For many exploring the homebuying market, the term “manufactured home” may not mean anything specific. However, manufactured homes offer potential homebuyers a unique and powerful solution to the current housing crisis without reaching the prohibitive final costs that site-built homes can easily reach. Before you dive into the impressive world of manufactured home craftsmanship, let’s take a step back to define what a manufactured home really IS, where it differs from other home types commonly associated with the term, and how you can capitalize on what quality manufactured home providers can offer.
Manufactured Home Definition: Understanding the Term
First things first, let’s talk about definitions. Rocket Mortgage defines a manufactured home as “homes manufactured in factories piece by piece in accordance with building codes set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).”
While we at Jacobsen Homes believe that there is a lot more to a proper definition of a manufactured home, that is the basic gist. Manufactured homes are created in factories that are climate controlled, leading to a sturdy and efficient final product that is not subjected to the whims of nature like site-built homes. Here in Florida, this gives manufactured homes a considerable edge in constructed integrity when you consider how extreme our gulf coastal weather can get.
What Is the Difference Between a Mobile Home and a Manufactured Home?
One of the most commonly associated terms that prospective homebuyers consider synonymous with “manufactured home” is “mobile home.” While the term “mobile home” used to describe all manufactured homes, this is no longer the case. This is because, before 1976, manufactured homes and mobile homes were one in the same. In 1976, HUD established safety and construction standards, and what were known as “mobile homes” became “manufactured homes” as we know them today. The only remaining “mobile homes” that are not considered manufactured homes are those that were built prior to 1976 and therefore may not meet HUD requirements.
In fact, the requirements for manufactured housing are extremely strict and more robust than they once were, causing the gap between trailers (or mobile homes) and a true manufactured home to widen into a significant chasm over time.
Nowadays, manufactured homes are far more similar to their site-built counterparts, and can have as many rooms and varied floor plans as site-built homes, as well.
Additionally, the construction materials used on Jacobsen’s manufactured homes are of the highest quality, assembled with the highest quality craftsmanship. Though this may not be true for all manufactured home providers, Jacobsen Homes has always prided itself on going above and beyond the state and national requirements to ensure the home you purchase is the best it can be.
How to Find the Best Manufactured Home Builders
Now that you understand what a manufactured home truly is, and one major thing it often isn’t, let’s discuss how you can find the best manufactured home builders to suit your needs. When you are researching manufactured home companies, especially in Florida, here are a few questions you should ask:
- What standards does your manufacturing practices meet?
- How can you prove your manufactured homes last?
- Are your manufactured homes able to withstand hurricanes?
- How many floor plan configurations do you have available?
- Can I see model homes? Where?
- Are there upgrade options available?
- Can I customize my home if I don’t find the perfect floor plan?
- How involved can I be throughout the manufacturing process?
- What happens after my house is built?
- Can you help me with finding land for my manufactured home?
These questions will help you get a sense of not only the quality you can expect from your manufactured home, but whether or not the company you’re planning to work with truly understands the manufactured housing industry, the needs and desires of potential homeowners, and the housing landscape here in Florida.
If you’re ready to get started on your manufactured home buying journey today, contact us to learn more!