Mobile/manifactured homes safe?

[texsize]

You know the half houses you see being pulled by semi-trucks. They use to be called mobile homes (not R.V.'s) and now are called manufactured/modular homes.

If I was to move into a newly manufactured doublewide mobile home would the outgassing of all the new carpet and glue and whatnot be a problem for my birds?

If so how long would it take to be safe for my birds.

I remember Katrina and the FEMA trailers.....

The short version is that I am hoping to retire soon.
My Father has land in Southern Oregon and the Mobile home may be the only option for getting out of California.
Personally I don't think moving to OR is going to work.
You can't just drop a house on a lot that already has a house on it (my Fathers). It's going to be up to my father to split a 5 acre piece of his 15 acre land.

Plan B is to just sit tight where I am and wait to see what happens.

 

[noodles123]

It just would depend,and I am not sure on specifics, but you are right to wonder, as lots of things like that will off-gas for years...

 

[Jen5200]

Agree with Noodles....depends on the manufacturer. Some use low VOC products, you may be able to request that if you are buying new.

 

[Kiwibird]

Just a thought (we actually looked into buying one instead of a condo), but sometimes you can find a already been lived in manufactured home being sold and sometimes for very cheap if it needs to be moved off a lot ASAP. If they are in a mobile home park, the owner of the home doesn’t actually own the land it sits on and sometimes the park owner kicks the home off the lot and it has to be sold/moved. You might get a better deal (not sure what moving expenses for one to your property would be) and not have to worry about all new materials off gassing.

Pro tip: I see this scenario quite a bit in the Portland metro area, as I’m always keeping my eyes peeled for an affordable freestanding house and the mobile homes often pop up in my searches because of the pricing and it seems it’s not uncommon they are being sold and have to be moved off the lot they’re on. Have never looked into what it actually costs/entails to move one though, as it’s not really an option for our situation.

 

[SailBoat]

The Terms are very important in understand what is what in this market.
- Travel Trailer's are the most common and are a metal chassis (commonly steel) designed to be towed by a pick-up truck.

- RV's (motor homes) are self-propelled (they have their own drivetrain). This group has several 'classes,' the most common are class B, which are built on a one ton truck frame and front cab and drivetrain.
- Class C are commonly build within a larger frame Van.
- The big units are Class A and commonly start in the mid 30' range with the largest units at 45' long.

- Park Models, look much like the little homes one sees on some TV shows. The most common are built on a Travel Trailer frame with an exterior that is more home appearing.

- Manufactured Homes are built on an upscaled metal travel trailer frame and are available in single wide and double wide. The defining point is the metal undercarriage. They have their own axles /tires and a hitch. Some units these devices are permanently attached, others they are removable.

- Modular Homes are totally different units from 'manufactured homes.' They are built very like a 'stick built' home, but in factory. Also, they are built to meet the Building Code of the State in which they will be delivered too. Michigan, the State Building Code (BOC) is very detailed regarding the structure and roof trust design as they must be built very specific wind and snow load conditions.
The manufacturer must certify that the Modular Home is built to that States Building Codes.

VOC low products are more common in Modular Homes than in Traditional Built Homes. Carpeting is in general a problem. Most Sellers will provide a number of carpeting products available, and one can choose low VOC products.
Paint, near all homes are provided with only a single coat of primer. BE Aware Of What Color You Choose As That One Color Is On all Painted Surfaces!

Foundations are per the requirements of your local Building Code! It is recommended that one have at a minimum a full concrete basement or craw space and not a simple concrete slab with concrete block side walls.

Options: Choose all structural enhancements!

Long Story Short, a Modular Home is much like a site-built home. The lead-time is commonly four to six months based on backlog at the manufacturer's or available contractors at the site.

 

[texsize]

Thanks for the clarification on the terminology.
It is confusing, at least to me.
I don't think and I am not expecting anything to come from this.
My Father likes to get me worked up/excited over something and then he never follows through.

 

[SailBoat]

Sad that you are faced with that reality.

If there is a 50/50 chance of something happening, it is worth doing some local shopping to get a feel for what is available in floor plans and options for each plan.

Note: If for so unknown reason, this moves forward, you will want to find a Seller /Installer in the area you would place the home. The reputation of the Seller /Installer is very important, just like a New Home Contractor; cheap and dirty is no fun with this kind of investment.

Most Manufacturers have internet sites. Find at least three that build and deliver into the general area of your site. The process is much like building a home, but with more 'standard' floor plans. Target a standard floor plan that meets your needs. Changes to the standard floor plans are limited to assure that unit meets State Codes. Changes to the floor plan could require the plan to be approved by the State and that will slow the process and 'Add' costs.

Like I said, it is worth an internet search and shopping at a couple of your local Sellers /Installers to get a feel for what all is involved is well worth the time.
FYI: Costs for a unit in Southern California will be less than in the Great White North as they have to be build for the environment they will be placed.

 

[Terry57]

My husband does siding for a modular home company, and I have been through many of the ones ready for delivery and there was little to no smell at all (none had carpet, though). They are framed and built just as a house is, albeit in 2 or more pieces for transport. They use the same materials from the same vendors that traditional house builders do (here at least). There is usually a delay of at least a few days (sometimes longer) between finishing and delivery, and once delivered there is onsite finishing to be done which adds extra time for any off-gassing.

I was shocked at how you can't tell the difference between most modulars and traditional houses once onsite.
Here is one of theirs: