Prefabricated homes offer a lot of advantages, from being more affordable than on-site built houses to being constructed in a much shorter time. But what is the life expectancy of a mobile home? According to the Prefabricated Housing Institute, the average life expectancy of a prefabricated house is 55.8 years, while the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) states that current prefabricated houses have an average life expectancy of 30 to 55 years.
The lifespan of a mobile home depends on the level of maintenance and upkeep it receives throughout its lifetime. The materials used for prefabricated houses are similar to those used for traditional real estate homes, so why does the former have a shorter lifespan? The answer lies in the reduced structure design of mobile homes, which makes them weigh less than traditional homes. As such, they don't come with bricks or other masonry elements, such as fireplaces. The construction process of a prefabricated house requires a team of craftsmen, technicians, and assemblers to work on the same house until its completion. This team always examines every detail of the house, such as stiffness, especially when it comes to walls, ceilings and floors, and ensures that the components are cut precisely. With a team of experienced technicians and an excellent construction process, the quality and durability of the house increase. Regulations have pushed manufacturers to comply with regulations, hence the increase in the durability of homes being manufactured today.
For manufacturers, their homes are required to meet the strength and durability test established by the federal government. Now that we understand that home construction, safety, materials and process are not to blame for the short lifespan, what exactly affects it? Once the construction process is finished, the house is expected to be delivered and installed on the land, whether leased or private. With an improper initial installation, the structural integrity of the house will be compromised. As such, problems will manifest themselves in the future. To avoid this headache, it's crucial to have a professional home inspector check if the house installation was done correctly. Foundations can dramatically affect the life of a home; if they change due to poor construction, it can cause walls to crack and pipes to leak. Water issues need immediate attention; water can cause major damage to the home.
For example, no matter how small, a leaky roof can become a major disaster and cause enormous damage. If your mobile home is located in areas prone to high rainfall, it is ideal to maintain a good coat of paint on its outside. Strategically choosing its location can be a big success in the long run; land value increases over time depending on its neighborhood. Periodic inspections will keep you informed of your home's condition and help determine if it's still level. Floods, high winds and other natural causes can cause its foundations to change; periodic inspections will be ideal for establishing their extent. A roof will protect you from all elements above; ignoring roof maintenance is the perfect recipe for shortening your home's life. Most older homes are built with laminated steel roofs; they tend to seep between their seams and along their outer walls so it's important to re-seal and re-coat them regularly. Checking and cleaning your gutters regularly will also help prevent pest invasions and mold growth due to moisture.
General maintenance will keep your home in good condition and fix potential problems before they occur.
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