Debunking 3 Common Myths about Manufactured Homes

Mobile homes, also commonly referred to as manufactured homes, have come a long way over the years. In fact, some would have a hard time distinguishing between a manufactured home and a traditional construction home these days. If you're in the market for a new home but have been skeptical about going with a mobile home, there are some things you should know. Specifically, there are a few myths you might be falling for that need to be debunked.

Myth 1: Mobile Homes Aren't Energy Efficient

While this may have been true a few decades ago, the same could have been said about the traditional single-family home, too. These days, manufactured homes can be just as energy-efficient as any other type of residential dwelling—perhaps even more so because they tend to be smaller in size. Specifically, many of today's mobile homes come with energy-efficient doors and windows, insulated skirting, and even roof insulation. Furthermore, mobile-homeowners have the option of adding insulation to the belly of the home to boost efficiency and cut down on energy costs.

Myth 2: Mobile Homes Are More Susceptible to Fires

There's really no good reason as to why so many people believe this myth, but it's a commonly perpetuated one. In reality, mobile homes are constructed with the same flame-resistant materials as today's traditional single-family homes, so they aren't any more susceptible to house fires than any other type of family dwelling. Still, owners of manufactured homes can reduce the chances of a serious fire by making sure smoke detector batteries are changed regularly, testing smoke detectors every few months, and installing portable fire extinguishers in easily accessible locations around the home.

Myth 3: Mobile Homes Can't Appreciate in Value

Finally, some prospective home buyers won't consider the option of buying a mobile home because they think it could never possibly appreciate in value like a "regular" home. In fact, this couldn't be further from the truth. There are many steps a homeowner can make to help a mobile home appreciate in value, such as connecting the home to a stable foundation, attaching garages or other useful additions to the home, and taking steps to properly maintain the structure and property. Furthermore, when you take into consideration the fact that the cost to build a mobile home is much cheaper than a regular home, buyers are already well ahead in terms of market value after the mobile home for sale is built.