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What’ve You Heard? Manufactured Home Myths
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Contact: Carrie Nolan, cnolan@allseassonscommunications.com
Erin Proctor, eproctor@allseasonscommunications.com
Agency: All Seasons Communications
Phone: 586.752.6381 (not for publication)
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Manufactured homes have come a long way since their "trailer" days. These affordable, factory-built homes offer more quality and style than ever before. New homeowners can virtually custom design their home with the seemingly endless list of options available.
Over 22 million people across the country have decided to make a manufactured home their way of life, and by the time you finish reading this article, you may make the same decision. You'll see that enjoying your dream home and a comfortable lifestyle can be a part of your reality. You may have heard some negative things about manufactured homes. We would like to take a moment to dispel some outdated misconceptions, or "myths" associated with manufactured homes.
MYTH: Manufactured homes are poor quality versions of site-built homes.
Manufactured homes, unlike site-built homes, are regulated by the U.S. government under the HUD code. This means design, construction, durability, strength, fire resistance, energy efficiency, and more are all federal matters. The manufactured home is the only form of housing routinely inspected for building code compliance before the homeowner moves in. Plus, the building process is designed to be efficient! Instead of subjecting top quality materials and equipment to the elements, manufactured homes are built in factories, saving time and money. The factory-built process also allows craftsmen to build walls and floors on fixtures to ensure that each home comes together perfectly.
MYTH: All manufactured homes look the same.
No way! With all of the options available to the consumer, manufactured homes allow for great diversity in home design. You can choose the size of your home, decide on the layout of your floor plan and pick from a huge list of options. Looking for a 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with a whirlpool tub and skylights? What about cathedral ceilings or bay windows? The choices are yours-from the pitch of the roof to the optional site-built garage, your home is custom made for you.
MYTH: Manufactured homes are cold in the winter and hot in the summer.
The insulation in today's manufactured home is similar to that in a site-built home-sometimes even better! With R-values of 21 in the roof and 11 in the side walls and floor, a manufactured home is cozy the whole year through.
MYTH: Manufactured homes' walls are too thin.
You can practically listen to your neighbor's radio, right? Wrong! Today's manufactured homes have interior walls three- to four-inches thick, covered with 5/16-inch or 1/2-inch gypsum. You won't hear any more through those walls than you will in site-built homes, considering they both use the same materials. Exterior walls are often built using 2-inch by 6-inch construction.
MYTH: Manufactured homes' roofs are unsafe.
The roofing structure of a modern manufactured home is more precisely engineered, and monitored more closely, than that of site-built homes. Trusses are certified and regularly tested. Manufactured homes offer a higher grade vinyl siding on their homes, and they have the same shingles as their site-built counterparts. Your manufactured home is just as sturdy, inside and out.
MYTH: Manufactured homes have weak floors.
Worried your waterbed is going to fall through the floor in a manufactured home? Well, worry no more. The flooring materials used in manufactured homes are the same as those used in site-built homes. Your floors are just as comfortable, too; manufactured homes have the same 18- to 30-ounce carpeting as new site-built homes. You can rest easy in a manufactured home.
MYTH: Manufactured homes aren't quality homes.
Manufactured home makers are so confident in their materials and workmanship, most homes are covered by warranties up to five years, with three years on interior features. What other type of home can offer you a commitment like that?
MYTH: The manufactured housing industry is only interested in the short term.
Industry members are continually working to improve their businesses. Many companies even sponsor homeowner surveys to assess the overall satisfaction with manufactured homes, including workmanship, customer service and quality. How many local contractors have that kind of commitment to their customers?
The manufactured housing industry has worked diligently to provide consumers with the best possible home. These homes have become attractive, affordable, quality options available to anyone interested in finding the perfect home for their future. Living in today's manufactured home-what a beautiful choice.
For more information about manufactured housing, visit michhome.org, call 800.551.1315 or contact the Michigan Manufactured Housing Association, 2222 Association Drive, Okemos, MI 48864-5978; 517.349.3300.
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Michigan Manufactured Housing Association
2222 Association Drive • Okemos, MI 48864-5978
Telephone: 517.349.3300
michhome@michhome.org
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