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5 Things to Know When Buying a Manufactured Home

Posted On Friday, 10 May 2024 10:15
5 Things to Know When Buying a Manufactured Home

Are you considering selling and downsizing to a smaller, more manageable home? If so, you aren’t alone. More and more homebuyers are prioritizing cost-savings over square footage. And if you are in the market, you may want to consider a manufactured home.

These homes are becoming a popular choice in the U.S. housing market, making up 9.8% of all lived-in homes. These homes are built in factories and then placed on a property, and they cost much less than traditional houses, which average $75,000 for a new one.

ECM Homes is known in the Pacific Northwest for its expertise in creating high-quality manufactured homes. They offer a range of affordable options for anyone looking to buy a home. They also shared a few pointers with us on what to look for when buying a manufactured home.

Manufactured Homes Have Come a Long Way in Recent Decades

Before we share those tips with you, it’s important to share that manufactured homes have evolved significantly since the 1970s when the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) set new standards. This change marked the end of the older, less sturdy "mobile homes" and ushered in modern manufactured homes built stronger than ever before and with safety in mind.

Unlike traditional homes constructed on-site—aka stick-built homes—manufactured homes are built in controlled factory environments before being transported to their final location. This method allows for more precise building, reduces waste, and speeds up construction time. In fact, your new manufactured home can be built and delivered in as little as six weeks.

As a result, these homes are more affordable and offer flexibility in design, making them increasingly popular among homebuyers who value both cost-efficiency and customization.

Five Key Benefits of Buying a Manufactured Home

Years ago, many people turned away from purchasing a manufactured home. They may have feared that the quality was substandard, that it would not last as long as a traditional home, and that delivery costs were exorbitant. But the fact is, these are all myths that have long since been debunked.

If you are thinking of purchasing a new home, here’s what you need to know about today’s high-quality upscale manufactured homes.

1.   Upscale Options and Customizations

Today, manufactured homes are not built with a cookie-cutter approach. You can select from a wide variety of floor plans, and the world is truly your oyster when it comes to options and upgrades. Select from high-end finishes and features, including granite countertops, luxury flooring, designer cabinetry, fireplaces, decks and patios, and so much more.

When selecting a manufactured home seller, be sure to look for one that offers the high-end upscale finishes you desire.

2.   Accessible One-Level Living

With traditional homes, one-level living can often come at a premium, especially due to the excess land you need. This can often price out homebuyers who need the convenience of accessibility without spending an arm and a leg on the price.

By design, manufactured homes are one level, and they offer other features that can make the home more accessible and easier to enjoy for those who are not as mobile as they want to be.

3.   Energy Efficiency

Manufactured homes use sustainable building processes, generating far less waste when constructed in a factory environment than traditional homes built on-site. You can also have several energy-efficient upgrades and options, such as double-pane windows, energy-efficient appliances, and modern insulation techniques. You can even add solar panels if that is your preference.

4.   Cost-Effectiveness

Cost-effectiveness is a major advantage of manufactured homes. On average, these homes cost around $75,000, with more luxurious models priced between $69,000 and $200,000, starting at approximately $115 per square foot.

In contrast, traditional homes in the Pacific Northwest average about $340 per square foot. Additionally, the smaller footprint and single-level design of manufactured homes help reduce energy costs, making them an economically smart choice for many homebuyers.

5.   Community Benefits

While you can have a manufactured home delivered to an undeveloped plot of land you already own, or you can have one placed on your land to become a detached ADU for a family member, one of the many benefits of manufactured homes is community living. In these situations, people purchase manufactured homes in established communities reserved for these very types of homes. You’ll see these communities creeping up across the U.S., especially in areas that are lucrative to retirees.

Want to Learn More Tips For Home-Buyers?

Be sure to follow the RealtyTimes blog for more great tips for home buyers. And if you are interested in a manufactured home in Washington state, be sure to check out what ECM Homes has to offer

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