Manufactured homes: So misunderstood

There are plenty of myths and misconceptions about manufactured homes (formerly “mobile homes” or “trailers”). Hames – The Homes People ®, have heard them all. Here are some of their favorites.

How long will a mobile home ‘last’? I heard they’re built really cheap

Since 1976, mobile homes have been “manufactured homes” and built with the same materials used in traditional residential construction. Federal regulations require building materials – like framing, roofing, siding, and insulation – to be the same quality as “site-built” homes. And since manufactured homes are built indoors, free from snow, rain and hail, the lumber won’t warp. A sheltered factory environment is an efficient assembly process that produces sturdy, low-maintenance homes.

Your home, whether manufactured or site-built, will last as long as it’s taken care of. With regular maintenance (fixing plumbing leaks, replacing the roof when needed, etc.), a new manufactured home should outlast the owner.

Where can I buy the smaller appliances that go into a manufactured home?

The miniature fridge, tiny microwave and two-burner stove are built for travel trailers and RVs. Today’s spacious manufactured homes have up to 2,400 square feet of space. Modern manufactured homes feature plenty of luxuries, like island kitchens, gourmet appliances, fireplaces, garden tubs and outdoor decks and patios. Inside, high ceilings, skylights and bright, energy efficient windows erase the image of yesteryear’s “trailers.

Where can I find a camp site large enough for my manufactured home?

All Hames homes are solidly installed according to an approved engineering system. Concrete runners and steel tie-downs keep them securely in place and safe from strong winds. Unlike campers and travel trailers, they’re not created to move around.

Where are all the cars on blocks? (And the corollary: “I’ve heard that rough people live in trailer parks.”)

“This question was actually posed to us by an elected public official on a tour of our communities,” said Barbara Hames-Bryant, president of Hames Homes. “The official was surprised by Hames’ landscaped lawns, welcoming offices, well-kept parks and fun playgrounds.”

“Every resident moving into a Hames neighborhood undergoes a background check before approval,” she added. “There are common guidelines that all residents agree to.” Grand View Village and Summit View Village in southwest Cedar Rapids are Hames’ planned, managed neighborhoods and have 24/7 on-site staff for security.

Hames Homes has a large inventory of new and used, single and double-wide manufactured homes for sale, viewable online at www.HamesHomes.com or in person at Grand View Village at 5410 Wabash St. SW in Cedar Rapids, 7 days a week. The knowledgeable Hames sales staff can be reached at (319) 377-4863 or sales@hameshomes.com.