Potential homebuyers are flooded with different opinions from friends and family members about the best and worst manufactured homes on the market. Fielding these widely different perspectives often results in you scratching your head wondering which type serves your long-term goal of comfortably enjoying a living space of your own.

In reality, the so-called best and worst manufactured homes for one person’s lifestyle may not suit another’s. That’s why it’s essential to understand the pros and cons of a wide range of manufactured products in order to select your best dream home.

Green Manufactured Homes

Whether you are concerned about climate change or just want to do your part for a clean, sustainable environment, you might be surprised to discover that homes are a primary source of greenhouse gases and pollutants. According to the EPA, commercial and residential properties accounted for approximately 11 percent of all greenhouse emissions in 2016. Things such as fossil fuel heating systems and inefficient electricity usage contribute to a diminished environment. That’s why manufactured home-makers have introduced green products.

There really isn’t a downside to purchasing a green manufactured home because there isn’t necessarily a reduction in luxury, living space or preferred amenities. The singular most significant difference between a traditional manufactured home and a green one is energy-efficient items such as LED lighting, highly rated heating, and cooling systems and a general reduction in utility costs. You just get the added value of knowing you are doing good for the planet while relaxing in your new home. Thanks, in part, to products such as green manufactured homes, greenhouse emissions are declining.

Tiny Manufactured Homes

Reality TV shows such as This Old House featuring Tiny manufactured homes have amped up the popularity of these products. Ranked among the most affordable options, they have been embraced by Millennials as a way to stop squandering hard-earned money on rent and venture into homeownership.

In many cases, first-time buyers find they are spending less on a tiny home mortgage than they were on renting an apartment. Tiny manufactured homes have tremendous pros that include energy efficiency, less space to maintain and can meet local zoning regulations on sometimes small lots.

The potential downside of living in a Tiny product is that they are unlikely to accommodate growing families and you might catch a little cabin fever during spats of inclement weather. But for first-time buyers and happy singles, they can be wonderfully outfitted with the amenities and conveniences you desire.  

2 Story Manufactured Homes

In terms of the best living space for your needs, 2 story manufactured homes are where you may start to see more defined pros and cons. Although these products are in no way inferior to single-story or one bedroom mobile homes, the design lends itself to certain differences.

The obvious difference is that these structures require at least one set of stairs that can eat into your living space by as much as 100 square feet. If the same square-foot home were on a single level, you’d gain that living space. Balancing that con, 2 story manufactured homes tend to be less expensive per square foot. That savings generally involves a lower volume of materials such as roofing.

On that note, 2 story homes tend to enhance energy efficiency and lower utility costs. But you will need to be healthy enough to negotiate stairs. And while 2 story manufactured homes limit natural light from skylights, they tend to offer enhanced privacy should you decide to have children’s bedrooms upstairs. That setup can prove tremendously enjoyable if you and your spouse like to stay up late, cuddling on the sofa watching Netflix.

If you are considering a 2 story manufactured home, it may prove fruitful to do a walk-thru of a model or existing home. Get a feel for the various trade-offs and decide if they work for your family and lifestyle.

Modern Manufactured Homes

When considering Modern manufactured homes as potential options, it’s essential to see through the language. The term “Modern” doesn’t necessarily refer to the structure being new. If you are buying a Modern home from a manufacturer, it is definitely new. The term Modern has loosely become interchangeable with “Contemporary.” In other words, Modern manufactured homes are more akin to a particular style than anything else.

Modern manufactured homes tend to emulate the streamlined, space efficient dwellings you might find on the coastline of Malibu, California. They often showcase a squared and striking modular look featuring large windows that provide enhanced natural light.

The modular architecture doesn’t always lend itself to traditional home furnishing and décor. That can be problematic for homebuyers who own items that don’t naturally flow in the space. Pressing the issue can be like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. Like 2 story manufactured homes, Modern living spaces can be a trade-off in this respect. They’re great purchases if you love the style and ambiance.

Luxury Manufactured Homes

The public suffers a common misconception that modular and manufactured homes are not in the same class as so-called “luxury” homes. Nothing could be further from the truth and here’s why.

The term “luxury” does not necessarily refer to a specific type of architectural design or style. It points to the quality of the materials used to construct a home and lavish amenities.

For example, hardwood and wide-board flooring could be considered high-end construction materials. On the amenity side, deep Jacuzzi tubs and customized kitchens with smart technology might check the “luxury” box. The point is that a luxury manufactured home is an upgrade in materials and amenities, not a different type of living space.

Today’s manufactured homes enjoy high-quality construction and luxury upgrades. You just need to budget for them when you sit down with a manufactured home-building representative.

Manufactured Homes That Look Like Log Cabins

Like luxury or modern manufactured homes, those that look like log cabins are emulating a specific style and using a unique set of materials. Log cabin-style living spaces emulate the rustic natural wood designs that make everyday people feel closer to nature.

Characterized by log-style walls and wooden front porches, these products are enjoying tremendous popularity as vacation homes and usage on hunting lands. They are particularly easy and cost-effective to have delivered in woodsy tracts of land. They come equipped with the same level of top-tier amenities as other manufactured homes. Selecting a log cabin style home comes down to use and style for many homebuyers.

If you are a first-time buyer or are mulling options for your future dream home, it’s important to gather as much information as possible. Weigh your options in the context of budget, lifestyle, and usage. There are no so-called best and worst manufactured homes, just the right one for each individual. You can learn more at thehomesdirect.com about the full range of manufactured home designs and styles.