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Structural Insulated Panel Homes vs. Mobile
Homes
There are various different methods of home building and
various different options to save money when buying or building
a new home. One of the options available is a manufactured
home (a.k.a. a mobile home). Mobile homes offer the ability
to purchase a new home at a reduced cost without having
to go through the building process. There are, however,
many issues to consider in the long run that may cost as
much, or more, than building a Valubuild Panel home.
Unlike a site built home, or a Valubuild Panel home, mobile
homes follow US government building codes referred to as
the HUD Code. The HUD Code was originally put in place in
1976 and subsequently updated in 1994. These codes state
that the builder must follow codes based on a standard set
forth by HUD. Site built homes, instead, have to follow
federal, state and local county building codes. These local
codes ensure a much better quality built home based on local
climate conditions and other local environmental conditions
that are typical for the location the home is being built.
Our structural insulated panel home kits are designed to
meet, or exceed all local codes and weather conditions.
Mobile homes have certain characteristics about them cannot
be overlooked. They are inherently narrow and long and the
outer shells are generally made of thin materials. The insulation,
unless upgraded, is standardized at R-15, where a site built
home is rated about R-19. Our structural insulated panel
home kits are rated R-25 solid insulated foam, providing
an insulation factor to be as high as that of R-38 fiberglass
batt. Another characteristic of a mobile home is the fact
that they are built on chassis, similar to the way a car
is built, instead of on a foundation. The purpose of this
is so that the home can be easily moved. Moving a home like
this, whether it’s designed to be moved or not, can
cause problems in the long run. The vibrations, shaking
and twisting, can cause stress on the homes’ structure
which may cause components to wear faster than they would
if the home were constructed on a solid foundation.
A mobile home, depending on the size, will cost, on average,
anywhere from $20,000+ for a basic singlewide mobile home
(600-800 sq. ft), up to $90,000 + for a double or triplewide
with all the bells and whistles (2000-2200+ sq. ft). Neither
of these price estimates includes the land for the home,
or the septic and well system. To show an example; a manufactured
home of about 1200 sq. ft. will sell, on average, for roughly
$50,000. A 1/4 acre of land, depending on where it is purchased
will cost on average about $10,000 (Prices will vary depending
on location). A slab for the mobile home will cost an additional
$1000-$2000. Installation of a sewer hookup or septic system
will cost at least $5,000 plus the installation of the power
hookup. In total this can cost about $70,000 for a home
that in 10 years, due to depreciation, will be worth roughly
$40,000-$50,000. With a Valubuild Panel home, the same $70,000
can be spent on a home that in 10 years can be worth roughly
$90,000 or more, depending on the real estate market in
the area.
In addition to depreciation, mobile homes will generally
cost more to heat and cool. The lower the “R”
value (or insulation factor), the more effort the heating
and cooling systems will have to work in order to keep the
mobile home at a comfortable temperature. The insulation
factor of a Valubuild Panel home is much higher. They reduce
heating and cooling costs and, due to reduced efforts to
keep the home at a comfortable temperature, allows equipment
to enjoy a much longer lifespan.
Another characteristic of a mobile home is the layout.
The layout of a mobile home is generally not customizable,
so you pretty much have to stick with what the mobile home
company offers. With our home kits we can design a home
based on virtually any floor plan.
It is important to take all these factors into consideration
when buying or building a new home.
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