frequently asked questions
The construction of a manufactured home takes place entirely in a controlled factory environment, as prescribed by the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (often called the HUD Code). Site-built houses are constructed on-site in accordance with local or state building codes using traditional building techniques.
With the HUD Code, developed in 1976, manufactured homes today are designed and built to meet stringent safety regulations, making them superior to “mobile homes”. Mobile homes are factory-built houses built before the HUD Code was introduced. In contrast to the “mobile homes” of yesterday, manufactured homes today are dramatically different. Estimates show that more than 90 percent of manufactured homes stay on the same plot as when they were built. The options for manufactured homes are as varied as those for site-built homes, including designs, features, and floor plans.
A manufactured home today can be mistaken for a traditional site-built home, and the style can be matched to any neighborhood’s architectural style.
Most new manufactured homes include the same kinds of features that come in site-built homes. There are many floor plans to choose from, such as basic ones or more elaborate designs with vaulted ceilings, drywall, well-equipped kitchens, comfortable bedrooms with walk-in closets, and bathrooms with incorporated tubs and whirlpools. Additionally, you can choose from a wide range of exterior design and siding materials, including wood, hardboard, and vinyl siding.
We have the flexibility to customize floor plans, interior finishes, and exterior designs of our manufactured homes by using computer-assisted design technology employed by Quicksilver Home manufacturers. We can truly tailor just about any option to your specific lifestyle and budget.
Quicksilver Homes also offers accessible homes to accommodate those with special needs. Consider ordering an accessible home from us, which includes wide halls and doorways, accessible cabinets and appliances, and specially equipped bathrooms.
There are a number of financing options to consider when purchasing a manufactured home. Oftentimes, the loan terms and down payments are similar to what is seen in traditional real estate, ranging from 15-30 years terms, and 5-10% of the purchase price respectively.
Depending on whether you plan to put a new manufactured home on land you already own, or if you plan to buy the home and land together at the same time, there are lenders that will offer traditional real estate mortgage loans with competitive interest rates. Contrarily, if you will be purchasing only the manufactured home, and not the land underneath it (as typically seen in MH Parks), then the manufactured home will be financed as a personal property manufactured home loan, and these usually come equipped with slightly higher interest rates.
FHA and VA loans also have loans/programs that are available to manufactured home buyers. Although these types of loans typically require more paperwork and may take longer to be approved, they also often have the benefit of providing lower interest rates and lower down payment requirements to manufactured home buyers as well.
It is not common nor advisable to move a manufactured home after its initial installation, even if it is technically possible. Never move the home yourself if you are relocating; always hire a professional transporter. The cost of moving a home is another consideration. A new foundation, installation, and utility hook-ups are among the other expenses you will incur in addition to transport and licensing fees.
A mobile home, also referred to as a trailer, is a house on wheels that was mass produced prior to 1976 with little government regulation or control. Mostly, they resembled modern day campers, with mounted trailers and wheels that made the home portable.
Typically, manufactured homes are built entirely in a factory under the HUD federal building code. They may be a single or multi-sectional design. Home foundations can range from concrete, to blocks and ties. The steel frame below stays in place.
Off-site built homes are known as modular homes. Modular homes are made up of multiple sections called modules, and are considered prefabricated houses. Besides following local building codes, an underframe of steel has to be taken down so that a permanent foundation can be laid.
A modular home costs more than a manufactured home, and the building process takes more time because it has to be approved by the state and an engineer, whereas manufactured homes don’t require that step. Modular homes have the advantage of being appraised against site-built homes, so you can get a loan in areas with appraisal issues and the resale value can be higher.
Despite the fact that manufactured homes are constructed with the same materials as site-built homes, the quality of building is invariably superior to what can be done outdoors as they are constructed in controlled factory environments.
According to the HUD Code, manufactured homes must meet specific design and construction standards, be strong and durable, and be lightweight, fire resistant, energy efficient and of overall good quality. In addition, it outlines standards for heating, piping, air-conditioning, electrical, and thermal systems. A thorough inspection system throughout the factory construction process also ensures that the HUD Code is being followed and that the construction standards are being met.
A factory-built home offers the following benefits:
- Construction is quality oriented in all aspects.
- Construction can proceed without delays, disruptions, and material damage caused by the weather.
- All technicians, craftsmen, and assemblers work together as a team.
- Materials are better protected from theft and weather-related damage thanks to better inventory control.
- All of the materials used during construction, as well as appliances and interior attributes, are purchased in bulk.
- Different inspectors continuously inspect every aspect of construction.
Not at all. Even though the codes differ in some aspects, the difference is more about the way they are meant to be used. As opposed to state or local building codes, which prescribe which lumber or electric wire must be used in constructing a home, the HUD Code focuses more on performance, allowing manufacturers to use materials they deem most suitable to the factory-building process, so long as they conform to the HUD Code requirements for performance.
Several independent analyses of state or local building codes and the HUD Code are of the opinion that, in the aggregate, the codes are comparable and the effects of the differences between the two codes are more likely to amount to hundreds as opposed to thousands of dollars. Some local or state codes place more restrictions on something while the HUD Code places greater restrictions on others, like structural loads or flame spread.
When it comes to housing dollars, manufactured homes offer the most value. The construction cost per square foot of a new manufactured home, exclusive of land costs, ranges between 20 and 35 percent less than that of a comparable site-built home, depending on the location. A manufactured home offers you the same quality construction, modern amenities, and ease of living you want, at a price that works for you!
The cost of a manufactured home is between 20-35 percent less than that of a site-built home, while still delivering optimal quality. Manufactured homes cost $67 on average per square foot compared to $103 per square foot for conventionally site-built homes.
An average single-wide home is $77,592 with a price range of $61,100 – $98,800;
An average price for a double-wide is $117,700, ranging from $94,300 to $140,200.
A manufactured home is more affordable because the manufacturing process is more efficient. By using assembly line techniques and tightly controlling the manufacturing environment, HUD employees eliminate many of the issues encountered in the construction of site-built homes. Site-built home industry workers are not as well trained or managed as manufactured home factory workers. As a result of economies of scale derived from buying large quantities of materials, appliances, etc., it is also cheaper to purchase manufactured homes. In the site-built home industry, home builders may not use the same employees for each home, however, the HUD inspectors watch over the same employees in the manufactured home industry. A manufactured home has another cost benefit; the property tax is usually lower than it is on a site-built home.
For quality installation and a good look, a properly prepared site is essential. You will find the following information useful in preparing your land for the development of your dream home.
The drainage system must be in good condition. It is essential that the property has good drainage to prevent foundation problems or problems with the surface of the ground. To determine the drainage capability of the ground, a soil test may be required.
Choose a good location. Water that cannot be absorbed by the ground will drain away from an elevated spot. The Model Manufactured Home Installation Standards should be followed if the manufactured home is to be installed on the ground.
In order to enable water to drain away from the slab foundation, the earth around it should slope away from it. Water will otherwise pass under the slab and shift the earth during expansion and contraction of the soil.
Transport vehicles must have access to the land for the installation of the home.
For installation instructions, contact the manufacturer. In order to install a home on either earth or a cement slab, the manufacturer may provide instructions regarding the site preparation.
Manufacturers provide setup instructions for the installer, which are approved by federal statutes. Additionally, the guidelines must satisfy the requirements put forth by local and state authorities. A manufactured home must be installed using materials approved by state housing agencies and listed by the manufacturer. It is strictly forbidden for installers to supply materials other than those listed above.
Because delivery and setup (along with sales tax) can vary quite a bit based on what state the home is going to, and the distance between the home location and the factory that builds it, we do not include those charges in our online prices. For a delivery, setup, and sales tax quote, please contact a Quicksilver Homes sales representative at (760) 780-8714.
In specialized factories, manufactured homes are made entirely from scratch. In the manufacturing environment, strict controls are in place. Weather, theft, and vandalism do not affect manufacturing. Well-trained and efficiently managed employees work in the manufactured home factories. Manufactured homes are built using assembly line techniques.
Building high-quality, high-efficiency homes without sacrificing safety or quality, is the focus of the manufacturing housing industry. Design teams are responsible for creating components that are efficient to assemble and manufacture. Every manufactured home design is made with the most up-to-date building materials, taking advantage of industry innovation to ensure the highest quality. HUD inspectors and regulations guide and supervise the entire process.
The property should always undergo a title search. It is possible to determine if an owner has the sole right to sell the property through a title search. Property has been purchased sometimes from someone who was not legally allowed to sell it by the current owner. In a title search, any conditions which prevent you from acquiring a clear title to the land unhindered will be found.
The manufacturer provides the installer with set-up instructions approved by the federal statutes. State and local requirements must also be met by these guidelines. The manufacturer should specify the materials used to build the manufactured home and state housing agencies must approve all materials used.
For a home to look its best, the site must be properly prepared. If a cement foundation is poured, the land must be able to support its weight and that of the house. As part of the design, the manufacturer will provide the weight of the house, as well as how that weight is distributed by each section.
The best foundation for a manufactured home is a cement foundation. Footings may be required by the local building code. This implies that the earth must have the capability of allowing footings to be easily installed.
Stability is essential so that the delivery equipment can be used. For the manufactured home to be set up, the ground needs to be stable, and delivery equipment also needs to easily access the site.
The deeds, covenants, or easements governing a property can dictate what is allowed on the property and in what areas. Whether easements exist should be disclosed by the county office. If this information is not available from the county, then further inquiry into who would have this information would be needed.
Ideally, your setup company should also provide site preparation services. In comparison to two separate entities working on the project, a single company can provide a seamlessly coordinated effort.
Please contact us at (760) 780-8714 and we’ll set up a showing appointment with you at your convenience to view our home models 🙂