Build a Manufactured Home in Washington D.C.
If you are in the market for a new home in Washington D.C. but are concerned about the cost of building from scratch – and the time it takes to build a house – you may want to investigate manufactured houses.
The term “manufactured house” specifically refers to a home built entirely in a protected environment under a federal code set by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Manufactured homes are NOT mobile homes. The term “mobile home” describes factory-built homes produced prior to the 1976 HUD Code enactment.
For several reasons, manufactured houses are an appealing alternative. Thanks to the lower prices of scale and factory manufacturing, prices are considerably lower than the material and labor prices for similarly sized conventional houses. And, of course, the time it takes to build a new home is dramatically shortened because manufactured homes are available almost “off the shelf.” As you might imagine, manufactured homes are available in an almost endless variety of sizes, styles, and floor plans.
But don’t forget the codes. The HUD code requires each manufactured home to meet the following requirements:
- Built as a one, two or three section home in a protected building center, transported to the home site on a frame and installed.
- Meets the strict HUD code restrictions for design and construction, durability and strength, fire resistance, transportability, energy efficiency and quality.
- Built on steel beams with wheels under each section.
- Meets the high standards for heating, plumbing, air conditioning and thermal and electrical systems performance.
- Passes stringent third party inspections.
A manufactured home typically offers a lower cost per square foot for the home. Financing options for manufactured homes include chattel, or home only, loans. And if you don’t like the location, manufactured homes can also be moved.
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