Manufactured Housing
Manufactured housing includes homes and dwellings which aren't "stick-built" (constructed at the site), but which are built off-site (usually in a factory) and trucked to the building lot where they are installed. The term "manufactured housing" includes so-called 'modular' homes as well as mobile homes, but mobile homes are more typically thought of as 'trailer' style homes.
According to the Manufactured Housing Institute, a nonprofit trade group which represents MH builders, retailers, lenders, site developers, and others:
- Manufactured homes now account for more than a third of all new single-family homes sold.
- Approximately 18 million people -- over 7 percent of the US population -- live full-time in 7.3 million manufactured homes.
- 88% of manufactured home homeowners report satisfaction with the manufactured housing lifestyle.
- All manufactured homes are built to the federal HUD Code, with each home going through a rigorous inspection process before being certified and sold. 1996 marks the 20th anniversary of the HUD Code.
- Manufactured housing retail sales were estimated at $11.9 billion in 1995.
- The average sales price of a manufactured home was $33,500 in 1994. Single-section homes average $23,900, while multi-section homes average $42,900.
Manufactured homes are built in accordance with Federal standards administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This building code -- known as the HUD Code -- regulate manufactured home design and construction, strength and durability, fire resistance, and energy efficiency. The code also mandates wind resistance of manufactured homes in areas prone to hurricane-force winds.
The MHI's Web site, though a little sparse, does offer a list of state MH associations, a short list of manufacturers, and other resources. You can also write for a catalog which offers a number of inexpensive publications for consumers, including A Consumer's Guide to Manufactured Housing, Financing Manufactured Housing, and How to Buy a Manufactured Home
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