Manufactured housing is light years ahead of what they used to look like. Mobile homes, once referred to by the term “trailers”, are now better constructed, more energy efficient, and customizable than ever. Mobile home manufacturers who are setting the standard for quality and value are those who build their homes according to government standards. Continue reading if you want to know more about mobile home manufacturers and what brands to buy. This guide will provide mobile home buyers with the information they need and will highlight the top manufacturers in the industry.

Considerations to Make When Selecting The Best Mobile Home Manufacturers

There are many factors to consider when choosing a manufacturer of mobile homes. Even though manufactured homes are usually more affordable than site-built homes, they still represent a significant investment. Prospective home buyers should do their research before settling on a mobile home brand.

Mobile vs. Modular Homes

What is a manufactured house? What is a module home? The home-building world is full of jargon. There are three main types of factory-built homes: manufactured (mobile), modular, and

• Mobile homes can be single-wide, double, or triple-wide. They are built on mobile chassis. In 1974, the National Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards Act was passed. The National Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 required that manufacturers meet certain criteria in terms of materials, construction methods, and quality.
• Mobile homes can be single- or double-wide and are built on mobile chassis. Mobile homes are those that were constructed before 1976, when the quality of materials and construction methods were not closely monitored. Although mobile homes are no longer manufactured, many people still refer to them as manufactured homes.
• Multi-piece modular homes are built in factories and then placed on foundations. These homes are available in any size and can sit on slabs, piers, or full foundations.

There are also other types of factory-built houses. Prefab houses are sold as kits to builders or homeowners. The walls are constructed in a factory and then shipped to the site for assembly. Tiny homes are similar to manufactured houses, but they may be built on a permanent foundation or a chassis. The Park-Model Recreational Vehicles (PMRVs) are heavy, large campers designed for mobile home parks and campgrounds.

Locations of Retailers and Touring Options

Federal law states that consumers must purchase manufactured or mobile homes only from authorized mobile home dealers and not directly from the manufacturers. It is important to do research on different manufacturers in order to find out which have local retail stores. You can find out more by searching for “mobile home dealers nearby” or “mobile homes around me.”

It is even more crucial for those who prefer to view a mobile before buying one. In their sales offices, most retailers have several different models available for viewing. Customers can either schedule a tour or just drop by during normal business hours. Some retailers have more than a dozen different models for shoppers to choose from. It allows them to see if mobile home living suits their lifestyle and determine which models are best for them.

Price Range

A mobile home or trailer costs an average of $110,000. However, the cost can rise to over $400,000 if you choose a more customized model. Double-wide models are more expensive than single-wide ones, sometimes by 200 percent.

The homeowner is typically responsible for the cost of land preparation and the price of the land. Basic home installation costs are often included in the purchase price.

Customization Options

Customizing the design is one of the most exciting aspects of buying a manufactured mobile house. Some brands let customers customize the floor plan, allowing them to tailor their manufactured home to meet their specific needs.

Manufacturers may include features such as coffered or vaulted ceilings, granite counters, coffee bars, and fixtures. In most cases, a customer’s preferences can be tailored in terms of paint colors, flooring, and other choices.

Construction Time

Mobile home factories are very efficient. The factories are very efficient and operate in a similar way to the automobile industry. Large cranes are used to lift walls and trusses, and templates and jigs allow for quick construction of repeatable structures.

Some factories can build mobile homes in just a few short days before they are ready to be delivered. Depending on the demand, however, the time between placing an order and receiving the home can vary from 2 to 3 or even more months. This time is used by the homeowner to prepare for the delivery.

Site Preparation & Shipping

In traditional construction, materials are delivered on-site, and the house is constructed there. Manufactured houses are built in factories and then delivered as a completed product. The cost of shipping a home should be included in the purchase price.

Homeowners should also be aware that they are usually responsible for site preparation. The costs and labor involved in removing trees, leveling ground, and running utilities into the home are included. Some manufacturers will help the homeowner find land. However, this is usually done through a third-party agency.

Financing Options

There are many ways to fund a mobile home. Traditional mortgages are available for homes that are permanently attached to the land. Chattel loans are available for those who do not qualify. This is a type of mortgage that is designed specifically to finance manufactured homes and other personal property. If neither is available, the best manufacturers of mobile homes can assist in finding financing. Manufacturers may provide financing in some situations. In other cases, they may work with a third party.

Warranties

The federal law requires that manufactured home builders provide a minimum of a one-year warranty on their products. These warranties cover both materials and workmanship. Some manufacturers go further, offering their customers longer warranties of up to 18 months.

Extended warranties are available for those who prefer a longer-term warranty. They may be less comprehensive and require more work than the original manufacturer’s warranties, but they can pay for themselves.

Here Are Some Of The Best Manufactured Home Builders In The Industry

Clayton Homes

Clayton Homes is a great option for those looking to buy a mobile home. This company is among the top manufactured housing builders, and they also build manufactured homes, modular homes, and PMRVs. Clayton has a variety of styles to choose from, which means there is something for every buyer. The company also has won multiple Manufactured Housing institute Excellence in Manufactured Housing Awards.

There are some limitations to the functions of the website’s home search, which may slow the process of viewing the homes that Clayton has available. Clayton Homes offers comprehensive resources for home ownership and buying. These resources include guides to the home buying process, tips on interior decoration, and information about warranties. Customers can move into their new homes quickly as the construction process takes Clayton only 5 to 6 working days (excluding delivery and installation).

Clayton offers a 1-year limited warranty for plumbing, heating and electrical appliances. It also offers 5-year and 10-year extended warranties. Home prices start at $60,000 so most shoppers will find something that fits their budget.

Champion Home Builders

Champion Home Builders doesn’t believe in basic manufactured homes. This manufactured home brand has upscale features such as walk-in wardrobes, tray ceilings, and recessed lights, giving the customer the choice to customize their house. There are many different designs available, with floor plans ranging from 500 to 2,300 square feet (including modular homes).

The company’s site limits searches to 50 miles, making it more difficult to find a retailer. The price range of manufactured homes from Champion Home Builders is approximately $46,000 – $212,000. Although warranties are required under law, the coverage of each model varies.

Skyline Home Builders

Skyline Homes can help you stretch your home-buying budget. Skyline Homes offers prices that are both low and high (starting at $44,900 and up to $447,515). This allows customers to save money without sacrificing the quality of their home. Skyline Homes employees have an average of ten years of experience. Skyline has won the America’s Most Trusted Manufacturer of Manufactured Homes Award two times.

Skyline Homes manufactures manufactured homes and modular homes. The company offers a one-year warranty on the structure, plumbing and heating systems, appliances, and electrical. A third-party warranty of six years is available for an additional cost. Skyline’s third-party partners can help customers secure financing. Don’t be discouraged by the limited search options on the site. It may be worth it to look for a home at a better price.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2023, a new mobile house would cost an average of $129,200. Even though it is cheaper than the average house price, a new mobile home can be a substantial investment, particularly if you are buying a brand-new one. Mobile homes under $2,000 are likely to be found in used models.

Overall, owning a manufactured home is only going to become more expensive (like pretty much all real estate). That said, manufactured housing is becoming the smart solution for first time buyers and investors alike. If traditional real estate is still a viable financial option, by all means, head over to MyState MLS’s blog to find out more about the real estate market!