Mobile home management is unique, and you have to be very strategic about the layout so you can maximize the space you have. Investing in a mobile home park can be a blessing or a curse, depending on how you handle things. It’s a good business because more and more people are adapting to the “small house” trend – and let’s be honest –the cost of living is rising relentlessly. This means that people are looking for cheaper housing options and mobile homes are some of the most affordable in the market. Before you sink your money into your investment, you need to have a plan for your mobile home park layout.
The mobile home park plan
The success of your mobile home park will largely depend on your ability and your resourcefulness. It’s great if you have the mechanical ability to fix things. But you’ll also need to be knowledgeable or at least be willing to learn what you need to know. It’s important to understand the local, federal and state requirements as well as the municipal codes. Check how aggressive the civic associations are and how well-established your competitors are (if you have any). Also, consider how welcoming the community is to mobile homes, the transportation facilities available, nearby schools, banks and the like.
Your budget
There are so many things you must consider when it comes to capital, like how much you will invest in the land and how much the building will cost. You will need to factor in equipment, fixtures, insurance liabilities and operation expenses before you can start making a profit. You will also need to figure out how many employees you will need and how you will be paying them. Check for licensing requirements, advertising, business policies and other costly factors.
The mobile home park location
The location of any real estate plays a vital role in the return on investment. It’s crucial that you make sure to strategically locate the park in a suitable area so that you will not lack tenants. When shopping for land, compare the advantages and disadvantages of at least three locations. Don’t get carried away if the property is cheap or available. Make sure that the area is well-suited for a mobile home park, then consider the costs and how to handle it.
Some of the things to look for in a good park site are:
- Proximity to a shopping center
- Availability of water lines and city water
- Roads and arterial highways
- Proper zoning
- Characteristics in the area regarding stability, recession or growth
- Size and shape of the land
- Topography
Designing the mobile home park layout
When it comes to developing a park, it will be similar to laying out an attractive home. There is no best design, but there are specific essential features any good design should incorporate. Some of these essential elements include:
- Attractive spaces
- Angular parking spaces for the mobile homes
- Suitable car parking spots
- Patios and sidewalks
- Street lights
- Durable roads
- Modern sewer
- Water
- Electrical installations
- Landscaping plan that is visually appealing
- Recreational facilities
Measurements to consider
Every mobile home space should be at least 1,000 square feet and at least 25 feet wide with clearly defined boundaries. Every area needs to have a driveway of not less than 35 feet wide with access to a highway or public street. In addition to leaving one parking lot for each home as well as a separate recreation area, you should also consider the following:
- At least 15 feet of clearance between the homes
- At least 10 feet between the homes and any property lines
- At least 25 feet between the homes and public streets
- At least 15 feet between the homes and any other buildings and structures.
Facilities and utilities
Facilities and utilities will have to be considered during the park design so you can make the best use of the land you have. Make sure there is no wasted space and that you use every available area efficiently. Consider all the park facilities that your tenants will appreciate depending on the kind of park you are building. If this is a senior’s park where only retired people live, then you have to consider the type of amenities they would prefer. If you allow children and pets in the park, then you should build playgrounds and a dog park to fill that need.
Developing your specific mobile home park layout will take time and thorough research. You should not invest or develop a mobile home park without first considering the design, regional economy, and potential tenants. However, if you do your homework and can meet the requirements mentioned above, then you can turn your mobile home park into a worthwhile investment.
About Dan Paton
