How Long Does A Mobile Home Last?

Home prices are reaching record highs, and there aren’t many of these now-expensive homes to choose from. This has led more and more people to broaden their horizons, and look at all types of dwellings. Mobile homes are now growing in popularity. They are affordable and quick to build. This makes them a great option for those who own property and need somewhere to call home sooner than later. But how long does a mobile home last?

A mobile home lasts anywhere from 30 to 55 years, depending on several factors. Mobile homes built after 1976 are held to stricter building standards, and tend to last longer. The way a mobile home is installed, where you build it, and the materials used all impact how long it lasts. The climate is another big factor, as water and wind damage can significantly decrease a mobile home’s lifespan.

If you are interested in purchasing a mobile home, you want to make sure you get the most out of your investment. You will quickly notice that many mobile homes are a fraction of the cost of standard houses. While this is enticing, you want to make sure it is a long-lasting investment. After all, what good is an inexpensive mobile home if it falls apart in a storm. As you start to crunch the numbers to see if a mobile home is the right choice for you, you need to take a look at factors that impact how long a mobile home will last.

The year your mobile home was built can have profound impacts on how long it will last. Sure, if your home is old, it’s not going to last as long as the same style of home built yesterday. But what’s more than that is there are now regulations in place that help ensure these homes last longer. But they did not always exist.

There were regulations put in place in 1976 in the U.S. to ensure mobile homes are built with high quality, long lasting materials. There are also building and structural codes that must be followed. That means any mobile home built after 1976 will last longer than one before. Further, as time marches on, more and more developments are made to reduce leaks, rot and other weather damage. So newer is often better (as long as it’s quality).

As with most construction projects, the quality of installation has a major impact on a mobile home’s longevity. If your mobile home is installed carefully, with the correct specifications, then it should last to its optimum date. It also is critical that it rests on a solid foundation.

If, on the other hand, the mobile home is casually placed on the ground, or haphazardly installed, it isn’t going to reach its full potential. Professionals cost money up front, but can also extend the life of your dwelling many years.

There is not “one” type of home. There are all sorts of mobile dwellings. They come in all shapes and sizes, and are made by a variety or companies. Some mobile homes are meant to be quick builds and cost efficient. Others are luxury designs and are quite pricey. So when you are trying to determine how long your mobile home will last, you should check your warranty, read reviews, and check with the company.

Most companies will guarantee their products for a certain amount of time. Most mobile homes, when mass-produced, have lots of reviews online. Read them, as it is a great way to learn some very specific pros and cons about the home. The company you purchase the home from might even give an expected life expectancy for the mobile home.

One fact that is a bit out of your control is the weather. But weather plays a big role in how long a mobile home will last. Just think of footage from tropical storms and hurricanes. All sorts of mobile homes are destroyed in these major flooding and wind events. If you live in an area with high likelihood for major weather events, you may want to reconsider a mobile home.

More mild climates tend to fare the best. Very wet climates, and also those with dry strong and unforgiving sun, can take a toll on your mobile home, and decrease how long it lasts.

The average mobile home lasts between 20 and 55 years. But a lot of variables can change exactly how long your mobile home will last. You need to consider the quality of the mobile home, your climate, the installation and even the home’s materials.

As you try to get the most time out of your mobile home, there are some habits you can develop. Try regularly inspecting the roof. It also helps to get in a regular home maintenance schedule. When in doubt, hire a professional as an extra set of eyes to see what you can do to make your mobile home last as long as possible.