Yesterday, my parents (who are also appraisers), my husband and I drove out to Riverside to see one of the largest manufactured housing builders in California. I won't mention them by name but it starts with a big "F". Anyhow, we got to visit the factory and see chassis to finish. This is the first of several posts I will write on the tour and how manufactured housing is built. I think when you realize how the building process works, you might realize how truely amazing these homes actually are. This is the chassis.
They use this chassis for both the single width (or park model), double, triple and even two story models. The two story models are stacked on top one another. These homes are built to withstand the weight and also to travel. Traveling down the highway to its destination is like a 6.3 earthquake. In other words, just to travel, these homes are built to withstand that type of movement. I think I would feel safe living in one of these in California!
Above is the floor and insulation.
They seal the bottom with a very heavy plastic that keeps out rodents, insects, moisture, etc. Then the insulation goes in. Everything is sealed with a foam that expands to further insulate. This picture above shows the bottom with the black film that is stapled to the foundation. You can also see the chassis and wheels. These models are meant to be placed permanently. The chassis is removed when it is installed and it could cost around $50,000 to move it again. Most people choose to keep these homes at their initial site.
Stay tuned in my next post for more on the construction of a manufactured house. I even have video!
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