How Long Do Manufactured Homes Last?

If you own a mobile home park, a common question that prospective renters might ask is, how long do manufactured homes last? You may feel like this is a silly question, after all, unless disaster strikes, shouldn’t all homes last forever?

Well, that may be the case but the more knowledgeable you are, the more likely you are to make a sale. Therefore, we will provide you the information you need on whether manufactured homes have a shelf life.

If you’re looking to sell your mobile home park, or know someone who is, don’t hesitate to contact us today! (Yes, we do pay a referral fee!)

Construction Process

In order to get a better understanding of how long a manufactured home can last, let’s start by looking at the construction process.

A manufactured home is made or mostly wood and metal, materials that last forever. However, because no masonry is used in building manufactured homes, they are typically lighter in weight when compared to a stick-built house. This fuels the myth that the quality is not as good even though this in not the case.

When we think about design, a manufactured home holds up in this respect as well. Its foundation is a metal chassis that withstands the test of time.

Also, when compared to a stick-built house, the manufactured home has a metal roof that is better at keeping moisture out making it a longer lasting option.

Will it Become Obsolete?

Those who worry about keeping up with the Joneses be concerned that manufactured homes may become obsolete. However, more practical renters and homeowners will realize that it has all the necessities…a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. These are necessities that will never become outdated.

Furthermore, manufactured homes have been around since the 1940’s and HUD code homes have been around since 1976. This is in comparison to stick built homes many of which have been around since the 1800’s…and you don’t see them going out of style!

Maintenance

Maintenance is always a consideration in determining how long a home will last. After all, if you can’t keep up with maintenance, permanent damage can occur.

A manufactured home is normally built with a metal exterior that will hold up longer than a framed house.

As far as roof maintenance goes, the average roof only needs to be coated with a roofing compound every so often. There are no shingles to replace.

Manufactured homes have no foundations so there are no maintenance worries where that is concerned. In fact, you can level a manufactured home in just a couple of hours!

With the home’s interior, you only need to maintain paint and carpeting, just like a stick-built home.

Getting Phased Out

Many say that manufactured homes will get phased out one day. This is a myth that is likely based on some cities having codes that require certain dates on new homes that come into manufactured communities. However, this does not apply to homes that are already sited in their communities.

And when we think of homes getting phased out due to government intervention, this is a situation that can occur with any home.

Stick built homes often need to be updated so that they meet current codes. Inferior wiring, plumbing setbacks and fire codes are all things that can make remodeling necessary and can be quite stressful to the wallet.

So Why are Manufactured Homes Thought of as Temporary?

There are many reasons why manufactured homes may be thought of as temporary. One is that when there is a modern weather catastrophe, FEMA often uses manufactured homes as temporary housing until stick build homes can be rebuilt. This can give the impression that the homes are only meant for temporary housing.

The way dealers advertise manufactured houses can also play into the homes being perceived as temporary. Many advertise trading in your old homes for a new one. Others put old, destroyed manufactured homes on their lots which makes people think they are disposable products that will wear out over time, even though this is not the case.

So, we can see how the myth of the manufactured home being temporary originated. However, the truth is, these are solidly constructed residences that may even be able to outlast stick-built homes.

In any case, now you can tell you can confidently tell your renters that your houses can withstand the test of time.