To most, only one type comes to mind and that is definitely not what we’re talking about. What typically comes to mind when folks think of a mobile home? Images of small rusty old trailers, dingy neighborhoods, and trashy yards? That mental image looks nothing like a place to call home, much less a place to retire or raise a family.
Well, don’t let that stop you from viewing mobile homes as a viable housing option. Thanks to 1976 regulations for mobile homes, the manufacturers have since improved on mobile home design quality and efficiency.
We’re here to say that shabby mobile homes are a thing of the past. They don’t have to live up to the shady repute they’ve garnered from history.
There are three types of mobile homes
Your options include single wides, double wides, and triple wides. All three mobile homes are constructed off-site in a manufacturing facility. Afterward, each piece (one if it’s a single wide) is hauled on to the homeowner’s property or rented lot. They are then pieced together on location.
Some people fear the joining seams’ visibility in double wides and triple wides. Make sure a professional handles the installation. If properly put together by a professional, the places where the house sections meet will remain seamless and unapparent.
The following is a break down of each of the types of mobile homes.
Single Wides
Though the smallest of the three types, single wides are probably the most common mobile home on the market. Their size can range from 600 square feet to 1,330 square feet. Because a single wide is made up of one structure, they are the most likely and most affordable to move. This is why used single wides are a very viable option.
Double Wides
Double wides are constructed as two structures which are put together on the home site. While some people worry that these homes are more susceptible to leaks or instability, that does not have to be a valid concern. A quality manufacturer can recommend professional people to bring the two parts together. These homes are at least twenty feet wide and at most ninety feet in length.
Triple Wides
Don’t be fooled by the word “triple.” A minimum of three units makes up a triple wide mobile home. They may extend to even five or more parts. These sections are transported separately and then put together on the home owner’s site. There is more room for floor pattern variety and they look very much like a traditional home.
What does this mean for you?
The variety of options available are endless. And it’s all there at a fraction of the cost of a site built home.
Do you own vacation property out in the woods or beachside? Well, a single wide may fit the bill. It’s small, but perfect for short-term visits.
Live alone or with a spouse? Single wide mobile homes could work for you unless you’re big into hospitality. It’ll feel cramped if you have regular extended visits from other family members. A double wide allows for more space for furniture and feels less cramped if hospitality is a regular part of your lifestyle. Of course, the triple wide takes the cake for space and looking more like a traditional home than any of the other options.
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Whichever type you choose, here are some of the benefits you can expect:
Affordability
It’s no secret, you get more bang for your buck when it comes to choosing a mobile home. And if you’re looking for long-term value, then considering installing the home on your own property.
Energy efficiency
Affordability doesn’t mean you’re compromising on energy efficiency. Many of these manufacturers are part of the Energy Star program. Energy Star requires that manufacturers who join their program exceed the government regulations for energy efficiency. Look for that Energy Star sticker.
Time
Don’t be fooled. You’ll be moved into your new mobile home sooner than you would a site-built home. In a factory, the mobile home manufacturer doesn’t have to deal with weather constraints. Waiting for different contractors to show up for different phases of the construction process is also a non-issue. Everything is done in-house and indoors.
Customization
A good mobile home manufacturer will make sure a wide array of options for flooring, walls, and more are available to you. This is often an indicator of a quality manufacturer.
Quality
Lastly, mobile homes need not be the bane of housing options. A good mobile home made from quality materials can last you a while. Some are even better equipped than their stick-built counterparts. You get what you pay for so don’t skimp on quality materials. It’ll still work out better cost-wise than a site-built home.
Time to start shopping!
Well, there you have it. A rundown of the different types of mobile homes. We hope this sheds some light on the world of mobile homes options and gets you in the mood to shop for your next home.
Ready to buy a mobile home? We’ve got your back with some questions to ask the manufacturer.
