imaginations of many first-time buyers across the country. These affordable modular options offer up a host of custom amenities, from walk-in closets and fireplaces to vaulted ceilings and seismic upgrades. Are you interested in purchasing a manufactured home but aren’t sure where to start? Don’t worry, we have you covered. In this guide, you will learn about the modular home buying process and what to expect throughout the journey.

What are manufactured homes?manufactured homes

With manufactured homes making great strides over the years, it is an exciting time for the manufactured housing industry. The construction of the first manufactured home became a reality in 1764, and it was not until 1926 that factories began producing them. In the 1970s, they were called mobile homes and they accounted for one in three houses built on-site.

The manufactured home of today, however, is not the same as a mobile home or trailer of yesteryear. A strict code was established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in 1976 for manufactured homes. Contrary to previous generations of mobile homes, manufactured homes have to meet a higher standard of design, construction, durability, and safety, according to the HUD Code guidelines.

This new class of manufactured homes is factory built and then placed on permanent foundations. These custom units can have features like drywall interiors, garages, covered porches, etc., which make them look almost identical to site-built homes.

How are manufactured homes built? 

A manufactured home is constructed in a factory off-site with the highest-quality materials and then shipped to its final location. Traditional site-built homes are constructed one piece at a time on the site where the home will stand, whereas manufactured homes are built in a factory before being transported to the site.

The homes are constructed on a permanent chassis with wheels attached. The manufactured homes are then professionally transported in sections and assembled on the site. Once the wheels and axles have been removed from the homes, the units are secured in place. A manufactured home is installed on either permanent or semipermanent foundations.

A factory-built house is made from the inside out. The first step is to construct the floors. In the next phase, walls, doors, windows, cabinets, plumbing, and electrical systems are installed. Factory manufactured homes go through a rigorous inspection at the end of the manufacturing process. Documentation and quality control of each process are both triple checked. At the job site, the modular units are assembled to form a fully functional, beautiful home.

Why are manufactured homes cheaper?manufactured homes

Homeownership is an excellent investment, and modular homes provide you with a way to get into a beautiful home at a lower cost than building on-site or purchasing an existing home.

Due to the recent increase in prices of building materials in British Columbia, Canada and across the globe, modular homes have become more popular than ever.

One of the main advantages of buying a manufactured home is the price. The cost of manufactured housing is about 10 percent to 35 percent less than that of site-built housing.

Here are the reasons why the manufacturing housing industry can make a home at less cost:

  • Manufacturers save a significant amount of money by taking advantage of economies of scale. By purchasing in bulk, the manufacturers save on the costs associated with constructing a typical site-built home.
  • Manufactured homes are built on an assembly line. In comparison with traditional site-built construction, this process is more efficient and controlled. It also allows for uniformity of construction.
  • Bad weather, theft, and vandalism do not disrupt manufacturing.
  • There are no constraints or conflicts created by agreements with subcontractors and contractors.
  • Maintaining a professionally trained and dependable workforce that is effectively managed helps manufacturers keep their labour costs down.

There are several benefits to purchasing a factory built housing, including lower costs, easier setup, and customization options. The modern manufactured home is also very comparable to a site-built home, which means you don’t have to sacrifice on space, design, layout, and amenities. Due to these advantages, manufactured housing is an increasingly popular choice among first-time home buyers.

Manufactured homes are cost efficient, environmentally friendly, and constructed with long-lasting materials. These modular homes also have great curb appeal that adds to resale value. Factory built homes are significantly more environmentally friendly. The process generates less waste, and is more energy efficient when built in a controlled environment.

Manufactured homes come in a wide variety of styles and sizes, so you can easily find one that meets your needs and your budget. By doing your homework and asking the right questions, you can find the perfect home at the right price.

Are you a first-time homebuyer? From concept to creation, we will turn your vision of owning a home into a reality.