by MJ Guyton

Created on: January 03, 2009

A mobile home, or "trailer"-these days called a manufactured home-describes a home with axles and wheels that is built at a factory and is transported to the home site via a large truck. Manufactured homes can come in two or more sections that are then joined together at the home site (a "doublewide"), or just in one long section (a "singlewide"). Once in place, the wheels and tires are removed and a doublewide home is set on a foundation, while a singlewide is set on blocks on a concrete slab and tie-downs are applied for protection during wind, with aluminum skirting added around the perimeter of the home which acts both as an insulator for the bottom of the home and also to cosmetically make the home look better.

There are many advantages to owning a mobile or manufactured home. Modern manufactured homes are comfortable and affordable. They offer the homeowner many amenities, such as fireplaces, spa bathrooms, spacious kitchens, dens, offices, laundry rooms, master suites and large living rooms. If you are purchasing a new home from a dealer, you can usually have your home built to order to your tastes. You will be shown the plans and in many cases you can pick and choose amenities including colors, fabrics, wallpapers, carpeting and flooring. If you don't like where a door or window is placed in the plans, you can change it according to your wishes.

In most cases, buying a manufactured home is less expensive than a comparable-sized traditionally built home. Most manufactured homes come with two, three or even four bedrooms, and, most importantly, they will have more than one bathroom. Utility costs are usually low. These homes are well-insulated and energy efficient. Central heating and air conditioning are usually standard.

There are some disadvantages to owning a mobile or manufactured home, but not many. You must be careful when buying an older, used home, as many of these were not built to today's standards, including roofing, wall studs, flooring and in some cases, plumbing. If you are thinking about buying a used manufactured home, please be sure to have it inspected by a licensed home inspector who has experience with manufactured homes. You can expect this to cost about $200-$300 and it will be money well spent.

If you live in a cold climate, you will need to protect the plumbing underneath your home with heat tape to prevent frozen pipes. This will be something you will have to remember to plug in each fall, as frozen pipes are expensive to unthaw and repair.

Another disadvantage is that these homes usually don't appreciate in value. They depreciate like a car in most cases, especially when located in a park. This is something that must be factored in when you are thinking about purchasing a manufactured home.

Overall, owning a manufactured home has more advantages than disadvantages. If you are looking for a comfortable, tasteful, well-built home that has an affordable price, a manufactured home is a good choice.

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