For decades, manufactured homes have carried the heavy burden of negative stereotypes and misconceptions thanks to their predecessors, “mobile homes”. Often viewed as symbols of poverty, manufactured homes often face widespread prejudice that overshadows their very practical benefits.
Mobile Homes: The Evolution Of Their Stereotype
Mobile homes, defined as units which were produced or manufactured before June 15, 1976, are responsible for the stigma that current manufactured homes still face. Back in the good ol’ days “mobile homes” were also known or referred to as “trailers”. These terms, “mobile homes” and “trailers” by their nature implied a certain level of mobility and impermanence, which translated into transience and lower socioeconomic status or their occupants.
In addition, their lack of standardized construction methods also caused problems. Room sizes, and combustible finishes used contributed to mobile homes having significantly higher risks (3-5%) of fire than conventional housing.
As a result, communities were quick to dismiss the use of mobile homes in their communities as they were deemed less desirable and/or unsafe housing options.
Regulatory Reforms
Mobile homes actually earned themselves such a horrible reputation that by 1974 the federal government passed the Mobile Home Safety Standards Act, which placed mobile homes under the purview of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD ultimately established rigorous construction standards and oversight mechanisms to ensure “mobile homes” were constructed in a much safer manner – resulting in a change of terminology from “mobile home” to “manufactured home”, and a definitive date for deciphering between the two types of construction (June 15, 1976).
These changes have transformed the industry entirely, and left the outdated stereotypes of poor quality and unsafe construction well in the past.
The Modern Day Manufactured Home
Today, almost 48 years later, modern manufactured homes now rival traditional site-built homes in terms of quality and customization options.
Technological advancements in the construction industry have enabled manufacturers to produce homes which are energy-efficient, structurally sound, and aesthetically pleasing (win-win-win). Many of these homes are indistinguishable from their site-built counterparts, offering amenities at a fraction of the cost of typical site-built construction making them a tool which can be used to provide communities with more readily available and affordable housing options.
But why aren’t more communities opening their arms to manufactured homes? The answer is likely lingering “mobile home” stereotypes such as thoughts of decreased property values. Perhaps it is time to evaluate manufactured homes not through the lens of an outdated stereotype, but instead with an open mind and appreciation for their potential to provide quality living options for individuals and families alike.
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