Home is more than a roof over the head providing shade and warmth at night or a place to park cars after work. It is where laughter and meals are shared with friends and family. It's where memories are made, and dreams are turned into reality. When buying a home, there's a lot to think about. One must consider finances, location, amenities, and many other factors.
In this economy, manufactured homes are a fantastic alternative when affordability and efficiency are two of the main factors homebuyers prioritize.
While a lingering stigma looms over mobile homes, availability concerns in suburban areas, and its perceived long-term value, modern manufactured homes are gaining traction as a viable option for individuals and families looking to purchase a new home.
Sun Communities educates homebuyers on the key benefits of manufactured home living and the advantages of purchasing manufactured homes. Below, we provide a complete guide so you can make an informed decision.
Let's review some of the basics before discussing the benefits of manufactured homes. A "manufactured house" is a home produced in a factory and then delivered to its location. These dwellings, sometimes called mobile homes, are often fixed permanently to a foundation and seldom moved once delivered.
What is a Manufactured Home?
A manufactured or modular home is a prefabricated structure built in a factory, transported to its destination, and placed on a foundation. It is produced in strict compliance with building codes set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Skilled professionals build the homes in controlled conditions, which takes 2 to 3 months to complete. The production process moves easily from one stage to the next, as material stockpiling is simple, with reduced scheduling delays. Workers receive high-quality training, making the entire process more efficient than site-built homes.
Learn about Sun Communities' homes.
How long do manufactured homes last?
A modular home's lifespan changes based on several variables, including proper care, location, and construction quality, but with keen maintenance, a manufactured home will last for many years.
Following strict HUD regulations, prefabricated homes are constructed under structural standards to resist the stresses of shipping, delivery, and installation. There is no set timeline on how long a manufactured home may last. A well-maintained modular home can last around 40 years, while some have lasted longer with proper care.
What is an All-Ages Community?
Sun Communities creates an all-inclusive space for individuals, couples, and families. An all-age community is designed for residents of varying ages, offering various amenities and activities suitable for everyone. We cultivate relations among all age groups, enriching community bonds and assuring our facilities meet multiple lifestyles and needs.
Anyone can live in our all-age communities. Our neighborhoods are designed to adapt to various age groups and family sizes. Sun Communities offers housing options and amenities to serve individual needs, preferences, and lifestyles, making them an adaptable choice for singles, couples, and families.
Key Benefits of Manufactured Home Living- Sun Communities
We provide superior-quality homes and communities for all ages. Buying a manufactured home with us comes with a set of benefits and state-of-the-art amenities and facilities.
Continue reading for a great list of key benefits of manufactured home living.
Affordability
With lower purchasing costs, manufactured homes, at face value, are more cost-effective options for homeownership. These homes are typically less expensive since they are mass-produced in a factory, which reduces labor and material costs. According to the Manufactured Housing Institute, a manufactured home without land costs an average of $108,100, while a site-built home averages $365,904. This cost savings allows buyers to upgrade and customize many areas of their home.
Efficient Construction
The controlled, indoor construction process allows timely completion without weather or materials delays. The prefabricated homes, guided by HUD Code, ensure high energy efficiency with upgraded insulation, energy-efficient windows, and top-quality water heaters.
In contrast to factory-built homes, traditional site-built homes are susceptible to work stoppage because of weather conditions, supply delays, and theft. These issues may be minor but greatly affect the construction timeline and move-in dates. With manufactured houses, buyers maximize time and savings. With continuous and faster turnaround, individuals and families can plan on moving into their brand-new homes within 60-75 days.
Customizable Upgrades
Saving money upfront gives homebuyers extra dollars to spend on upgrades around their future forever home. Buyers are afforded flexibility in personalizing nearly every interior and exterior aspect. Home buyers can choose the most important upgrades, from energy-efficient windows to high-end appliances.
Design a spa-like bathroom perfect for relaxing after a long day at work, or create a dream kitchen that unleashes one's inner chef! The choices are almost limitless! From distinct floor plans to the colors of the walls and luxurious finishes, buyers can choose the desired features.
Amenities
With over 170 all-ages communities nationwide and hundreds of homes available in your favorite cities, we offer a unique advantage for community living. Our sites provide a range of amenities and shared spaces, such as recreational facilities, swimming pools, beach volleyball courts, and community centers. Living in one of our communities allows residents to form strong bonds outside their families and create lasting friendships with their neighbors. Our communities foster a sense of belonging, improving the overall living experience for families.
Take a look at a couple of our stunning properties and see for yourself the exciting opportunity waiting for you.
Crossroads in Aiken, South Carolina
Indulge in the good life! This Sun Community is a beautiful location with modern homes surrounded by South Carolina's lush landscape. Dip your toes into the sparkling blue swimming pool, stay physically active in the state-of-the-art fitness center, and participate in fun and exciting social events.
Crossroads is an all-age community about seven miles from downtown and has fabulous restaurants, museums, a water park, and breweries.
Enjoy these other amenities:
- Community room
- Banquet hall
- Ping-pong table
- Clubhouse
Frenchtown Villa/Elizabeth Woods in Newport, Michigan
Located in Newport, Michigan, this community is ideal for families. Frenchtown Villa/Elizabeth Woods offers incredible amenities, including a pool and clubhouse, and is easily accessible to Detroit and Lake Erie. Situated near I-75 and I-275, the neighborhood residents enjoy Munson Park, the Monroe County Cornerstone Bicycle Route, and Veteran's Park.
Residents in this community enjoy these fun amenities:
- Pet-friendly
- Heated outdoor pool
- Playground
- Walking/Hiking trails
Discover more all-age communities here
Your Path to Homeownership
Manufactured home living has changed a lot over the years. Often an overlooked option, prefabricated homes offer many homebuyers an alternative and affordable choice. Our homes provide high-end customization, undeniable affordability, and cost-efficient construction compared to site-built homes.
When buying a manufactured home, do you have a list of wants and needs? Write them down and contact us. We'll help you find the right option.