Today, people have become more price-conscious when it comes to what they purchase without having to sacrifice its quality. The same principles apply when looking for a home, especially in this economy. One has to be smart when looking for a home. Not to mention the heavy competition in the market.
That is why there is renewed interest in tiny living and mobile homes as they are cheaper alternatives.
But are they cheap? How long do mobile homes last? Are they worth it?
What is a Mobile Home?
Mobile homes are manufactured homes.
The US Census defines a manufactured mobile home as a movable dwelling at least eight feet wide and forty feet long. Built in factories, these homes are transported to a property and set up without needing a permanent foundation. Their design and build quality play a crucial role in determining how long can a mobile home last.
This type of home follows the building code set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
But manufactured homes are not mobile homes depending on what year they are produced. On a technical basis, manufactured homes are called manufactured homes if they are built after 1976, following federal rules set by HUD, anything built before that is called mobile homes.
What are the Different Types of Mobile Homes?
There are at least two different types of mobile homes:
- Single wide mobile home - is the smallest one with a length of 27 meters or 90 feet (or less) and a width of 4.4 meters or 18 feet (or less). This mobile home type can be towed as single units to specific sites.
- Double-wide mobile home - has a bigger width at 20 feet or more and has a length of 90 feet. As it is double in size, double-wide mobile homes are moved to the property as two separate units and will be pieced together on-site.
For those considering further downsizing, an alternative to mobile homes has emerged: tiny homes. These compact dwellings, ranging from 100 to 400 square feet, showcase human ingenuity and resourcefulness. Occupants creatively maximize storage and functionality within these tight spaces. While exploring housing options, it's also worth understanding how long do trailer homes last to make an informed decision.
Tiny home living not only promotes having a simple lifestyle while being eco-friendly. Owners have started using renewable sources of energy to lessen their expenses while enjoying a comfortable life.
An example of this is Nature’s Generator Home365, designed to provide a feel of having a full-sized home. This tiny home is equipped with its Powerhouse system to deliver its occupant's energy needs which can be expanded if required.
How Long Do Mobile Homes Last?
On average, mobile homes can last between 30-50 years just like a traditional home. But different factors make them last. One of them is through the strict manufacturing rules and standards set by the HUD.
With the 1976 regulations, the HUD tag or label was introduced. If it doesn’t have a small red square tag (older HUD tags also come in silver and pink) at the back of the structure, then it is likely to be built before 1976. This meant that one can’t be sure of their quality.
The HUD tag assures buyers that the mobile home they are buying is long-lasting and of the highest quality. The tag represents the fact that manufacturers have followed the country’s regulatory standard when it comes to:
- Fire Resistance - mobile homes should be built using materials that produce less smoke, equipped with smoke detectors with working batteries, and have two exterior doors. Rooms are designed for quick exits in case of fire.
- Permanent Steel Chassis - All mobile homes should have a pre-installed permanent steel chassis attached to their underside for easy transport.
Besides being HUD compliant, mobile homes also follow local building codes to ensure they can withstand the native climate and endure for a long time. For example, those living near the coastline must have added reinforcements to withstand strong winds or give people time to evacuate. In colder climates, mobile homes are designed with proper insulation and reinforced roofs to handle snow accumulation. These factors influence how long do mobile homes last, making them more durable based on their location and specific design features.
Installation and Maintenance: Keys to Prolonging A Mobile Home’s Life Expectancy
There are two sets of checklists to ensure the longevity of one’s mobile home.
The first one is the installation checklist:
- Location - pick the right location. The location where one will stay or install the mobile home plays a huge role in determining how big or what type of mobile home to get. Does the area have a high humidity? If the area is not exposed to high humidity, then there’s less worry of materials warping or degrading.
- Soil Type - though soil testing is best done for bigger projects such as a high-rise building, it doesn’t hurt to check the property’s soil type. There are different kinds of soils which mean various load-bearing capacities.
- Water Damage - check for any holes on the roof after installation to prevent any leakage when it rains.
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Foundation issues - To ensure how long do mobile homes last, proper installation is crucial. Verify that the home is leveled and securely anchored to the foundation. Watch out for warning signs like stubborn doors or windows, unlevel floors, sagging ceilings or walls, leaks, musty odors, or cracks in the floors and walls—these often indicate foundation issues that could compromise the home's durability.
- Quality - Read reviews and ask questions on the materials used to make the mobile home. Poorly constructed mobile homes can have a shorter lifespan and would perform badly against natural wear and tear.
By proactively checking these things, one can prevent spending more money before and after installation.
The maintenance checklist:
- HVAC System - all homes require a good ventilation and heating system to provide continued warmth and comfort to their occupants. Scan for any damages to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Proper ventilation reduces the risk of mold or mildew from forming due to humidity.
- Inspect walls and roof for any holes or cracks and address them immediately to prevent any significant damage.
- Check the plumbing and electrical systems. Make sure that the electrical wirings are good and there’s no leak or block on the plumbing system.
- Pest infestation - wood-destroying insects and termites can quickly damage one’s home.
- Exterior - regularly cleaning and washing the home’s exterior would keep the grime and dust away. Re-painting its walls can also give it a facelift or new life.
These are just a few aspects to consider for proper repair and regular maintenance to keep your manufactured home in excellent condition. Addressing damages promptly is key to how long does a manufactured home last. Delaying repairs can lead to more severe issues and significantly higher costs down the line.
Final Thoughts
Mobile homes have emerged as a cost-effective solution for homeowners seeking quality living while saving money. With proper and regular maintenance, how long do mobile homes last? They can endure for 30-50 years, offering both affordability and durability.
* We want to give credit where credit is due. Professional writer, Cris Ilao, contributed research and content to this blog titled: How Long do Mobile Homes Last Thank you, Cris, for your contributions!
