The Truth
about Manufactured Homes
Here are eleven myths that some people believe about
manufactured homes. The truth is often surprising. |
- Myth: Some people
believe that manufactured homes always lose value after purchase, like a car
does.
Truth: Studies today show that it is the land on which the home
stands, not the method that built it, that determines whether its value
rises or falls.
- Myth: Some people
believe that manufactured home construction methods are slipshod.
Truth: Manufactured homes, unlike site-built homes, are
regulated by the U.S. government under the HUD code. That means design,
construction, durability, strength, fire resistance, energy efficiency, and
more, are all federal matters. The homes are built well; Uncle Sam makes
sure!
- Myth: Some people
think all manufactured homes look and perform alike.
Truth: The choices are yours -- anything you could get in a
site-built home you can get in a manufactured home, and almost certainly
more economically.
- Myth: Some people
think manufactured homes are not as safe.
Truth: The insurance industry itself has found that
manufactured homes are, in many ways, safer than site-built homes.
University studies have echoed those findings.
- Myth: Some people
think manufactured homes are made with inferior materials.
Truth: The same components are used to build manufactured homes
that go into constructing site-built housing. Manufactured homes are
held to even higher material and installation standards by the HUD code.
- Myth: Some people
think manufactured home floors are weaker -- that they won't hold up
waterbeds, for example.
Truth: The same flooring materials that are used in site-built
homes are used in manufactured homes. Plus, the flooring platform is glued
and nailed in a manufactured home. Site-built floors are only nailed.
- Myth: Many people
think manufactured homes are hot in summer, cold in winter.
Truth: Insulation standards in today's manufactured home are as
high as in the stick-built home -- R21 or higher in the roof, R11 or more in
the sidewalls and floor. The manufactured home is a cozy home for all
seasons.
- Myth: Many people
think manufactured home roofs are weak.
Truth: Manufactured home roofs are made with certified trusses;
the same shingles used in stick-built homes, and are assembled indoors.
Vinyl siding is often a higher grade on a manufactured home than on its
site-built neighbor.
- Myth: Many people
think manufactured home interiors are skimpy.
Truth: Today's home has walls three to six inches thick,
covered with 5/16- or 1/2-inch gypsum.
- Myth: Many people
don't realize that manufactured home warranties are stronger than those on
site-built homes.
Truth: Many manufactured homes carry warranties of up to five
years on structural features. In a site-built home, you may have as few as
30 days to find any faults. See
Warranty
- Myth: Many people have a
poor image of the manufactured home industry.
Truth: In fact, the manufactured home industry is a dynamic
industry that has led in construction technology. The
manufactured home industry keeps looking for ways to improve their
already-fine products, too. More and more people are realizing every day
just what a wonderful option manufactured housing offers them. Attractive,
affordable, spacious and quality-built -- there is a manufactured home
that's right for everyone!
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