Frequently Asked Questions About Manufactured Homes

Many people are looking into manufactured homes to become their residences. These prefabricated spaces are ideal options for homeowners who value affordability, customization and eco-friendliness, and those who want to build highly safe homes in faster timelines.

But as these alternative houses lean unconventional, potential buyers wonder how you buy a manufactured home and where you get the best manufactured home insurance. In this article, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about manufactured homes.

How do you buy a manufactured home?

Buying a manufactured home starts with finding a location to set up your home. This means buying land and would require considering factors like proximity to facilities, schools and other amenities.

The next step is to obtain financing, if necessary. You can take out a loan; in some cases, you can also get a mortgage for your property. Choose the best option for you.

Once you have land and financing settled, you can now select a manufacturer and go over the floor plan of your soon-to-be residence. After this, the builder will prepare your home while you ready the lot for installation and building.

Is a manufactured home customizable?

Manufactured homes are highly customizable. Beyond just design, you can play around with the general structure of the property, from square footage to features to upgrades. You can include vaulted ceilings, walk-in closets, large bathtubs and even a porch or a garage for your home. You can even put skirting around the home to make it appear like a site-built home.

Are manufactured homes safe?

All manufactured homes must comply with building codes that ensure that they’re safe. They must be certified by a Standards Council of Canada accredited certification body to a nationally recognized standard before sale. Production is overseen by the certification body until the property leaves the builders.

How long do manufactured homes last?

Just like traditional residences, manufactured homes are meant for long-term occupancy. Most modular houses are set on a permanent lot, making it quite challenging and costly to move.

Modern manufactured homes have a life expectancy of fifty years–if you maintain it well. Maintenance of a mobile home is similar to that of site-built houses. That said, you must pay extra attention to the steel frame and the skirting of your structure as these could be sensitive to wear and tear.

How do I protect a manufactured home?

Protecting your manufactured home starts even before you buy it. You must make sure that you purchase the space from a licensed retailer who you trust uses high-quality materials. Once you move in, it’s important to be diligent in maintaining it to preserve its original state as long as possible.

Another great way to protect your manufactured home is to take out a manufactured home insurance policy. This safeguards your property, along with your belongings and the people you love, if your home is damaged by any covered events.