Many people want to become homeowners but find the process of looking for a decent home with a tight budget makes it all seem so impossible. One option that you might consider, an option that would allow you to have a nice home without breaking the bank is the manufactured home. Unfortunately, this type of home has had a dark cloud cast over it unfairly.
What makes a manufactured home unique is that the entire structure is built on site at a factory. However, the home must meet strict federal building and safety guidelines set forth by the manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, which fall under the HUD code. In other words, just because these homes are built in a factory and then moved to the buyer’s property, they still have to meet or exceed local or state codes.
These standards were first established in 1976 by the Housing of Urban Development or HUD. Therefore, while some people will compare a manufactured home to a mobile home, they are quite different. Not only are these homes built to code but they also are beautiful from the outside to the inside. For instance, you will have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of styles, designs, features, colors, and floor plans. Because of this, you could purchase property in various areas and be able to customize your home to match the others or be unique with architectural style.
The most important thing to remember when choosing a manufactured home is quality. While most manufacturers use much the same quality, construct the home in a well-organized factory, and meet the same building and safety standards, you simply want to look for a company that offers years of experience and one with a good reputation. Since HUD monitors the work of these manufacturers closely, you can always check directly with them for a reference near where you live.
The good news is that today’s manufactured homes are made better than they were years ago. For instance, these homes are much stronger and more durable. Additionally, manufactured homes are fire resistant, energy efficient, and overall constructed with better quality materials. Keep in mind that while the actual building must follow strict rules, the plumbing, air conditioning, heating, electrical systems, and so on, also have to meet industry standards.
As you can see, choosing a manufactured home has many wonderful benefits. Best of all, you end up with a beautiful home where you want it and at an affordable price. In fact, once your home is set up, it is near impossible to tell it from other standard type homes in the area.