Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a manufactured home?
- How does the purchase price of a manufactured home compare to site-built homes?
- Do manufactured homes pass any sort of inspection or are they held up to any standard?
- What kind of warranty protects my home?
- What is the role of the Retailer? Can I buy directly from Fleetwood?
- Do I have many options in floor plans, size and price?
- What sources are available for financing manufactured homes and will you help me to obtain it?
- Where can I place a manufactured home?
- What interior options, features and extras are available?
- Do I have to order a home or can I buy one that is already built?
- Do I need to have my own land? Can you help me get land or a park space?
- Will I need to arrange for site improvement if my home is going to be located on a private lot?
- What happens when the home arrives?
- Can I get a porch, garage or access ramp?
A manufactured home (also known as a factory-built home) is a home constructed in a factory and transported to a site and installed. These homes are built entirely in a controlled environment, under a federal building code administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It is becoming increasingly difficult to determine the difference from a manufactured home and a site-built home. They often feature the same appearances, such as roofs having the same height and pitch, exterior treatments, and add-ons. Due to sophisticated production processes, manufactured homes offer the best in efficiency, affordability, and innovative design options.
How does the purchase price of a manufactured home compare to site-built homes?
Manufactured homes are typically 20% to 50% less than comparable site built housing.
Do manufactured homes pass any sort of inspection or are they held up to any standard?
Unlike site-built homes, all manufactured homes are built to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Code, with each home going through a rigorous inspection process before being certified and sold. This Code regulates home design, construction, strength, durability, fire resistance, and energy efficiency. It also sets standards for heating, plumbing, air-conditioning, thermal, and electrical systems. Inspectors, known as PIA's (Primary Inspection Agencies), actually monitor construction of the homes as they are built in the factories.
What kind of warranty protects my home?
Fleetwood homes come with a one year limited warranty. The warranty covers all manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship, under normal use of the home for one full year. This reinforces the comfort, security, and peace of mind you will feel when purchasing a Fleetwood home. Simply ask us for a copy of the warranty to review before you purchase your home.
What is the role of the Retailer? Can I buy directly from Fleetwood?
Fleetwood homes are sold through a network of Retailers, much like cars are sold through dealerships instead of directly from the manufacturer. Your Retailer will guide you through the home selection and purchase process. You may purchase a home already in the Retailer's inventory, or the Retailer will place an order for your home to be constructed at the nearest Fleetwood Homes manufacturing center. Your Retailer will coordinate the delivery and installation of your home. Your Retailer also may be able to help you arrange for financing and insurance, as well as locating land for your new home.
Do I have many options in floor plans, size and price?
You can get just about anything you want in a Fleetwood home. Although different regions may have rules and regulations, Fleetwood has over 1,000 floorplans of manufactured homes, with multiple options for many of them. The size can vary from approximately 550 to 2,500 square feet, with varying floorplans that can include living rooms, dining rooms, family rooms, fully-equipped kitchens, utility rooms, luxurious master baths, and one to five bedrooms.
What sources are available for financing manufactured homes and will you help me to obtain it?
Financing is available through commercial finance companies, banks, credit unions and savings and loan associations. You may be able to arrange for financing through the retail location where you buy your home - helping you to prepare and submit a credit application. We have a dedicated staff to help you with this aspect of your Fleetwood home purchase.
Where can I place a manufactured home?
There are two basic options: (1) You can place your home on land you own or intend to buy. If you choose this option, be sure to check zoning laws, restrictive covenants, and hook-up regulations. (2) You can place your manufactured home on a leased home site in a manufactured housing development.
What interior options, features and extras are available?
The many options you can usually select include cabinet and window designs, wall coverings, wood-burning fireplaces, appliance packages, floor coverings, sky lights, bay windows, custom cabinets, refrigerator, range, microwave ovens, trash compactors, garbage disposals, washer/dryer, and more. All of the optional features available to you will be dependent on the particular model of home you choose.
Do I have to order a home or can I buy one that is already built?
This is your choice. We do keep an inventory of homes and we can special order a home, as well.
Do I need to have my own land? Can you help me get land or a park space?
Your home can be placed on land that you already own or on a leased home site in a land-lease community. If you need to purchase property, you will want to ask your Retailer if they can assist you in finding a "land/home package." If you are placing your home on land you are buying or already own, check with your local community planning and land use department to verify that they do not have restrictions (or zoning ordinances) on manufactured homes.
Will I need to arrange for site improvement if my home is going to be located on a private lot?
We will work with you to ensure that your lot is ready. You may be able to do the work yourself, but we have contractors we use who are experts in the precision necessary in placing a manufactured home.
What happens when the home arrives?
We will have it delivered by truck and our professional service and installation team will assemble it, block it, anchor it, and set it up on the lot. If it is a multi-section home, the sections will be joined at the site.
Can I get a porch, garage or access ramp?
Fleetwood homes do not automatically come with these features. If such features can be added to the home you choose, your Retailer may be able to provide these add-ons, or recommend a company that is licensed to do so.
