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From first-time homebuyers to retirees, manufactured homes are excellent properties for many Americans. They’re affordable, durable, and include the same conveniences and amenities as traditional or “stick-built” houses - and they last for decades. Since manufactured homes are built in a controlled factory environment, the raw materials are not exposed to the natural elements before they’re ready, unlike site-built homes which are exposed to any rain and wind for the duration of their construction, enhancing their longevity.
But if you’re thinking about buying, you might wonder exactly how long a manufactured home lasts and how you can make it last even longer? Today, we’ll explore the answers to these questions and more.
All manufactured homes built after 1976 adhere to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s HUD Code, which outlines construction requirements for modern manufactured houses. Thanks to these regulations, manufactured homes are built to the same quality standards as many single-family homes.
Therefore, you can expect a manufactured home to have about the same lifespan as a site-built house. They’re made with the same materials, processes, and safety considerations. Of course, there can be variations in lifespan due to factors like the weather, environmental hazards, and how well an owner treats their property.
Like other real estate, a manufactured home’s life expectancy is impacted by several factors. These include:
Stick-built houses also last for 50 years or more, with actual lifespans varying depending on the quality of their construction, their location, and how well their owners maintain their properties.
In other words, the life expectancy of a manufactured home is about the same as a site-built property – and manufactured home lifespans may even increase as better materials and construction methods are developed in the future.
Absolutely. Like traditional houses, manufactured homes can appreciate in value, especially if their owners maintain them well and make positive additions or renovations to their properties. Property appreciation is driven by the quality of the real estate and the location, so a manufactured home in a great neighborhood is likely to increase in value just like any other home nearby.
According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s official data, manufactured homes appreciate a little more slowly than site-built homes. Though the FHFA’s manufactured home data sets are still experimental and only track prices up to 2018 instead of 2024, it’s clear that prices for manufactured homes do consistently rise alongside those of traditional houses.
Like any other kind of property, how well you maintain a manufactured home directly impacts its life expectancy. If you already own a manufactured home or are thinking of buying one in the near future, you should keep these things in mind – they could help your home last for much longer than 50 years under the right circumstances.
It’s natural for wear and tear to accrue over time. Small damage, like marks on the walls, missing shingles, and other minor blemishes, will eventually accumulate no matter what. But as a manufactured homeowner, it's in your best interest to repair those small damages sooner rather than later. Minor damage often exposes a manufactured home’s understructure or insulation, which can lead to greater damage accruing as time goes on.
The roof is a good example. One missing shingle isn't a big deal. However, that missing shingle can expose the lower layers of your roof; the next time it rains, the shingle gap could allow water to damage your roof much more severely than if the shingle was already fixed..
Ultimately, take immediate steps to fix small issues with your manufactured home as soon as you can. You'll save yourself time and money in the long run.
It’s also wise to practice regular home maintenance in general, not just when you spot signs of wear and tear. For instance:
Maintaining your home makes it more comfortable to live in, makes it less likely that your manufactured home will experience major damage, and will boost its value in the future – all while improving its lifespan.
Lastly, schedule regular inspections for your manufactured home’s major areas and systems. For example, you should hire contractors for an annual roof inspection to check for missing shingles and other damage. Biannual HVAC system inspections are also wise, especially if you run your AC or heater frequently.
Regular inspections are beneficial because trained contractors can often catch issues that the average person might miss. Even better, they’re equipped to make repairs or recommendations for solving any problems. Inspections are key to increasing the life expectancy of your manufactured home if you plan to live in it for decades to come.
All in all, manufactured home lifespans are comparable to those of traditional houses, cementing them as great choices for prospective homebuyers. If you’re ready to buy a manufactured home, you just need the right financing provider.
21st Mortgage is America’s No. 1 manufactured and mobile home lender, specializing in accessible financing offers. Our loan officers have the knowledge, expertise, and commitment to connect you to the perfect loan for your needs – get in touch with us today to get started!
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