Manufactured homes, formerly called mobile homes, are built in a factory. Each home conforms to the US government's Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (HUD code), rather than to building codes enforced at the home's destination. Each home or segment of a home is labeled with a red tag that is the manufacturer's guarantee the home was built to conform to the HUD code.
National Manufactured Homes list directory of manufactured, mobile and modular home manufacturers: phone, address, web link listings.
Manufactured homes are built on a non-removable steel chassis and transported to the building site on their own wheels.
To find the date of manufacture, look for a data plate located inside your home, usually on or near the main electrical panel, in a kitchen cabinet, or in a bedroom closet. The data plate offers information about the home's HVAC, i.e., heating, cooling, and other appliances and components. The data plate also shows you the wind zone and snow load for which the home was built.
A red HUD plate will be stamped with a serial number and attached to the exterior of the home.
Sometimes, for any number of odd reasons, people might paint over a data plate. They might also remove the data plate, although nobody really knows why. If the data plate is missing from your manufactured home, you might be able to order a replacement data plate from the Institute of Building Technology and Safety. The IBTS is a non-profit established to provide unbiased building code compliance and assistance to government agencies and on behalf of the federal government. North carolina dmv handbook.
This service can provide you with a label verification letter or a Performance Verification Certificate, depending on your needs. It cannot find data plate information for manufactured homes built prior to 1976, and there is a fee for this service.
Sorry, no. Some communities and developments do not allow manufactured housing. Research local zoning ordinances, deed restrictions, restrictive covenants, and other similar documents before purchasing land for a manufactured home. You can find this information at your city Zoning Office.
Yes, but make sure you use a transport company that is familiar with the laws for moving such structures. You should also consider the type of zone or climate for which the manufactured home was originally constructed. Never move a manufactured home to a zone with more restrictive wind, thermal, or roof load requirements than the zone for which it was built. Check the data plate for zoning information.
Climate differences and the cost of moving your manufactured home might make it more practical to sell it and purchase another at your new location.
Many manufactured homes are financed with a retail installment contract, available through the retailer that sells you the home. Many lenders will grant a conventional mortgage for manufactured homes, but will likely require that the home is placed on a permanent foundation. Manufactured homes are eligible for FHA and VA home loans.
Most manufacturers offer a warranty that covers the home and its systems during a stated warranty period. Some appliances may be covered by their own warranties. Before you purchase a manufactured home, find out which items are covered by warranty, who offers the warranty, and how warranty repairs are performed.
HUD recommends that you first contact the retailer who sold you the home. This is why you might want to make sure you purchase your manufactured home from a reliable and well-respected retailer. Especially if it's several years before a problem arises. You want your retailer to still be in business. If problems cannot be resolved, contact the manufacturer. If you still have complaints or concerns, contact HUD or a related state agency.
Edited by Elizabeth Weintraub, Home Buying Expert
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