Before understanding a mobile home, it is important to know what a manufactured home is. Unlike site houses that undergo a complete construction process at a fixed location, a manufactured house tells a different tale. Mobile homes are built in a factory following general guidelines. These completed house products are then shifted to a desired location. This is the prime difference between an on-site house and a manufactured house. A mobile home is a manufactured house constructed in a factory that is later permanently transferred to a particular location. Families and individuals can use mobile homes to reside. In most cases, a mobile home is often used as temporary accommodation or a vacation home. What more do you need to know about mobile homes? Keep reading!

Variations in Mobile Homes

There are various types of mobile homes. Some of them are as follows: 

Single Wide Mobile Home

A single-wide mobile home is the smallest type of manufactured home. It usually measures 90 feet (27m) or less in length and 18 feet (5.5m) or less in width. Since they comprise a single structure, single-wide mobile homes are typically transported as a single unit, making them very easy and affordable to move.

Double Wide Mobile Home

A trailer that is at least 20 feet wide and up to 90 feet long is considered twofold wide. These trailers are transported as two separate units and then combined on the owner’s property.

Difference Between Mobile Homes and Travel Trailers?

Difference Between Mobile Homes and Travel Trailers
Credit : Topmove

Mobile homes are distinctive from travel trailers as both are very different from each other. Generally, people find it hard to differentiate travel trailers from mobile homes. The key difference between the two is that travel trailers are often considered temporary or vacation homes. A caravan is another name for a travel trailer. Travel trailers are often considered homes with wheels. Travel trailers can be taken anywhere with the vehicle. You can tow your travel trailer with a vehicle and take it to any destination you want. On the other hand, a mobile home provides a more permanent approach. Once the factory has built your mobile home, all you need to do is decide a location for the house.

After successfully placing the mobile home, it can’t be relocated anywhere else. Size is another factor that determines the differences between a mobile home and a travel trailer. Mobile homes are generally larger in size as compared to travel trailers. Travel trailers are mostly 8 feet wide and nearly 20 feet long, whereas mobile homes are normally 90 feet in length and 20 feet in width.

What is the Lifespan of Mobile Home?

There is no actual age for a mobile home. 30 to 55 years is the average age of a mobile home. The longevity of a mobile home depends on various factors, like how the owner takes care of the house. Generally, manufacturers of mobile homes use long-lasting materials and advanced techniques to ensure the quality of the product. Most of the abandoned homes can reflect bad ageing conditions, as these houses are not maintained properly. Overall, the better the owner maintains the home, the longer it will be preserved.

Buyers Eligibility for Mobile Home

There is no significant eligibility for purchasing a trailer or a mobile home. Any individual can buy a mobile home to live in. Affordability is the one aspect of mobile homes that makes it available to almost anyone. Mobile homes are made to provide a person with cheaper yet reasonable accommodation options. Here are some eligibility insights for mobile homes:

For New Buyers

Individuals who want to be property owners but cannot afford a house can opt for mobile homes. Mobile homes are easier to purchase than construction houses. They are also easier to maintain, as they require less space and maintenance. Being smaller in size, mobile homes require a less affordable amount for the house space they offer. 

Existing Home Owners

Existing owners can expand their property collection at a cheaper price. Mobile homes can be used as an investment for existing property owners. If you purchase a mobile home and place it on one of your properties, you can offer that house to anyone for rent. The occupant will then have to pay rent for the mobile home you are providing. Another advantage of purchasing a mobile home for existing owners is that a mobile home can be used as a vacation home. You can spend some vacation time in your mobile home, which will ultimately save you money from spending in hotels.

Mobile Homes Lot Rent

A lot rent is the amount that an occupant pays for the property where the mobile home is located. For example, if you place your mobile home on a property that belongs to someone else, you will be required to pay a certain amount to the property owner for using the property. Now, the rent that you are paying for the property is called lot rent. Generally, $500 to $700 is the average range of lot rent for mobile homes.

Transportation of a Mobile Home

Mobile homes come with the most obvious advantage, which is that they can be transported to any location easily. Various transportation companies are available to transport trailers and mobile homes. All these companies help you transfer your mobile home to a new location with some fees. Now, these fees can be affordable and can take a heavy toll on your budget. Transportation costs for a mobile home depend on various factors. These factors may include the size and weight of the home, the distance, the condition of the mobile home, transportation charges, labour charges, and more. If you want to spend the minimum on the transportation of your mobile home, you can consider the below-mentioned key points:

    • It is important to take the distance into consideration to make savings on transportation. Larger transportation distances will incur more charges, and shorter distances will save you some money.
    • You can opt for home insurance in case something happens with your mobile home. If you already have insurance, don’t forget to contact your insurance provider and verify the insurance status of your mobile home while transporting.

State with the Highest Number of Mobile Homes

Manufactured homes or mobile homes are mostly popular on the East Coast. These homes are immensely popular in the Rust Belt region. This Rust Belt region includes Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. South Carolina reportedly tops the list of mobile home dominance. In this state, the percentage of mobile homes is 18.8% among all housing units. North Carolina and New Mexico are residing in the second and third positions on the table, respectively. North Carolina has 16.8%, and New Mexico has 16.6% mobile homes, among other housing options.

Tips to Improve the Look of the Mobile Home

You can get professional help from interior designers to make your mobile home look even better than before. If you want to take the matter into your own hands, you can start by improving the exterior look of your mobile home. You can paint your doors in a colour that matches the surroundings of the house. Plants at the front door can be a good option for enhancing the exterior look. Porch additions can prove beneficial for improving the interior look. Other upgrades that you can use are porch skirtings, carports, exterior window shutters, home windows, and more.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the size of a double-wide home?

Double-wide houses generally have 20-36 ft width and 32-90 ft length.