Why Build a manufactured home

A lot of people tell me they think a prefab home or manufactured home would be great for retirement or that a prefab home is like a trailer. All these things are understandable due to the industries past. The 80’s were a big turning point for the manufactured home industry. The United States introduced the HUD code which regulated the standards for a factory built home. Canada followed suit with CSA or Intertek who created the standard that our homes were to be built to.

Gone are the days of wall board and small bathrooms. The industry has listened to people and changed to meet modern housing designs. Manufactured homes now come with drywall and rounded corners, not just bigger bath rooms but more of them (2–3 in a home). Bedrooms have walk in closets and ensuite bathrooms.

BUT YOU NEED TO PUT THESE HOMES IN A PARK RIGHT? Nope. These homes can be built to the Z240, Z241 and A277 code which allow them to be set up on residential property. In Canada they are built to the local building code and the national building code. Of course these homes can be put in land lease communities but they are not restricted to them.

Manufactured homes are insulated the same as site built home so there in no compromise on efficiency. They come with 56,000 BTU gas furnaces and in floor duct work. You can also get fireplaces in these homes.

Why are manufactured homes better? Price and quality. Manufactured homes are built to the same standard as site built homes yet cost less and can be completed in a more timely fashion.

When you buy a new manufactured home it will come with washer and dryer hook ups, and it’s often located in a large utility room. Fridge and stove are also included with an option to upgrade to stainless steel appliances.