What do we need to consider before buying a mobile home?
Manufactured Homes June 10th, 2009We are farmers and own a great deal of land but are not ready to build a house. (At this time we cannot afford to build something we will be happy living in for the rest of our lives, but we are tired of our rental in town and just want to be out on our land.) We are planning on purchasing a new (or just a couple years old) mobile home and living in it for about ten years. (Please do not lecture on what a bad investment a mobile home is – we are well aware of it.)
We are in Iowa and we know we are probably looking at problems with frozen pipes and rodents. Does anyone have any suggestions about dealing with these issues or any others we may not have thought of yet?
We were also wondering how energy efficient new (or newer) mobile homes are.
Also, storms & tornados will not be a problem – we have a shelter already.
June 10th, 2009 at 1:32 am
When you have your mobile set up, dig down about 6 inches around the base, make a frame out of 2×2's and fit it with foam insulation then skirt over this. back fill a few inches of dirt around the house. You have to consider the well (water) also , have a insulated well house with a small heater fan, we had one of these and our well never froze up. Do not surround your home with bales of straw, you will be infested with mice if you do. If you are in a very cold area , in the winter ( at night) open the cabinet doors that are under your sinks, this will prevent the pipes from freezing . Also line your pipes under your mobile with heat tape. Most manufactures tell you that the blanket insulation underneath is enough to keep your pipes from freezing but it isn't. We also lived temporarily in a mobile while waiting to build our new home. You will not like it much but it is a good short term choice.
June 10th, 2009 at 1:32 am
The biggest hing to consider in buying a mobile home is how close to a tornado zone you are.
June 10th, 2009 at 1:32 am
Consider manufactured housing instead of a 'mobile home'. It's kind of a go between from site built to mobile home. they look like site built and are better constructed.
June 10th, 2009 at 1:32 am
find a safe spot vandals will destry it if in a bad area
June 10th, 2009 at 1:32 am
ive seen straw bail around the base,of some homes.
they were fire proofed. but the tie downs are the only thing
that makes sence, you mite consider, a metal building
much cheaper, and you can re use the metal ,for cattle
look at ,google under steel buildings
mobile homes never keep there value, metal does
June 10th, 2009 at 1:32 am
I do know that now it is harder to buy a mobile home than a home because most people who purchase mobile homes end up in foreclosure.
June 10th, 2009 at 1:32 am
It sounds like you both have thought about it. I suggest a home no older than 5-10 years. Since you have a shelter, storms and tornados might take it away from you but if it doesn't and you manage to keep it in good shape you can always use it later when relatives come to visit. My brother-in-law in Arizona did that and it makes us more comfortable to have an area we can go to when everyone needs a break.
Good luck to you.
June 10th, 2009 at 1:32 am
Well, if you are putting in a home for the first time on the land, check for PERMITS! How much to hook up to elec and phone, etc. Plus, a septic tank, well water, yummm? Put it on a place that is accessible yet private from your future home. Rent it out or let one of the kids use it when they come visit? Just enjoy your farm and congratulaions on an excellent way to live. The American Farmer, I salute you! PS Check with your County Agent on the rest.
June 10th, 2009 at 1:32 am
Sounds like a good plan to me. Make sure you have the skirting put up around the bottom, that helps ALOT with the freezing pipes. Rodents are not anymore around than in a regular home. ANd make sure you get plywood floors. Some of the older models are made with pressed wood floors and if they get even a little wet(shampooing or a water leak) you can go right through.
June 10th, 2009 at 1:32 am
I live in Illinois in a double wide and used to have problems with my pipes freezing up. I bought heat tape (easy to install) and have never had a problem since. As for your friendly little critters, make sure you have skirting around your trailer and put decon under the house along the inside edge. One other piece of advise. Get at least a 16×80 or a double wide as you won't feel cramped and will have as much room as a small house.