When it comes to what to look for in a mobile home, you don’t want a home that’s bottom-of-the-barrel in terms of quality. This is your investment after all. Why would you want to sink money into something that’s subpar?
For mobile home options, you’re looking at affordability in what you can get for low-range, mid-range, and high-range mobile home budget options. Compared to a stick-built home, you get more bang for your buck in a mobile home. So why stoop to low-quality when you still get an affordable home in high-quality materials?
Yes, the price tag on a budget model may be tempting, but make an appointment to see one in person if you’re in doubt. You’ll see what we mean. The materials used for budget models are the minimum requirements set forth by HUD.
What to look for in a mobile home that’s high-quality
You don’t want to be taken advantage of when it comes time to buy your mobile home. And there are a lot of options out there. How do you know that what you’re getting is top notch? Here’s a list of characteristics to keep an eye out for.
Dual-glazed windows
If the mobile home has single pane windows, you’re looking at the lowest end of the quality totem pole. Sure, they’re still a big step up from their pre-HUD code predecessors. But they could be far better.
Single pane windows are much less energy efficient than dual-glazed windows. Do yourself a favor and stay away from the single pane window. Your energy bill will be a happier sight for it.
Energy-efficiency
With so many manufacturers offering this as an option, we thought it worthwhile to mention. A high-quality mobile home should be energy-efficient in the way it’s designed and through the appliances that are installed. If outside air stays outside, and the inside air … inside, you can save yourself money in the long-run. Conversely, a low budget mobile home will cost you more in utilities over time.
The front door is telling
Is your exterior door made out of aluminum? That means you have a lower budget mobile home on your hands. An exterior aluminum door is thin and lightweight — another negative effect on your energy bill.
Get yourself a mobile home with a steel door much like what you would find on a stick-built home.
Drywall brings up the quality factor
What materials are used in your mobile home’s walls? If it’s vinyl covered at the seams or drywall, you’re on the right track. Are the interior walls made of finished drywall? Even better. That’s the highest material in the mobile home quality factor.
It’s all in the siding
Now that we’ve talked about the interior aspect of the walls, let’s talk about the exterior. Ceiling height is related to quality.
In the event your ceiling is 7 feet high, you’re looking at the budget homes. But 7′ 6″ is mid-range and 8 feet or more is the higher end option. Look for high ceilings and you’re good.
Roof pitch science
On a budget model mobile home, you’ll find a roof pitch of 2/12. On a mid-range mobile home, you’ll find a roof pitch of 3/12. The higher-end homes have roof pitched of 4/12 and higher.
Take note — your roof pitch will also determine the roof’s ability to withstand snow.
The overhang on your roof
Is there little to no overhang on the roof? That’s a low-quality mobile home. And the lack of overhang will wear on your mobile home as rain hits the side. With some good overhang on the sides of the roof, rain will fall further away from your mobile home’s exterior walls.
Affordability doesn’t have to sacrifice quality
Of course, when it comes to what to look for in a mobile home, you want to invest in good mobile home quality. It’s an investment and it’s yours to make — you want to invest wisely. After all, your family or potential tenants will be living in it. Something that’s going to fall apart at the drop of a bucket will require regular attention and it will end up costing more than you bargained for as time passes.
As you shop around for that perfect mobile home, have you considered our thoughts on cold weather mobile homes? Mobile homes plans are built to deal with the various challenges in the zone they are made to inhabit. Do you know what to look for as you shop for that cold weather mobile home? Don’t be caught unprepared by the winter chaos!
About Dan Leighton
