When you’re considering buying a new or used manufactured home is the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Manufactured Housing Code all you need to concern yourself with?
Since June 15th of 1976 all U.S. built manufactured homes are built to this federal standard. Unfortunately there’s more to consider than what the HUD Code covers. As in most purchases it’s buyer beware and you need to do your due diligence.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Logo
One of the problems that arises with a HUD Code is that it was established to ensure quality at the factory level only. This quality covers structural design, electrical, fire and safety standards, energy efficiency, plumbing and more. The standard does regulate the delivery of the home but it does not cover installation. The installation site and practices are covered by the local and state rules and regulations.
The HUD Code does not involve how the home is installed at the site. The bottom line is, even if the house is built to very high standards you’re in for some potentially serious problems if the local laws are lax and the foundation isn’t up to the same level of quality or the workers install the home improperly.
So, if you are expecting the HUD Code is the be all and end all answer to the quality of your manufactured home then you need to look deeper. Before you sign any contracts
Example of a HUD Label
always do your research. Check up on the home builder and contractors. Read consumer reports, find previous clients of the companies, look into the history of these companies and see how they’ve dealt with any previous problems if any. Do the people and companies your contracting provide guarantees? If so, do they follow up on them if need be? These are all things to consider and they are all on your shoulders.
As mentioned another serious consideration is your local building codes and laws. If the codes aren’t up the standard you require talk to your contractor. A quality contractor can ensure the foundation and installation meets the highest of standards. This is paramount to your home’s structural quality and longevity and the more consideration you put into it now the better off you and your home will be for years to come.
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