As you search for the perfect home, you’ve probably seen all kinds of properties. From mobile homes to park model homes, it can be confusing to understand what each home offers, how they differ, and what is best for your family. Each type of prefabricated home has a unique set of benefits to offer, which is what you’ll learn in this article today.
We’ll explore mobile, manufactured, modular, and park-model homes. We’ll also share more about what makes them different from one another, why they might be great for your family, and how you can select the right home for you. If you’re ready to learn more, let’s get into the first type of prefabricated home you might encounter: mobile homes.
What Are Mobile Homes? An Affordable Home Option
Popular since the mid-1900s, mobile homes were initially like trailers or campers, but now, they have changed. Beforehand, they were seen as the more affordable option, and they were easily moved from place to place, often looking like a camper or trailer that could easily be hooked up to a truck or other vehicle.
After the 1970s, standards changed, and mobile homes were made differently to satisfy regulations. Today, you’ll likely find mobile homes that are easily transported from place to place, customized to your desired style and format. However, they are more commonly known as “manufactured homes” because of a mandate passed in 1980 that required every mobile home to fit specific construction and quality standards. On the other hand, manufactured homes are distinctly unique because of their similarity to traditional homes.
Defining Manufactured Homes: Perfect for Year-Round Use
A manufactured home is a common prefabricated house that you might see when searching for homes online. These houses are meant to be permanent residences, typically larger in size. They can be moved if needed, but typically are not. Best of all, these homes are built to last for year-round use, so even if you purchase a manufactured home in a place where you’ll experience all four seasons, you’ll be protected from rain, snow, and more.
Unfortunately, because these homes are made to be permanently placed on lots, they are hard to transport once they are moved to a site. They may also be more expensive when compared to manufactured homes and other property types, like park model homes. While manufactured homes might have different zoning laws, they are a great option if you seek a permanent place to settle with your family. However, you might also find a modular home an excellent choice for your needs.
Understanding Modular Homes: A Prefabricated Home Upgrade
Just like manufactured homes, modular homes are constructed at an off-site facility and then taken to the property, where they will remain. Unlike manufactured homes, modular homes are made in pieces and assembled in sections once they get to the property. So, that’s why you will often see a truck and a trailer taking one section at a time, assembling the property on the foundation of the new lot that has been purchased for the home.
One of the critical differences between modular homes and other homes is that they are permanent once they have been put on the foundation. A manufactured home is not impossible to move, but a modular home is left on the property permanently. However, you might enjoy the efficient design features of modular homes, including eco-friendly features and more. You can customize the property to make it feel like a traditional home with specific floors and finishes.
While these might be more cost-effective than other types of homes, they still require some maintenance and time-consuming construction once the sections are built. The home needs to be properly set up with plumbing, electricity, and more. Fortunately, because they are considered similar to traditional homes, they are easier to finance!
Exploring Park Model Homes: Turnkey Properties to Enjoy
If you’re looking for a turnkey property, park model homes are an exceptional option that offers something different compared to other prefabricated homes. Many park model homes now come with customizable floor plans that include lofts, front porches, and even designated office spaces, making them ideal for full-time or seasonal living. Despite their compact size, the interiors offer high-quality finishes, built-in storage, and energy-efficient appliances.
If you’re shopping for a park model manufacture home for sale, you’ll be surprised by how much functionality and charm can be packed into under 500 square feet. These homes are not only cozy but also meet the needs of individuals looking for simpler, lower-maintenance living without sacrificing style or comfort. Whether you want a weekend retreat or a minimalist permanent dwelling, this type of home, manufactured to exacting standards, can be the perfect solution.
A park model home is often viewed as an RV by insurance companies but entails a small living space that comes with high-quality interior details, generally fitting into 399 square feet or less unless you live in states like Florida, where the typical homes are 499 square feet or less.
These homes are less expensive than other homes you might be looking at. If you choose a park model home like one available from Simple Life, you’ll even find communities of park model homes so you can be around others with similar values. If you’re looking to live a minimalist lifestyle, a park model home is the best option for you, and it can also come with all the necessary details you need to feel right at home.
How These Homes Are Built and Regulated
One of the most important differences between these housing types lies in how the homes are built and the building codes that apply. For instance, mobile homes built before 1976 were not subject to the HUD code that governs today’s home manufactured housing. In contrast, manufactured homes and modular homes are both factory built, which allows for more quality control, fewer weather delays, and lower labor costs.
Several park model manufacture home for sale are also built in a factory setting, but they fall under recreational vehicle codes unless otherwise specified by local municipalities. These different building standards affect everything from financing and insurance to resale value and mobility. Make sure to check whether your chosen property meets both state and federal building codes—this ensures safety, durability, and compliance in your chosen community.
What Home is Best for You? How to Decide Which Home to Purchase
When choosing the right home for you, you’ll need to find a prefabricated home that fits your needs. If you’re looking for a higher-quality home that can be moved from site to site, you’ll want to go with a mobile home or manufactured home. On the other hand, if you’re interested in something more permanent, a manufactured home is better. Still, a modular home can give you further customization features and additional design elements to help you create your dream home.
However, for those who are only looking for something turnkey, you’ll likely want to look at a park model home or mobile home. It all comes down to your budget, lifestyle, and the price you’re willing to pay. But no matter your choice, you will find the perfect place for your family to call home!
Find a Park Model Home at Simple Life
Now that you know a little more about park model homes, mobile homes, manufactured homes, and modular homes, you can make the right choice for you and your family. If you’re eager to find a park model home for temporary or seasonal living, why not search for a home at Simple Life?
With communities in North Carolina, you can find an ideal home that fits your needs and a community of others like you who enjoy leading an active, healthy lifestyle. One of the biggest perks of choosing a park model home is access to thoughtfully designed home communities.
At Simple Life, our neighborhoods in North Carolina are created to encourage connection, wellness, and ease of living. Residents enjoy beautifully landscaped surroundings, walking trails, dog parks, and shared gathering spaces. Unlike crowded RV parks, our communities are built to foster a true sense of belonging. Whether you’re looking for a seasonal escape or a full-time residence, you’ll find a supportive environment filled with like-minded neighbors.
Visit our website today to see our available properties!
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)
What’s the difference between a mobile home and a park model?
A mobile home is a manufactured dwelling that can be transported and used for permanent living, while a park model is a smaller, more compact version.
What is the difference between a modular home, a manufactured home, and a mobile home?
A modular home is built in sections in a factory and assembled on-site, a manufactured home is also factory-built but is transported to the site as a complete unit and built to different standards, while a mobile home refers to older models that were built before 1976 and are often less regulated.
Why are they called park models?
They are called park models because they are designed for placement in recreational vehicle parks or tiny home communities, offering a more permanent living solution compared to traditional RVs.
Is it better to buy a park model or a travel trailer?
It depends on your lifestyle and travel needs, as park models offer more space and comfort for stationary living, while travel trailers provide flexibility for on-the-road adventures.
Can you live full-time in a park model?
Yes, you can live full-time in a park model, as they are designed for long-term living and offer many of the comforts of a traditional home.
