The Future of Manufactured Housing
Manufactured houses have evolved since their inception in the post-World War II era, when veterans’ families were searching for affordable and cellular areas to live. Throughout the 1960s, manufactured homes grew larger with more furnishings, but were mobile in nature. The Housing Act of 1980 officially recognized manufactured homes as buildings. In 2010, many manufactured houses resemble site-built conventional houses, with added design elements and improved building methods.
Green Designs
One new manufactured home design consists of several environment-friendly features. The I-Home, designed by Jetson Green and produced by Clayton Homes, is known because of its letter”I” shape. This revolutionary manufactured home includes a roof elastic for rainwater catchment or solar power collection, energy-wise windows and bamboo floors. The house’s decking is made from recycled material, notes Trendhunter Magazine.
Home Customization
Manufactured home owners are increasingly able to customize home design and building. The Manufactured Housing Institute says that new home designs include two-story and modular configurations, as well as upscale exterior finish elements. These features combine with popular interior features like vaulted ceilings, higher-end kitchens and energy-efficient appliances. Oftentimes, manufactured houses appear very similar to other subdivision houses.
Renewable Energy Resources
The United States Department of Energy worries that geothermal heat pumps and solar water heaters often provide energy for permanently sited manufactured houses. Small wind systems can be used in rural areas, and solar electric systems can be set up on manufactured houses’ roofs. If your property comprises flowing water access, integrate a hydropower system into your power sources. Utilize site planning, tree shading and landscaping to provide passive solar power benefits.
Site-Built Homes
Since the 1970s, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), has regulated construction of factory-built manufactured houses. As of August 2010, HUD is soon expected to permit these houses to become site-built, which eliminates HUD supervision and reduces builders’ transportation logistics problems. This policy shift will permit the homeowner to better monitor building. The judgment is expected to take effect after a public comment period, notes Mainstreet.
Renovations and Resales
Renovated manufactured houses can provide an innovative purchase option for budget-conscious customers. The Charleston, S.C. Post and Courier reports that Equity Homes purchases manufactured houses from homeowners, banks and auctions. Equity Homes fully renovates the houses and gives buyers a choice of configurations and interior features. In July 2010, home dimensions ranged from 980 to 2,400 square feet, with prices from $7,000 to $46,000.
California Communities
If you live in California, and are thinking about a manufactured home buy, please notice that manufactured homes are increasingly found in two kinds of communities. The California Manufactured Housing Institute notes that lots of houses are located in manufactured home improvements which include common amenities such as clubhouses and pools. Manufactured homes can also be found in communities and condo developments, where the home and land are financed as traditional real estate.