From the Blog

5 Myths About Manufactured Homes Debunked

Whether you are searching for your first home, or are just looking to move and upgrade for your growing family, finding the right home for your future is a very important (and often stressful) task.

Home shopping can put people through both financial and emotional stress as they try to navigate finding a home within their budget that meets all their needs. On top of that, there are several different routes you can take when looking for homes. 

There are stand-alone homes that you’ll have to take as they come. You could opt for a home inside an existing community, but then you’ll have irritating HOA fees and standards to deal with. Or, you could build a home from scratch, which can be even more expensive and can take quite a bit of time. These “super appealing” options go on and on.

Another option for homebuyers that can be sometimes dismissed is the option of a manufactured home. Manufactured homes have a bit of a bad rap due to some preconceived notions that exist in the home buying world. However, these myths and misconceptions are simply not accurate.

Don’t be fooled: site-built homes are not the only option for an affordable, safe, and unique residence. That’s why we’re here to debunk some of the most common myths about manufactured homes, so you can see just how attractive they can be as a home for your family! 

Myth #1: Manufactured homes are unsafe

The idea that a manufactured home is in any way unsafe is a fabrication. They are built under tightly controlled conditions and are subject to the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (HUD Code) set by The Department of Housing & Urban Development. Manufactured homes are just as safe as site-built homes.

Every aspect of your manufactured home is closely inspected and regulated to ensure it is built to a standard of safety comparable to, and in some cases exceeding, standards for site-built housing. These standards cover things such as heating and air conditioning, fire safety, plumbing, electrical systems, structural design, construction, energy efficiency, and even transportation!

Myth #2: They are made of cheap materials

Some people believe that manufactured homes are less expensive than site-built homes because they are constructed with cheap, sub-par materials. This is incorrect. The fact is: manufactured homes can be purchased at a lower cost because of the way they are constructed.

Unlike site-built homes that require a lot of pre-planning and reliance on outside contractors (which is easier said than done), manufactured homes are built in a factory under a very efficient process. This saves the factory money, which is in turn passed on to the buyer. They can be built in a matter of days and delivered in less than five months. Site-built homes average a build time anywhere between 7 and 13 months. 

Myth #3: They are just like trailer homes

Let’s clear up one misconception about manufactured homes right now: manufactured homes are not trailers. Trailer homes, or mobile homes, are built on wheels and can be hauled behind a vehicle. Manufactured homes are not.

Manufactured homes, despite being built in a factory and not on-site, are true homes. Once they are delivered, these homes are secured on a permanent, non-removable steel chassis making them a permanent residence. Manufactured homes are titled as real or personal property.

Myth#4: Manufactured homes are more vulnerable to storms and tornado damage

This myth is tied to the notion that manufactured homes are built cheaply, and therefore will blow over like one of the Three Little Pigs’ homes during the first heavy storm or tornado to blow through town. Well, since we have already established that manufactured homes are built to high standards equal to those of site-built homes, it should go without saying that this is also simply a myth.

Along with plumbing, heating, cooling, and all the other things regulated during their development, these houses are engineered for wind safety and energy efficiency based on the geographic region in which they are sold. Manufactured homes are designed and constructed to withstand wind speeds of 150 miles per hour in Wind Zone 2 and 163 miles per hour in Wind Zone 3.

Myth #5: Their designs are limited and unoriginal 

Since they’re factory-made, many people assume manufactured homes are just residential “cookie cutters” with every home featuring the same Plain Jane layout with limited options and unimaginative design. However, the fact that they are factory-made enables them to be just the opposite! The manufacturing process these homes go through opens them up to a vast amount of customization by their buyers.

They come with “standard” features that you’ll find in every home, but most manufacturers construct them with the assistance of computer-aided design (CAD) software. This software allows them to have a pre-built virtual representation of the home before actually beginning the physical construction process. This step gives home buyers the opportunity to customize their home’s floor plans, interior finishes, and exterior designs, just like you would with a custom site-built home.

Finding the right home for your family can be a stressful decision. But, the process can be made so much easier when you open yourself up to all of the options available to you. Manufactured homes offer an affordable, customizable, comfortable, and safe home option your family will love.

Wondering if manufactured homes are the right fit for you? Browse the communities and homes Aspire Communities has available for you all around West Michigan, and find the perfect option for you to become a proud homeowner!